WASH Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which has been providing humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide since its establishment. The organization focuses on sectors such as nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Action Against Hunger-USA operates independently and currently manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. The organization employs approximately 2000 staff members across its various country offices, with its headquarters located in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is anticipating additional growth in its operations.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist will play a crucial role in developing the mission strategy for Action Against Hunger in South Sudan, specifically focusing on the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) country strategy. This position requires alignment with global and national technical policies and guidelines. The WASH Specialist will support the development of WASH programs, resource mobilization efforts, and provide technical support to the WASH teams to ensure the implementation of high-quality WASH programs. The role also involves timely reporting and representing Action Against Hunger in relevant coordination and technical forums. The WASH Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the WASH program is strategically positioned and technically implemented in accordance with international standards and national policies. The position requires close collaboration with field teams, finance, logistics, HR, and various stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of services and strong representation of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the definition of the country strategy and the positioning of the WASH technical department, which involves understanding the humanitarian situation regarding WASH, analyzing linked sectors, and proposing a WASH sector-based strategy.
• Coordinating needs identification and project proposal formulation, including leading assessments of WASH needs, developing integrated program proposals, and conducting feasibility studies.
• Overseeing program implementation and reporting, ensuring quality and accountability through validation of project methodologies, providing technical support, and ensuring monitoring and evaluation systems are in place.
• Ensuring active participation in national sectoral coordination and technical forums, representing Action Against Hunger, and promoting partnerships.
• Managing the WASH team, evaluating performance, and planning training schedules.
• Promoting capitalization, technical development, and research within the WASH department, consolidating learning reports, and exploring scientific partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, water engineering, environmental health, public health, hydrology, geology, or a related field. Essential skills include at least five years of project management experience in WASH programming within humanitarian and development contexts, preferably with international organizations. Strong technical skills in dealing with institutional donors and experience in inter-agency coordination forums are essential. Knowledge of WASH programming in fragile contexts, proposal writing, and water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure rehabilitation is also required. Advanced skills in key WASH areas such as hydro-geology, hydraulics, water quality, and community mobilization are necessary, along with knowledge of project cycle management and emergency situations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, civil engineering, water engineering, environmental health, public health, hydrology, geology, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of WASH programming and ensuring effective implementation of projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of project management experience specifically in WASH programming within both humanitarian and development contexts. Experience working with international organizations and familiarity with the specific challenges faced in South Sudan or similar fragile contexts will be advantageous. Previous experience in drafting or writing WASH proposals is strongly preferred, as is a solid understanding of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure rehabilitation.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory, as effective communication is essential for this role. Good communication skills are necessary for interacting with various stakeholders, including donors, government officials, and team members. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires regular attendance at the office, with the expectation of working outside normal office hours or on weekends as necessary. The role involves travel to the field, which may expose the employee to high-security risks and basic living conditions. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities and adheres to anti-discrimination policies, ensuring a work environment that respects all individuals regardless of their background.