WASH Officer at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Purpose

The WASH officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing WASH projects in the field in line with cluster standards and organizational guidelines. This role involves working closely with affected communities, local authorities, and partner organizations to design, plan, and manage WASH interventions that meet the needs of displaced populations and ensure their safety and comfort. Undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of Shelter and Settlement activities in accordance with laid down procedures.

To this end, the WASH officer will liaise with DRC staff across departments to ensure compliance with DRC WASH SOPs and the maintenance of SOP-compliant records during programming as directed by the WASH Team Leader. Additionally, the role of the WASH officer is to ensure the development and implementation of an efficient, accountable, durable solution and measurable WASH program in the areas where DRC is operational and within the geographical area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General Programming & Operations

• Carrying out WASH needs assessment for returnees, refugees and IDPs using results in designing intervention measures.
• Carrying out the selection, design, BOQs and construction of WASH solutions in use by DRC and the sector.
• Monitor WASH activities, construction works progress, and schedule following the project plan and take appropriate actions.
• Ensure archiving of WASH logs and procurement records.
• Ensure efficient and Effective program implementation while following the work plan. 
• Participate in preparing and Providing Inputs monthly/quarterly/annual highlights/ reports
• Mobilization of beneficiary communities to maintain the established WASH resources.
• Training and Capacity building of existing  or new water committee
• Provide technical and programmatic leadership for community-based mechanisms in operational areas as needed.
• Based in the field to ensure WASH tasks are going on as planned and mentoring - through technical backstopping and training of duty bearers.

Coordination and representation 

• Collaborate with relevant Internal and External technical experts on issues related to WASH.
• Represent DRC at WASH meetings and other relevant technical coordination meetings at the field level if needed.
• Ensure integration and support of WASH and Shelter activities with other DRC sectors.
• Coordinate with WASH, RRM, and Shelter counterparts in other locations in the implementation of commonly funded projects.
• Ensure good representation and reputation of the WASH sector at all levels.
• Actively participate in internal and field coordination meetings.

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ M&E tools
• Assist in the management of WASH project grants through PR and PO tracking
• Monitor and Evaluate WASH Projects in the field level
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of WASH activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.
• Prepare WaSH weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to relevant authorities as per need.

Logistics / Finance:

• Support the line Manager to monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-ups.
• Support in initiating procurements and ensure their execution.
• Assist the line manager to ensure distribution plans are prepared and shared with relevant support units.
• Contribute to grants management of all WASH projects through management of day-to-day project expenditures with line manager.
• Assist the WASH Team Leader in developing a procurement plan at the start of the project cycle to forecast procurement needs.
• Under delegation from the WASH Team Leader, coordinate with the supply chain to facilitate procurement of supplies and services
• Support in ensuring adequate stock of critical supplies at all times, particularly factoring in seasonal access limitations (wet season).

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in developing and implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s WASH strategy in Nigeria.
• Support in developing appropriate WASH tools and ensure their implementation.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential:

• At least 2 years’ experience in the implementation and evaluation of WASH projects.
• Knowledge of WASH Approaches and SHERE Standard
• Good IT skills (especially MS Office).
• Basic in AutoCAD or suitable design software.

Desirable:

• Project Planning and Management is an added advantage
• Experience working in emergency response with NGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.
• Fluency in Hausa and Kanuri is a requirement.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Water Engineering or Architecture from a recognized institution. Desirable
• Degree in Engineering or equivalent field with relevant work experience