Local Technical Support Officer at United Purpose (UP)

Main Purpose:

The Project Support Officer will specifically support the non-state partners (sub-grantees) at LGA and community levels with a view to improve sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour through a demand-led process, empowering sub-grantees (non-state partners) to deliver on Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) programme objectives and CLTS roll out in the LGA. The Project Support Officer will contribute to sustainable service delivery in the LGA-wide Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). S/he will specifically support the non-state implementing partners at LGA level. A significant level of effort will be providing direct support at the field-level to LGAs and non-state partners (sub-grantees).  Executing this function will mean extensive travel to field locations, and excellent coordination and management based upon the detailed implementation plan and in consultation with the State Technical Officer and Programme Manager.

The Project Support Officer is a member of the RUSHPIN programme team and provides technical assistance in overall LGA and non-state partner (sub-grantee) staff implementation. As part of the programme team s/he works closely with the UP Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in the RUSHPIN programme activities at the LGA level, particularly LGA WASH units, other non-state actors, and volunteers, and ensure the effective implementation of activities in achieving programme results based on the results-based Logical Framework Approach (LFA).
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the Local Government level, ensuring there is common understanding of the programme objectives with reference to the LFA.  The Project Support Officer is expected to ensure there is full commitment to the programme including cost sharing by all partners. This will include providing support towards timely delivery of human and material resources in the participating LGAs.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per approved format summarising progress made in implementation of activities, lessons learnt, and recommendations for improvement including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed. In addition, support the update of the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of annual reports.
• As part of the programme team fully adopt the PCM (project cycle management), including use of the LFA and a results-based performance management approach.
• Work closely with State Technical Officers on the programme and WASH structures at LGA level towards identification of capacity building needs for effective delivery of the CLTS intervention towards ODF in all communities.  Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. 
• Support the State Technical Officer to review the LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in the formulation of strategies, plans, and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and people) in the programme LGA. 
• Provide technical input for the preparation/design of surveys and studies and play an active role in data collection, dissemination of findings under the programme among various LGA stakeholders (to increase their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches) and thereby facilitate the scale-up of successful approaches to non-targeted LGAs.
• Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of programme activities in the LGAs of sub-grantees against agreed plans, targets, technical design, and specifications and standards.
• Liaise closely with other key stakeholders in the participating LGAs and ensure synergies in the area of development of sector-wide plans, coordination, and scaling up/replication of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), WASH interventions, WASH in Schools, Capacity building, Citizen’s Voice and Accountability, and M&E.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per approved format summarising progress made in the implementation of activities, lessons learnt, and recommendations for improvement, including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the log-frame and results against programme indicators on a quarterly basis with more detailed input provided towards the preparation of annual reports.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide feedback to partners and programme team on programmes’ performance based on data collected and findings
• Assist the programme team in building capacity of CSOs
• Assist the programme team in developing human stories for publication
• Assist State Project Officer in conducting annual and quarterly planning and review processes
• Support to the eventual design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant input
• Assist the MERO, State Project Officer, and Programme Manager in developing quarterly and annual reports
• Assist the State Project Officer and Programme Manager to develop annual and quarterly work plans and budgets for RUSHPIN
• Assist Project Officer in reviewing programme plans as part of the learning and sharing process
• To systematically monitor programme performance and data for key indicators of the programme components and management reports are collected, analyzed and made available to the programme staff.
• To provide strategic support towards the putting in place and use of the Programme M&E Frame work as well as support plans and activities of the programme.
• Share learning from RUSHPIN with the wider UP country programme team
• Support partners in improving learning and sharing mechanisms in their programmes
• Promote culture of two-way learning in UP more widely
• Work collaboratively with the State Project Support Officers and programme team for strengthening integration and cross-learning in the country programme
• Show an eagerness to take on any other tasks where appropriate by the line-manager

Qualifications:

• Committed to United Purpose’s Vision, Mission and Values
• At least a diploma in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development or field related to WASH
• Knowledge and understanding of working with LGAs and community-based organisations

Experience

• Two to three years’ relevant experience in sanitation projects, funded by international donors, including experience on technical reporting
• Relevant knowledge and experience in Community Led Total Sanitation programming. Experience of report writing
• Proven track record of capacity building/training for stakeholders including at community level and for local institutions
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development

Skills

• Excellent planning, co-ordination, and prioritisation skills
• Strong facilitation, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills
• Good command of writing in English
• Excellent communication and team-working skills with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally
• Good computer knowledge with command of MS Office
• Ability to facilitate training to community-based organisations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse and performance related environment
• Proactive approach to problem solving
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction

Desirable

• Gender and intercultural sensitivity
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times
• Positive outlook and stand-alone disposition
• Adaptable and responsive disposition relative to the demands and development of the programme