WASH Engineering Specialist - Sana''''a, Yemen

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps seeks to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world and has worked in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Turkey. In response to acute and increasing humanitarian needs in Yemen, Mercy Corps opened its office in Yemen in 2010. Primary program interventions in Yemen include water, sanitation and hygiene; food security and nutrition; and livelihood support. Mercy Corps also develops value chains within the agriculture sector. Strategies to enhance the resilience of communities to the harsh environmental and social conditions in the country cut across the portfolio. The country program works to pivot its programming in response to exacerbated humanitarian need following from the airstrikes on Yemen, which began in March 2015.

During this critical period in Yemen, Mercy Corps is not only providing emergency water supply assistance but working closely with Yemeni Local Water Service Authorities and local communities to reestablish the existing community water systems that were affected by conflict and build the capacity of the local water management institutions to operate and maintain the water systems sustainably. Mercy Corps Yemen is also expanding its WASH interventions to reach more beneficiaries in expanded geographical areas using affordable and innovative technologies such as solar powered water pump technology. It is therefore essential that Mercy Corps strengthens its technical capacity to assess, design and implement viable, high quality and sustainable Community Water supply schemes.

General Position Summary

The WASH Engineer will be responsible for the design and delivery of high quality Water and Sanitation Infrastructure for the Yemen Country Program. S/He will provide leadership in carrying out assessments, design, planning, implementation and monitoring of all WASH construction/rehabilitation activities. S/He will also supervise the design and preparation of all technical documents, Program Description, Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and drawings and the execution and handing over to relevant local authorities. The position will also technically line manage field WASH Engineers across dispersed locations and actively engage with the WASH Cluster, local governments, and all other WASH actors.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGY & VISION

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• Develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide support.

PROGRAM DESIGN

• Lead the assessments of Water and Sanitation needs and gap analysis in program target areas and ensure that assessment reports and technical response plans are prepared taking into account the environment, gender and protection perspectives.
• Conduct technical Water supply assessment to determine and recommend the appropriate water supply scheme including water collection/sources, appropriate treatment, transmission and distribution methods.
• Develop the scope of work, resource requirement and estimated cost for the targeted water schemes.
• Supervise the design of water supply and sanitation schemes appropriate to the local conditions and preparation of all technical documents, BoQs and drawings of the WASH related facilities.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Develop technical implementation tools and resources (e.g. Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals) to guide Water and Sanitation Infrastructure interventions.
• Participate in WASH Program startup and ongoing program management and administration of teams across various field locations.
• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to communities and partners and consistent with Mercy Corps' relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan
• Provide leadership to the field activities related to construction/rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure undertaken in program target areas, and ensure effective and timely completion of the interventions.
• Supervise the rehabilitation or improvement of water supply, sanitation and other infrastructures; closely supervise contracted WASH activities and liaise with contractors and consultants as necessary for the successful and timely achievement of activities.
• Supervise Water Chlorination and Water Quality testing, routine quality monitoring and documentation.
• Ensure effective local stakeholders' participation, including local authorities, and beneficiaries at all stages of the WASH activities identification, design and implementation. Take account of gender and protection concerns in WASH activities design and implementation; carry out activities in a way that reflects the needs of specific groups and individuals e.g. elderly people, children, and people with disabilities.
• Supervise the implementation and monitoring of WASH Infrastructure works contracted out to commercial contractors and or/sub grantees ensuring full compliance with required standards.
• Conduct regular WASH team meetings, staff check-ins, and frequent supportive monitoring field visits, monitor activities progress against plan and propose corrective measures as required.
• Ensure proper tracking and documentation of the WASH activities, innovations and stories of best practices, lessons learned or any relevant information related to WASH Infrastructures.
• Prepare Biweekly WASH reports and donor reports as per the internal reporting calendar.
• Support in establishing and maintaining proper project documentation and records, including but not limited to: needs assessments questionnaires, monitoring questionnaires, certificates of Certificate of Completion, Handing over Certificates, list of beneficiaries, photos etc.
• Participate and represent the organization in field WASH Cluster coordination meetings
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance reviews.
• Supervise, hire and orient new team members as necessary.
• Provide team members with information, tools and other resources to improve performance and reach objectives.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem-solving options and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

CAPACITY BUILDING, TRAINING AND TECHINICAL SUPPORT

• Orient, train, and coach staff
• Support Mercy Corps staff capacity programs including on-the-job training, supervision and monitoring of Field Office Engineers.
• Develop/adopt training materials and conduct training programs to relevant staff of field offices;

LEARNING

• Keep up to date with developments in the sector, including best practice examples in-country and internationally, and ensure ongoing personal development and learning;
• Ensure the documentation and communication of new developments within the organization, with partners and other stakeholders.

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

Directly supervises Field WASH Engineers.

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Director of Programs

Works Directly with: Program Managers, MEL Manager, Reporting & Program Development Officer. Coordinates with WASH Technical Support Units.

Knowledge and Experience

• Education at Bachelor's or Master's Degree level in Civil/ WASH Engineering is essential.
• At least five (5) years of practical experience in WASH infrastructure engineering, including documented experience in designing and supervising the implementation of water and sanitation schemes. Previous experience in designing and supervising large urban/rural water schemes is desirable.
• Technical Knowledge and experience of water pumping systems including diesel and solar powered pumping system.
• Good knowledge of Water treatment and quality monitoring methods.
• Knowledge in preparing surveys, planning and execution of construction projects.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in using Engineering CAD Software and other computer applications such as Arc GIS, word, excel, access, PowerPoint etc.
• Demonstrable skills in project planning and design, drafting, calculation, Bill of Quantities preparation and technical writing.
• Ability to manage teams and communicate effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
• Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders including host governments, and national and international NGOs.
• Excellent oral and written English skills required; proficiency in Arabic is as plus.

Success Factors

Ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment. Ability to communicate and manage effectively in a situation that relies primarily on remote management. Strict adherence to Mercy Corps security policies and procedure. Capacity to spark innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to programming and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. Desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. S/he will work independently, take initiative, and spend time in environments with significant restrictions to personal movement and operating risks.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This unaccompanied position is based in Sana'a, Yemen, with travel to other offices, as security allows. This position is eligible for Hardship & R&R. When traveling around the country strict adherence to Mercy Corps security policies and procedures will be required as will respect for local cultural norms and traditions. The position will require travel to the field sites in Mercy Corps Yemen's operational areas up to 60% time including travel to some locations that may be insecure or austere. Frequent travel to project sites in Sana'a, Taiz and Aden or other areas will be required, if security allows. Security conditions in the country are variable, with a range of violence and insecurity, requiring close monitoring and vigilance. Conflict and corruption have also badly damaged the country's infrastructure. Candidates must be able to work in an environment with energy, transportation and communication challenges.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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PI102555919

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