WASH Advisor

Background:

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short-listed regularly, and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a South Sudanese-based 501 (C) (3) registered non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through evidenced value-based humanitarian and developmental programs.

For over 15 years, THESO has been a beacon of hope, transforming lives in developing countries through evidence-based, sustainable humanitarian and development programs. We offer a strategic platform for donors to invest in impactful initiatives across health, education, WASH, nutrition, and livelihoods because we see the strength and resilience of our beneficiaries. We believe in their potential and strive to create a world where they can access the essentials for a dignified and prosperous life. Partnering with THESO means collaborating with a trusted, results-oriented organisation that delivers lasting change for millions through our diverse programs in health, education, WASH, and more, we empower beneficiaries with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for them. Our comprehensive expertise in health, education, WASH, and more, combined with our deep understanding of local contexts, creates fertile ground for innovative partnerships that deliver transformative impact.

THESO stands as a committed partner in achieving national development goals as we stand beside governments and communities on their journey towards self-sufficiency and dignity. We align our programs with government priorities, providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions that complement and strengthen existing systems. Our expertise in key areas like health, education, WASH, and food security empowers communities and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

At THESO, you’re not just an employee, you’re a changemaker. You’re part of a dedicated team driven by a shared passion: to alleviate suffering and empower communities. We offer a dynamic and fulfilling work environment where your expertise and talent make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills with THESO and experience the transformational power of hands-on service. Whether you’re a medical professional, educator, engineer, or simply someone with a generous heart, your contribution counts. We offer diverse volunteer opportunities across various sectors, allowing you to connect with communities, share your knowledge, and be a catalyst for positive change. Let’s work together to build a brighter future by co-creating a future where no community is left behind, and where health, education, and dignity are fundamental rights for all.

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is seeking a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Advisor to lead the WASH team based in the THESO operations Office in Juba. The WASH Advisor is responsible for providing overall direction, technical guidance, and oversight to a portfolio of WASH activities to ensure effective project implementation. The Director will work closely with the program team in developing and leading the technical and business direction of the practice area as well as strengthening THESO’s reputation as a thought leader in the WASH sector. The Advisor will be a part of THESO program management units (PMUs) and project field teams with a focus on quality control, compliance, and developmental WASH project donations generation.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Business Development

• Oversee successful development of new business proposals by providing strategic positioning for the sector, technical oversight, and resource allocation in close coordination with the program team.
• Ensure the development of high-quality, compliant, and innovative proposals.
• Contributes to reviewing all proposals as part of the development process, particularly on strategic partner negotiations. For priority bids, serve as the capture manager or technical writer in line with core skill sets and networks.
• Lead new business proposals from the capture phase through live solicitation, which includes leading pipeline discussions to determine bids to pursue.
• Oversee scoping and information gathering trips for anticipated and live proposals and guide staff and consultants supporting research efforts.
• Lead business development activities, including target pipelines, research, recruitment, proposal development, and marketing. Drafts technical proposal sections within the area of expertise.
• In coordination with Country Director, SMT, etc. manage the long-term positioning of THESO with key clients, including the development and maintenance of strong relationships with current and potential clients. Helps determine priorities among opportunities and contributes to pipeline development.

Technical Excellence

• Oversee and provide higher-level technical guidance on project work plan development and execution to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Lead technical leadership efforts, including the development of thought pieces and other knowledge products, and participate in sector activities and events.
• Contribute to overall strategic vision and direction for overseeing implementation and expansion of water sector portfolio, and strengthening THESO’s reputation as a thought leader in water services.
• Analyze regional and country context relevant to assigned program(s).
• Manage THESO WASH Projects including leading new business efforts and interacting with donors and partners, as applicable

Project Delivery

• Oversee implementation of THESO WASH projects, providing program management leadership and guidance.
• Allocate and manage PMU resources between project management, and business development in coordination with the program team, assignments, and leave.
• Oversee project start-ups and closeouts including travel to the field as required, sometimes on short notice.
• Approve deliverables for submission to clients.
• Obtain regular client assessments of project progress, including management.
• Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are adhered to and enforced by project host country laws and regulations; THESO policies and procedures; donors and other funders regulations; and be accountable for project compliance with these laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure programs meet their budget projections and annual budget goals; in conjunction with the program director, limit unallowable expenses.

Overarching Responsibilities:

Leadership and Staff Management

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, feedback, mentorship, and recognition to staff at the field and operation office program management unit (PMU) levels, ensuring effective coordination of project support and addressing personnel issues as they arise.
• Coach direct reports on performance improvement across the full spectrum of program management, business development, and technical development.
• May supervise multiple senior program managers.
• Collaborate with other divisions on decision-making matters and address major issues having cross-functional impacts.
• Create a cooperative environment that empowers staff at all levels to contribute, demonstrate the values of THESO, and work together as a unit.
• Set an example as a leader by holding yourself and your staff accountable, communicating professionally, being a team player, and supporting the development of all staff.

Learning and Innovation

• Foster professional development and growth activities for staff at all levels in support of effective programming.
• Ensure THESO’s learning agenda and innovation efforts are aligned with THESO’s vision and strategic goals.
• Integrate extensive experience and learned best practices into all aspects of work and teams for broad organisational shared learning.

Education & Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, hydrogeology, water and sanitation, hygiene, public health, or related field
• A minimum of 10-12 years of direct donor project management experience in the WASH sector, responsible for overseeing project implementation and providing technical WASH inputs
• Experience contributing technical guidance to business development proposals, including assisting with strategic positioning, leading technical solution design, serving as a technical writer, leading strategic partner identification, and reviewing technical and overall quality of bids.
• A minimum of 7 years of supervisory experience.
• Practical experience working with a range of development program partners, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, utilities, the private sector, NGOs, civil society, consumers, etc.
• Substantial experience in managing international donor projects and extensive knowledge of donor regulations and policies (including AIDAR and FAR). Experience leading project start-ups and/or closedowns preferred.
• Solid background in managing multiple and/or large programs.
• Ability to serve as in-country program director in the event of a vacancy or absence.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work independently and effectively lead multiple teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Long-term field experience working in developing countries is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, hydrogeology, water and sanitation, public health, or related topics.
• 7 years of staff management experience.
• Fluency in Arabic and French is preferred.
• Experience working with multiple donors (USAID, FCDO, EU, etc.)

Core Competencies:

• TEAMWORK: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust, and commitment.
• COMMUNICATION: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
• ADAPTABILITY: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.
• CUSTOMER/CLIENT FOCUSED: Anticipates, monitors, and meets the needs of customers and responds to them in an appropriate and responsive manner.
• DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Conveys respect for diverse individuals and perspectives; models inclusive behavior and treats everyone fairly.
• PROFESSIONALISM: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity, and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal.