WASH Program Officer

Action Against Hunger is a leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide. Our mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition, especially during and after emergency situations of conflict, war, and natural disaster. In Kenya, we are committed to enhancing compliance and accountability in all our operations to ensure the efficient and ethical use of resources. Action Against Hunger has been present in Kenya since 2001 and is a transformative leader in Food security and nutrition for improved quality of life among vulnerable communities. The organization recognizes gender equality as central to its core strategy towards realization of effective and sustainable outcomes on nutrition, health, WASH and surveillance interventions. Action Against Hunger is currently implementing activities in West Pokot, Mandera, Samburu, Isiolo, Tana River, Nairobi and Baringo counties.

I. Summary of position

The WASH officer shall take charge of technical aspects of Emergency WASH and Community based water supply system and Hygiene promotion on behalf of the program under the supervision of the Field Coordinator. His/her main roles and in consultation with the WASH HOD and the county government technical teams shall include: Designing, planning, implementation, (technical oversights), monitoring and evaluation of high quality, innovative WASH projects.

Purpose:

The WASH officer shall be responsible for the daily implementation, monitoring, and regular consultation with program partners on WASH program components. Ensure linkage, synergies and complementarity with other sectorial interventions, i.e. Nutrition, Food security and livelihood as well as proper coordination, consultation and information sharing with partner’s communities and other stakeholders.

Engagement:

Represent Action Against Hunger in all coordination forums at county and sub county level, collaborate with other implementing partners, INGO, UN bodies and the local communities to ensure successful implementation and smooth running of the projects

Delivery:

Successful implementation of WASH interventions in target areas in line with internationally/Nationally accepted standards and ACFs /national technical guidelines as well as the donor requirements.

II Essential job functions

a). WASH project implementation and management (50%)

• Identify and conduct technical assessment of feasible water sources at the community level.
• Work in Partnership with government line ministries (county department of water) to prepare technical designs of feasible water supply projects.
• Ensure the construction of water systems (groundwater or surface water), protection, abstraction, storage, treatment, and distribution for new systems or rehabilitation of existing systems as well as the construction of the most appropriate form of sanitation systems, in consultation with the beneficiaries and line ministries.
• Prepare bidding documents, materials and technical work specifications.
• Regular monitoring of ongoing WASH construction activities to ensure all the activities are as per the design, specifications and work schedule and also Verify the work done at site and recommend for payments to contractors.
• Ensure integration of Water, sanitation and hygiene promotion components of projects
• Capacity Building and strengthening of water management committees and linking with private sector service providers for post construction support.
• Ensure that procurement is timely initiated, monitored and prioritized by the logistics team.
• Support water quality testing and monitoring at communal water points and household level and recommend remedial

b). Support implementation of sanitation and hygiene promotion activities (25%)

• In coordination with MEAL and WASH HOD undertake/take part in quantitative/qualitative assessments to identify key risky hygiene behaviors to work on and to capture key achievements with-in the framework of project/s,
• In coordination with the Deputy Field Coordinator, Monitoring and evaluation officer and county teams, design and conduct all baseline assessment, KAP surveys and follow-up assessment with concrete feedback findings
• In coordination with MOH, ensure proper implementation of hygiene and sanitation component of WASH projects with-in allocated budget and timelines.
• Support planning and implementation of community mobilization activities (using; community led total sanitation and any new methodology that may be introduced and appropriate.)
• Provide technical support to communities in construction of appropriate and context specific household latrine
• Provide support to the distribution of hygiene items and conduct monitoring and follow up to ensure proper usage of items and appropriateness

c). Reporting and Program Development. (15%)

• Compile program reports on a timely basis in liaison with other program staff; Weekly SitRep, Monthly (statistical and narrative), Quarterly and annual donor reports
• Maintain full qualitative and quantitative records and reports of activities, disaggregated by age, gender where appropriate
• In collaboration with the Field coordinator, HOD WASH prepare progress reports, quarterly and final donor reports, project procurement plan and contributes to survey reports.
• In liaison with the program manager develop project proposal to address County specific gaps
• In liaison with the County MOH/MOW and other partners, develop joint work plans for key activities as stipulated in the project document.
• Support MOH focal persons on information, data management and reporting through the KHIS and CLTS HUB
• Participate in the planning, organizing and implementation of surveys, assessments and research studies including post distribution monitoring

d). Information exchange, Coordination and cooperation with Action Against Hunger interventions and stakeholders (5%)

• Collaborate with all other Action Against Hunger departments and sectors to ensure the projects are integrated.
• Coordination with other Partners, Department of water, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, communities, local leaders and the UN working in this area to ensure smooth running of projects.
• Represent Action Against Hunger in internal and external coordination meetings and any other forum
• Document key lessons learnt to inform future project design.

e). Branding, Communication and Visibility 5%

• Ensure all project activities at community level are well branded with Action Against Hunger and donor visibility as per the project visibility and communication guidelines.
• Ensure capturing of quality images/photos and videos for activities at the community and share with the project team and communications officer.
• Document key lessons learnt to inform future project design
• In collaboration with Communication department, support documentation of success stories and community voices

III. Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

IV. Fiscal Responsibility

• Prepare cash forecast in liaison with the other program staff in line with the work plans
• Ensure the expenditure is as stipulated in the budget lines and strict adherence to the budget limits
• Propose anticipated budget realignment in discussion with program manager
• In liaison with the Program Manager Monitor budget spending in line with spending plan; ensure diligence in grants utilization including timely spending and value for money.
• Support the Program manager in monthly budget reviews and suggesting amendments to Finance

V. Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

VI. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance for five days per week with eight hours per day. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.
• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic based on the office needs. While visiting the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well is to infectious diseases.

VII. Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

At all times, Action against Hunger commits to:

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of people of all genders equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where people of all genders can be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures

VIII. Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Degree/Diploma or technical training in civil/water engineering.
• Experience from both private and INGO sectors is an advantage.
• Knowledge of main donor requirements including UNICEF, ECHO, EU,OFDA/USAID donors

X. Required Skills & Competencies

• 3 years’ experience in a similar position.
• Previous experience in Arid and Semi-Arid lands of Kenya
• Computer skills with excellence in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proven ability to work in a team and proven skills in capacity building and community development (including community participation)
• Good level of spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and have impact on input on program indicators
• Demonstrate capacity in constructively engaging local authorities and local partners.
• Excellent organization, coordination, report writing skills
• Strong and effective communication and presentation skills
• Team player and Keen to details
• Knowledge on GIS and AUTOCAD is desirable.
• Understanding of main donor requirements including UNICEF, USAID-BHA, ECHO, EU, SIDA donors

How to apply

All candidates should apply through: Click here . The position is open on a rolling basis. Action Against Hunger-USA provides all staff with an attractive salary & benefits package. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees & qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment.