Project Officer for Shelter and Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH) (For Filipino Nationals Only)

About the Islamic Relief Worldwide Philippines:

The Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international relief and development organization founded in the UK in 1984 that envisages a caring world where people unite to respond to the suffering of others and empowering them to fulfil their potential. Working in over 45 countries, it promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities to reduce poverty, and challenges on literacy and health and nutrition. The IRW also responds to disasters and emergencies, helping people in crisis by providing them immediate relief and recover from the effects of the disaster.

In the Philippines, the Islamic Relief started operations in 2013 in response to the needs of the people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. We are currently working in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro region and the rest of the country implementing development projects, humanitarian response, and disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation. We work closely with the most vulnerable people regardless of race, belief, age, gender, and diversity.

About the Project:

The “Individuals are Protected from Threats and Environmental Risks through Shelter and WASH (I-PROTECTS)” projectenvisions a world where all people could lead healthy lives – safe shelter, clean drinking water, clean hands, and clean toilets in all places. These facilities once established include awareness-raising and sensitization sessions on WASH behavior and practices, and guidance on how to ensure the operationalization and maintenance to maximize its utilization for the benefit of the next generation. The project will ensure that people have lasting access to safe shelter, drinking water, proper hygiene facilities, and women and girl-friendly sanitation facilities.

Project Impact:

Improved the social wellbeing, protection and inclusion of the most marginalized families, particularly women and girls in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM, Philippines through the construction of dignified shelter and safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Project Outcomes:

Outcome 1: Enhanced access to safe and gender-sensitive shelter and non-food items for men, women, girls and boys in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Outcome 2: Increased access to safe and gender-sensitive WASH services for women, men, girls and boys in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Outcome 3: Improved inclusive protection services particularly for women and girls in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.

This 24-month project will be implemented in the select barangays/communities in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Reporting To: Area Programme Manager – Cotabato

About the position:

The Project Officer for Shelter and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) will support the Area Programme Manager in the full implementation of the Individuals are Protected from Threats and Environmental Risks through Shelter and WASH (I-PROTECTS) project. The Project Officer will manage and oversee the project implementation related to Shelter and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop comprehensive project plans outlining objectives, activities, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for WASH and shelter interventions.
2. Supervise and guide project staff, including engineers, community mobilizers, local community facilitators, and administrative personnel.
3. Ensure that technical specifications and standards are met throughout the implementation process.
4. Coordinate procurement processes to acquire necessary materials, equipment, and services for WASH and shelter activities.
5. Establish monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress, outputs, outcomes, and impact of WASH and shelter interventions.
6. Conduct regular field visits to monitor project activities, assess challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
7. Collect data and feedback from beneficiaries to inform decision-making and improve project effectiveness.
8. Facilitate community participation and ownership in project activities through consultations, meetings, and participatory approaches.
9. Prepare timely and accurate progress reports, technical reports, and other documentation as required by donors, partners, and internal stakeholders.
10. Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team in monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress and organizing and conducting MEAL-related activities such as surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and project reviews and evaluation, including the collection of relevant data and information, as necessary.
11. Lead and facilitate capacity-building initiatives for the rightsholders and other stakeholders related to WASH and Shelter.
12. Assist in the preparation of the project’s detailed implementation plan, annual work plan, interim reports and completion report in coherence with the project design, targets, timelines and budget.
13. Organize and lead Quarterly Project Reviews, reflection and knowledge-sharing sessions with the rightsholders, partners, staff and other stakeholders for continuous learning and improvement in project implementation.
14. Assume leadership responsibilities within technical areas of the organization’s programming, demonstrating expertise and providing mentorship to team members, as needed.
15. Provide support and expertise in other technical areas such as institutional strengthening, policy development, planning, and Islamic finance, as required.
16. Willing to be deployed during humanitarian response and/or undertake any other assignment, as needed.

Educational Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, public health, or a related field.
2. At least 3-5 years of experience in project management, preferably in WASH and Shelter-related interventions.
3. Strong technical knowledge of water supply systems, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and shelter construction techniques.
4. Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts.
5. Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
6. Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages relevant to the project area is advantageous.
7. Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and under pressure in challenging environments.
8. Familiarity with donor regulations and reporting requirements.
9. Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, with experience in conducting surveys, interviews, and data analysis.
10. Ability to build capacity and provide technical assistance to stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and partner organizations.
11. Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and reporting.

Required Skills:

Technical Skills:

1. Proficiency in understanding and applying technical principles related to water supply systems, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and shelter construction.
2. Ability to assess and analyze technical requirements, including engineering specifications, environmental considerations, and public health standards.
3. Knowledge of relevant software and tools for project planning, design, and monitoring, such as CAD software, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and monitoring databases.

Project Management:

1. Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop detailed project plans, set priorities, allocate resources, and manage timelines and budgets effectively.
2. Experience in coordinating and supervising project teams, delegating tasks, and ensuring accountability and performance monitoring.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including community members, project staff, and stakeholders.
2. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and resolve conflicts diplomatically.
3. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building:

1. Ability to engage with the communities in a participatory manner, promoting ownership, empowerment, and sustainable behavior change.

Commitment to Humanitarian Principles and Ethics:

1. Commitment to upholding humanitarian principles, including impartiality, neutrality, and respect for human dignity, and adherence to ethical standards in all aspects of project implementation.
2. Awareness of safeguarding and protection considerations to ensure the safety and well-being of project beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

1. Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess complex situations, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
2. Attention to detail and the ability to analyze data, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions to optimize project outcomes.

Leadership:

1. Capacity to lead and motivate a team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to achieve project objectives.

Cross-Cultural Competence:

1. Sensitivity and awareness of cultural differences, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively in diverse cultural contexts.

Required Experiences:

1. Prior experience in managing and implementing WASH and Shelter projects, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
2. Experience in applying technical knowledge related to water supply systems, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and shelter construction.
3. Familiarity with relevant technical standards, guidelines, and best practices in the WASH and shelter sectors.
4. Direct experience working in field-based or operational roles, preferably in challenging or resource-constrained environments.
5. Knowledge of field operations, logistics, and security considerations related to implementing projects in remote or conflict-affected areas.
6. Experience in engaging with communities and promoting participatory approaches to project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
7. Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of community members, local authorities, and project staff through training, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing activities.
8. Sensitivity to gender, diversity, and inclusion considerations in project implementation and interaction with diverse communities.
9. Experience in advocacy and representing organizational interests and priorities to external stakeholders, including donors, government officials, and community leaders.
10. Experience in monitoring project activities, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting on progress, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
11. Ability to take on leadership responsibilities and provide mentorship to team members as needed.

Demonstrated experience of 3-5 years working with various international NGOs, preferably in the Philippines or other developing countries, with a track record of successfully implementing projects in humanitarian contexts.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send their CV with a cover letter on or before *30 June 2024*to HR.Philippines@islamic-relief.org.ph with email subject or reference: Project Officer – Shelter & WASH Application.

Islamic Relief Worldwide is a humanitarian and development organization and working in Livelihood, WASH, Education and DRR sectors in line with our vision of a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others. We work regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or gender.

This position is open for Filipino nationals only, women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection will be based on application letter, CV, interview, and other relevant documents (as requested). Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Walk-in applicants and applications sent through Islamic Relief Philippines social media account i.e., Facebook, will not be entertained.

As the position needs to be filled in on an urgent basis, therefore, we may stop receiving applications as soon as there are applicants suitable for the position.