What we are looking for:

An experienced WASH Specialist who will be responsible for planning and coordination of all WASH interventions, either directly within the WASH Core Competency (CC) or as an integrated response approach across other CCs. The position holder will lead the efforts to scale up WASH operations in West Bank and effectively address the immediate needs arising from the hostilities in Gaza and ensure timely and quality provision of required support. The ideal candidate will have strong implementation oversight experience as well as an enthusiastic and proactive approach to building a program portfolio.

What you will do:

• Responsible for technical innovative development and quality of CC in the country, holistic programming (with other CCs) and ensuring harmonization and consistency across CC projects in line with NRC Programme Policy
• Lead the process of establishing proposals, budgets, modifications, project reviews, and reporting, ensure high technical quality and provide strategic guidance on programme design.
• Take the lead on establishing and following quality project deliverables to ensure high technical outputs including but not limited to review of technical and safety assessments, bill of quantities, participation in tender processes and review of outputs.
• Support programmatic MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) and indicator tracking, WASH data and means of verification reviews, and follow-up in conjunction with project teams and the MEL unit.
• Develop and lead on conducting joint technical assessments, needs assessments (in collaboration with Areas Program and MEL teams), baseline, mid-and end-evaluations.
• Explore and develop strategic partnerships contributing to quality programming.
• Accountable for organizational learning from programme implementation, for sharing of best practices and for capacity building.
• Develop and lead quality improvement plans, using quality benchmarks and Complaint and Feedback Mechanism (CFM) outcomes, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Overview the activity implementation and undertake field support visits post initiation of projects to evaluate needs: support areas and teams including raising red flags where needed.
• Actively promote and operationalize synergies between WASH and other NRC programmes to move toward integrated responses focusing on Shelter, CASH and Markets, Education. Protection from Violence, and ICLA (Information Counselling and Legal Assistance)
• Ensure budgets, work plans and spending plans in line with donor budgets are developed and maintained by supporting Project Coordinators, Managers and Area Managers
• Provide support and input to the recruitment processes for all WASH staff in the country.
• Ensure NRC’s Safe and Inclusive Programming (SIP) and digital solutions are incorporated into WASH programming.
• Include the NEAT+s environmental assessment tool into the CC toolbox leading to more sustainable environmental practices.
• Represent NRC in relevant forums/clusters, including with national authorities and donors.
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

What you will bring:

• Degree relevant to WASH such as: civil engineering, public health or related fields of study (master’s degree would be an added advantage)
• Minimum 4 years of experience within a humanitarian/recovery context with at least 2 years of WASH expertise (as Specialist/Technical Adviser and/or Program/Project Manager or an equivalent).
• Civil engineer with experience of designing emergency water supply systems.
•  Previous experience working in complex political contexts. Significant knowledge of the Middle East Region and Palestine context is highly preferable.
• Good understanding of key technical standards (SPHERE, HAP, IASC, safe and inclusive programming, gender mainstreaming, IHL, humanitarian principles etc.) with the ability to rate into programming.
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.
• Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programmes
• Experience with new programming start-up and expansion desirable. Experience working in remote management contexts desirable.
• Experience in leading needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation activities and programme development.
• Experience in team capacity building.
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile with documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in MS Office; Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook
• Fluency in English both written and verbal. Knowledge of Hebrew or Arabic desirable.

What we offer:

• Duty station: Jerusalem, Palestine
• Contract: 12 months (Renewal is subject to performance and funds availability)
• Travel: Minimum of 30% time in Gaza (to NRC operational areas)
• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your national identification card. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Palestine. Due to legal restrictions in obtaining visas for some applicants please click on this link to confirm your eligibility before sending your application.  Send in your application by latest April 10, 2024. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 
• If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected] with the job title as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

NRC currently has over 3,000 staff across the Middle East dedicated to assisting people affected by conflict in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and Palestine. Its humanitarian interventions are based upon its programming expertise in the Core Competencies of Shelter, Education, WASH, Livelihoods and Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) to vulnerable displaced people that were forced to flee.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

Learn more about NRC’s operations in Palestine here.