WASH Officer at GOALPrime Organization Nigeria (GPON)

The WASH Officer will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the technical assessments, design, and renovation of WASH facilities (latrines, water points where applicable) in formal schools and non-formal centers.
• Ensuring WASH interventions comply with national and international standards, including gender, inclusion, and disability considerations.
• Supporting the distribution of hygiene and dignity kits, including training on proper usage and maintenance.
• Coordinating closely with DRR/AA&P committees, school clubs, and relevant stakeholders to ensure community involvement, sustainability, and accountability.
• Providing technical guidance on integrating climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in WASH and education activities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support and Supervision

• Conduct WASH needs assessments in targeted schools and non-formal centers to identify key infrastructure gaps.
• Develop or review engineering designs, bills of quantities (BoQs), and technical specifications for the rehabilitation of gender-segregated, disability-friendly latrines.
• Oversee and supervise renovation works to ensure compliance with agreed standards (Sphere, national guidelines) and timelines.
• Monitor construction materials, labor, and quality of work on-site, providing regular progress updates.

Program Implementation

• Plan and coordinate the distribution of hygiene kits and dignity kits, ensuring proper storage, transportation, and tracking of items.
• Provide training sessions and demonstrations on the use of hygiene and dignity kits, emphasizing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for adolescent girls.
• Coordinate with local partners, community leaders, and DRR/AA&P committees to ensure maximum participation and sustainability of WASH interventions.
• Assist in establishing/strengthening DRR/AA&P clubs in schools, promoting peer education on climate information, hygiene, and sanitation.

Capacity Building and Advocacy

• Facilitate workshops on key climate concepts, DRR, and the development of community-based AA plans in targeted communities.
• Support the creation and strengthening of community committees on WASH, ensuring inclusivity and representation of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and women.
• Provide coaching, technical backstopping, and mentorship to local stakeholders (school management committees, local artisans, etc.) to maintain WASH facilities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• In collaboration with the MEAL team, develop and implement WASH monitoring tools and checklists to track progress and quality of interventions.
• Collect and document data on usage, maintenance, and user feedback related to WASH infrastructure and distributed kits.
• Participate in project reviews, lessons-learned workshops, and knowledge-sharing events.
• Contribute to the development of success stories, case studies, and other project documentation.

Reporting

• Prepare and submit regular technical and progress reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, as required) on WASH activities
• Maintain accurate records of project milestones, beneficiary data, kit distributions, and construction activities.
• Ensure timely reporting of any project challenges or delays and propose corrective measures.

Deliverables

• Renovated Facilities: High-quality, gender-segregated, disability-friendly latrines in formal schools and non-formal centers, meeting agreed standards.
• Distributed Kits: Timely and accountable distribution of hygiene kits and dignity kits, with proper beneficiary documentation.
• Training & Workshops: Effective capacity-building sessions for teachers, students, committees, and community members on proper WASH practices and DRR.
• Monthly & Quarterly Reports: Clear, concise, and accurate technical and activity reports submitted on time.
• Community Engagement: Active and functional DRR/AA&P committees and school clubs with enhanced skills in hygiene promotion and DRR management.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Civil Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant work experience in WASH interventions (in humanitarian or development contexts).
• Proven experience in designing and supervising construction/renovation of WASH infrastructure (e.g., latrines, water points).
• Experience in procurement processes, contractor management, and site supervision.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects, ideally with UN agencies or international NGOs.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Sphere Standards, WHO guidelines, and Nigeria’s national WASH policies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD) and MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent training and presentation skills.

Soft Skills:

• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and with local communities.
• Effective problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Hausa) is an asset.

Management and Reporting Line

• The WASH Officer (Engineer) will report directly to the Project Manager (or WASH Program Manager). S/he will work closely with the MEAL team, Education Officers, and other relevant project staff, as well as local authorities, contractors, school committees, and community leaders.