WASH Officer (National)

About IsraAID:

IsraAID is an international non-governmental humanitarian aid organization based in Israel. Since we were founded in 2001, our teams have worked in emergency and long-term development settings in more than 60 countries around the world. IsraAID responds to emergencies and helps communities affected by crises rebuild their lives, and their futures, together. From hurricanes to refugee crises to global pandemics, we mobilize quickly and collaborate with communities at the deepest level, accompanying the process of becoming self-reliant in the ability to prepare and respond to emergencies and crises and return to adaptive functioning.

In 2019, IsraAID opened its Country Office (CO) in Beira after cyclone Idai. In 2021, it expanded its humanitarian relief activities to Cabo Delgado to better address and respond to the needs of the Internally Displaced Population (IDP) and host communities affected by the ongoing armed conflict.

Duties and Responsibilities: We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer to lead our initiatives at our Mozambique CO based in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado Province. The successful candidate will play a key role in planning, implementing, and monitoring WASH projects to ensure that IDP and host communities have access to adequate quantities of safe drinking water and to improved sanitation facilities, and practice good personal and food hygiene behaviors.

Detailed responsibilities:

1. Programme development and planning, with focus on WASH in Emergencies.

• Support the Programme Manager in the design and planning of the WASH programme at CO level to ensure its alignment with the Mozambique’s Country Strategy, to liaise internally with IsraAID’s WASH Technical Advisor for Africa, and to coordinate externally with the Mozambique WASH Cluster.
• Conduct baseline assessments on community needs, existing WASH-related initiatives, existing infrastructure and capacities in WASH, and to identify potential project intervention sites.
• Develop (and regularly update) a detailed Project Work Plan to guide project implementation, and ensure the Plan is used by the project team to direct activities as well as to monitor progress; and to ensure monitoring data are fed into the CO’s overall programme monitoring systems.
• Contribute to the CO’s internal emergency planning processes, and participate in internal and external emergency coordination forums as defined by the organization.

1. Programme implementation, monitoring, and delivery of results, with a focus on WASH in Emergencies.

• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of IsraAID Mozambique’s WASH-related programming. Ensure effective collaboration with other partners and stakeholders in the field.
• Support building the capacity of local officials and partners dealing with WASH issues by organizing/facilitating periodic WASH trainings.
• Plan and conduct promotional activities to improve the hygiene and sanitation practices of local partners as well as in host communities and IDP camps/settlements. Mobilize community members to participate in these initiatives, and encourage community-level associations and other groups to actively participate in the project.
• Lead and supervise the process of water supply infrastructure construction in the field including selection of borehole drilling sites; monitoring of drilling operations; design, installation, and testing of production wells; installation of pumps, well platforms, and/or water distribution systems. Water supply initiatives should ensure coverage for/access by communities as well as at schools and health care facilities.
• Lead and supervise maintenance and rehabilitation WASH existing and new WASH infrastructure, and help local authorities and communities establish effective mechanisms for carrying this work out into the future (including financing of it through user fees or other relevant mechanisms).
• Lead and supervise installation of improved sanitation infrastructure at community, institutional, and household levels. This may include construction of pit latrines, school toilets and handwashing stations, and health facility WASH infrastructure. Ensure compliance with the local regulations and the quality of the end-result services provided at all levels.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, including environmental and social screening of project sites, preparation of regular progress updates, and monitoring of WASH services at implementation sites.
• Monitor, report, and certify the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report arising issues to the CO’s Programme Manager, and request the WASH Technical Advisor for any needed support to ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare quality and timely WASH progress reports for the CO management, donors and partners.

1. Networking and partnership building

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, donor agencies, WASH institutions, NGOs, research institutes and the private sector to stimulate coordination and collaboration in the WASH sector.
• Produce WASH IEC materials to promote awareness raising at the community level, establish partnerships and support fundraising.
• Participate in inter-agency discussions, ensuring that IsraAID’s position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the planning and agenda setting.

Essential skills, knowledge, and competencies

Requirements

• MUST BE A MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL
• Fluency in both Portuguese and English is a must. Working knowledge of local languages (Emakua, Shimakonde and/or Kimuani) is considered as an asset.
• A degree in water supply engineering, civil engineering, hydrology, or similar field is required. A postgraduate degree in any of these fields would be an added advantage.
• A minimum of five years of demonstrated professional experience in WASH programmes in similar contexts is required. Previous proved working experience in Cabo Delgado will be an advantage.

Specific Skills:

• WASH Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of water supply, water quality, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene promotion – as they relate to WASH programme design and implementation strategies. This includes understanding the technical aspects of water supply systems, waste management, and the promotion of hygiene practices among communities.
• Construction and Infrastructure Development: Understanding the principles of constructing durable, resilient, and safe WASH infrastructure, including knowledge of materials, construction methods, and the ability to adapt them to the needs of a disaster-stricken area or a community in need.
• Project Management: The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects efficiently, including budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation. This is essential for ensuring that WASH initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, meeting the intended objectives and delivering the expected results.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The capacity to adapt to rapidly changing situations and find innovative solutions to complex challenges. This is crucial in emergency response and development projects where unexpected issues and challenges frequently arise.
• Cultural Sensitiveness and Cross-Cultural Communication: Proficiency in communicating effectively across different cultures and languages. This skill ensures respectful, efficient, and effective engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and team members from diverse backgrounds.

Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to meticulously follow procedures and maintain high standards of performance.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage inventory, schedules, and documentation effectively.
• Safety Awareness: Commitment to following safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe work environment.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with team members to achieve common goals.
• Commitment to IsraAID’s values: Professionalism, Humanity, Collaboration, Flexibility and Adaptability, and Resilience.

Benefits:

• Salary compatible with market standards for non-profits in the country
• Monthly communication allowance
• National Health Insurance coverage for self

ETHICAL STANDARDS

IsraAID has zero tolerance towards any acts of misconduct and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). The recruitment process will include all candidates’ declarations and reference checks focused on misconduct and SEA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

IsraAID is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.