WASH Policy and Civil Society Organisation Engagement Manager at WaterAid

Department: Programmes Directorate
Grade: E
Reports to: Director of Programmes
Travel: 30% (Local and international)

Purpose of Role

• The WASH Policy and CSO Engagement role will support planning, strategic implementation approaches, WASH service delivery including urban sanitation, documentation of WASH policy, influencing and advocacy priorities of WaterAid Nigeria.
• This will include work on surveys, research and reviews of public policy themes related to the WASH sector as required to drive delivery of an influencing led programme for WaterAid Nigeria.
• The job holder will play a key role in conducting policy analysis and generating evidence to support evidence-based advocacy by WaterAid at the federal, State and LGA levels with a view to improving access to WASH in Nigeria.
• The job holder will also be responsible for delivering the approach, plans and activities for sector strengthening & support, ensuring that the design and intent of the field level programming is aligned with that agenda, and that evidence generated from WANG field work and technical innovations are used in influencing of policies and programmes at local, state and national levels.
• The role will also support WANG innovative approaches for improved sanitation service delivery in rural, small town and urban areas.
• This will include sanitation marketing approaches, Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), equity and inclusion in the sanitation service chain and supporting institutional capacity strengthening strategies, via policies, guidelines, regulations and WASH Action Plan development.
  

Key Responsibilities
Sector Strengthening:

• Under the guidance of the Head of WASH Service Delivery, support the development of approaches and plans aimed at reducing WASH sector bottlenecks at national and State levels in Nigeria
• in collaboration with the media team, build networks for WANG’s work on CSO participation and citizenship engagement on WASH governance, urban water and sanitation sector reform and on the Nigeria water operators’ partnership/association in Nigeria, across Africa and among bilateral and multilateral institutions
• Ensure that WaterAid Nigeria WASH Programme delivery at the field level is designed to positively impact the building of better WASH systems and generate replicable results that can be profiled to contribute to universal access for Nigeria.
• Generate analytical briefs, communication materials and case stories of evidence and excellence generated from programming at field in line with the CP and global priorities.
• Follow up on trends in sector processes, strategies and practice and advise the Head of WASH SD on possible actions in terms of delivering organizational messaging at key fora.
• Identify relevant sector institutions (e.g. RUWASSA, STOWA, NWRI, Water Boards, WCAs, SPCs, LGSC, LGAs, Civil Society Networks, etc.) and assess their capacity to deliver services in an accountable, transparent and inclusive manner that will feed into the development of the WASH sector.
• Develop sector support plans for identified institutions and be accountable for their implementation.
• Identify windows of influence and ensure WaterAid Nigeria’s messages are heard.
• Organize knowledge sharing sessions with staff towards ensuring that all staff have clear knowledge and understanding of WaterAid Nigeria’s intent, goals and activities in the WASH sector strengthening arena.
• In collaboration with colleagues, assist in the marketing of WANG’s models to key sector stakeholders.
• With the support of the Head of WASH SD, manage WANG’s capacity building support on pro-poor service delivery and utility reforms to water supply and sanitation delivery agencies, municipalities and utilities (State Water Boards/utilities, STOWA, RUWASA, LGAs and municipal authorities).
• Provide on demand technical advice and support on WASH institutional reform themes for WANG, partners and sector stakeholders
• In collaboration with POD team, support development of participatory tools to assess capacity of sector actors and institutions to deliver WASH services and use assessment results as evidence to inform capacity strengthening plans to be implemented at targeted institutions
• Co-ordinate WANG staff and partners’ capacity development in relation to sector capacity strengthening related issues
• Monitor the implementation of sector capacity building/system strengthening programmes and make inputs to key reports in line with organizational policies and procedures including monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual reports.
• Provide support to sector support initiatives and participate in sector coordination meetings at state and national levels like the NTGS and others where appropriate.

Policy Influencing:

• With the support of the communication unit, develop case studies, position papers, policy messages /briefing notes, web articles etc. on key WASH sector issues to achieve influencing outcomes of WaterAid work in Nigeria
• In collaboration with the Advocacy and Communication Team, receive and analyse legislations related to WASH at National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly and prepare reports that convey impact of policy and legislative proposals on WASH access within specific jurisdictions (federal/states/LGA).
• Raise public awareness of issues in collaboration with Communications and Media team.
• Support the design and delivery of activities targeted at strengthening policy analysis and capacity of WANG CSO partners.

Research and Documentation:

• With the support of the Head of WASH SD, document and share learning on WASH policy issues and civil society engagement, citizenship engagement/empowerment, rights of stakeholders, gender, equity and inclusion
• In collaboration with the M&E Manager, perform various tasks involving data collection, data maintenance, and data analysis using statistical software and other computer programs.
• With the support of SPEL develop, administer and periodically evaluate institutional development tools which take into account access and rights, equity & inclusion and other key components to effectively evaluate performance of the WASH sector.
• In collaboration with SPEL Team, support documentation and learning processes among partners and sector institutions.

Policy Dissemination:

• With the support of the Head of WASH SD synthesise findings and recommendations from completed research(es) conducted by WaterAid Nigeria into policy briefs, policy messages, position papers and briefing notes
• Manage collaborative case studies, impact surveys and other research to adequately inform stakeholders about the critical issues in WASH service delivery and design.
• Initiate and support in dissemination events to share policy research reports.
• Develop and share briefing notes on sector support and policy reforms in collaboration with the Head of WASH SD
• With the support of the Head of WASH SD prepare background papers, discussion papers, project research reports, donors reports, policy briefs and briefing notes for dissemination.

Networking and Representation:

• Represent WaterAid in relationships with decision-makers (national CSO, donor, and government (national and international) forums related to WASH) to persuasively advocate for WaterAid’s change agenda and continuously build and sustain WaterAid’s reputation;
• Represent WaterAid through participation in meetings, seminars and other strategic/important events that support achievement of WaterAid goals.
• Represent WaterAid in key sector events nationally or globally (when assigned).
• Participate in sector discussions, build and maintain relationships with key sector ministries, institutions and other strategic partners who are critical to realizing WANG strategic priorities.
• Actively engage in dissemination events to share research reports on a wide range of sector strengthening themes and solicit feedback from sector stakeholders.
• Build relationships and partnerships with government institutions, donors, universities, private sector and research institutions.
• Identify and build relationships with wider sector development stakeholders for effective collaboration towards the achievement of WaterAid’s objectives.

Support to Fundraising:

• Provide specifics on demand research and gather information as may be required to develop concept notes and proposals to grant funders
• Actively participate in the design and development of quality projects and proposals for the CP especially with regards to sanitation marketing, private sector engagement, urban sanitation and WASH service delivery at community level.
  

Person Specification
Essential Criteria:

• Must have a University degree in Development Studies or the Social Sciences or related fields. A Master’s degree in any of Project Management, international development /, human rights, sociology, public policy or political science will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of which at least 3 must be in the area of Sector Strengthening, Research and Policy Analysis in the field of development with any reputable national/ international/ donor agency.
• Professional skills in preparation of Research reports, policy briefs, Policy design and interpretation.
• Experience with building capacity of implementing partner organizations especially CSO’s and government.
• Experience of leading research programmes and experience in the production of reports, publications, learning products with proven ability to analyse (qualitative and quantitative) data.
• Experience in policy campaigns and dialogue with government and donors on WASH sector/ issues.
• Strong in proposal writing, project design, implementation strategies, monitoring evaluation.
• Sound knowledge of basic project management approaches, experience with conducting formative research and using research outcomes to make programme decisions.
• Experience in developing strategic & operational plans. Able to effectively organise self and others, plan and prioritise in line with such plans.
• Excellent relationship building skills. Able to build and maintain trusting relationships, negotiate, influence and resolve conflicts. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with multi-level stakeholders including donor representatives, government officials and community level actors.
• Strong competency in the use of capacity assessment tools.
• Demonstrable understanding of sector development in Nigeria and how change happens.
• Experience with facilitating adult learning interventions and with using adult learning techniques and tools.
• Experience of working in, and solid understanding of the Nigerian WASH Sector.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening and ability to effectively convey information and ideas verbally and in writing.
• Significant relevant and proven experience preferably in CSOs/NGOs engagement.
• Commitment to WaterAid’s values and ways of working.

Desirable Criteria:

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Previous work in a think tank
• Experience of setting up and managing major research projects
• Existing links/network in the WASH Sector.
  

Our People Promise

• We’re looking for people who share a commitment to our vision, and a commitment to playing their part in changing normal. We’re looking for people with an appreciation and respect for different people and ideas, and the energy and expertise to help tackle the most important challenges.
• In return, you can expect to get inspiration from the change you help make happen, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a global community. You will also experience stimulation and fulfilment, the chance to grow, and space to be yourself at your best.
• This is our pledge to you.