WASH Officer

WASH Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Public Health Section's objectives are to reduce morbidity and mortality among UNHCR¿s populations of concern and to improve their quality of life. The WASH Officer¿s position is among this crucial expertise within the section. This position will provide technical support in refugee camps within Gambella Region as well as to contribute to the development and implementation of policies and strategies related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
The incumbent will assist in development of technical document, programme/project proposal and field report. She/he oversee coordination of WASH activities and programmes within refugee camps and UNHCR Gambella Sub Office level. The incumbent will undertake missions to the field and liaise with WASH partners on the implementation of WASH programmes.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- Strong technical expertise and support in the area of WASH is provided.
- UNHCR is represented in WASH fora.

Responsibility
- Provide timely sectoral analysis, input, support and collaboration to the Situation Analysis and its periodic update made for effective programme planning, development and management, including emergency preparedness and response.
- Promote knowledge management effectively through drafting/finalizing key WASH sectoral programme documents and reports, sharing good practice, lessons learned, and knowledge/information exchange, on WASH programme.
- Support quality of rights-based WASH programmes effectively, and ensure coherence, synergy and value added to programme management process through results-based management.
- Carry out programme delivery, evaluation and reporting in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
- Ensure proper and timely UNHCR and WASH partners¿ accountability regarding supply, non-supply and emergency assistance.
- Work in a multi-sectoral and co-ordinated approach within the office and with WASH partners.
- Represent UNHCR in technical coordination bodies, meetings at Gambella level and support effective coordination and liaison with partners and stakeholders.
- Advice UNHCR Sub Offices on the matters related to procurement of sector-related materials and equipment, and regular update on new development and specifications of such items. 
- Participate in identification of qualified WASH Assistant for deployment to field operations.
- Support contingency planning for WASH response and be available to rapidly deploy to the field from the onset of refugee emergencies to support the initial response and development of technical strategies, partnership arrangements and field coordination.
- Support, provide guidance and analyse the WASH monitoring systems, KAP surveys and other WASH assessments.
- Coordinate and participate in joint needs assessment, WASH assessment of refugees.
- Assist in the design and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system for WASH programmes.
- Support the efforts in resource mobilisation in the area of WASH and develop/assist in project proposal writing and fundraising.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority
- Provide guidance and recommendations on the WASH Programmes.
- Provide recommendations and determine quality of WASH assessments and surveys.
- Represent UNHCR in WASH meetings.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- University degree in Water and Sanitation or Environmental or Public Health Engineering/Water Resources Development or in one of the Civil Engineering disciplines of Water Supply and/or Hydrology) or Sanitation/Hygiene Engineering.
- Minimum of 8 years (6 years with advanced university degree) progressively responsible functions in water/sanitary engineering or a related field in developing countries dealing with large scale water/sanitary activities. 
- Specific and proven skills and training in the areas of environmental sanitation, natural resources management, water quality, bore-hole drilling, vector control and appropriate technologies are other important elements for this post.
- Proficient in basic computer software, including engineering design tools.
- Excellent knowledge of English (written/oral/comprehension).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Experience and professional training in water supply, sanitation and hygiene and related infrastructure development works with strong academic qualification in those areas.
- Knowledge of another UN language.