WASH Specialist-USAID Small Town WASH Programme at WaterAid

Job Title:WASH Specialist

Grade: E

Department: Programmes Directorate.

Reports to: Deputy Chief of Party, USAID Urban WASH Programme

Location: WaterAid Nigeria (Borno State)

Travel: 30% travel (local)

Duration: 2 years (renewable)

WaterAid is a leading international non-governmental organization focused on increasing sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in the poorest communities in the developing world. WaterAid works in 35 countries, and over the 38 years of its existence, it has reached over 25.8 million people with clean water and 25.1 million people with decent toilets.

A key programmatic priority for WaterAid Nigeria using our 2016-2021 country programme strategy (CPS) influencing approach is to support institutional capacity to improve WASH service delivery systems in small towns and to invest in and scale-up access to sustainable WASH services in North-Eastern part of Nigeria. This is in the face of the reality that while access to clean water for Nigerian households has generally increased from 46.1% in 2000 to 67.3% in 2015, access to WASH services in small towns has declined, especially in the North-East of the country where insecurity has ravaged greater parts of the affected States. At the same time, sanitation coverage has declined from 36.5% to 32.6% in the country. The situation is worse in the northeast as many communities have been sacked by the Boko Haram insurgents and are now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where WASH services is in greater demand with low supply.

Purpose of Role

The WASH Specialist under the Strengthening Institutional Capacity And Development (SICAD) For Small Town WASH Services in North-East Nigeria project  will be an experienced WASH Institutional Capacity Development and Policy Expert who will effectively and successfully manage the implementation process of the project in small towns, LGAs and State. S/he will be a project management expert.

Accountabilities

Specifically, the WASH Specialist’s responsibilities will include the following:

• Effective coordination of the implementation process of the WaterAid component of the project in the State through established government WASH institutions in the State.
• Effective management and coordination with other project staff, particularly other key experts of the project in the State.
• Effective coordination and communication with the DCOP in Adamawa and WaterAid Head Office in Abuja and the project donor (USAID) on matters of the project that will ensure successful delivery of the project in the State.
• Contributing to developing annual, quarterly and monthly plans of action for the smooth running and implementation of the project in the State.
• Work in collaboration with State government officials with a view to ensuring their State aspirations for improved WASH services in the States are met
• In collaboration with the State government officials of the WASH institutions, strengthen institutions through policy initiation, policy dialogue and consultation for improved WASH services in the States.
• Support the State to develop or review State level WASH Policies and sector Laws with a view to strengthening institutional capacities to improve WASH service delivery in the State.
• Support the State to carry out an institutional capacity gap assessment with a view to developing a capacity building plan for WASH sector of the State.
• Work with State level MDAs to identify strong CSOs and build their capacities in the demand for WASH services and increased access to WASH services in the State.
• Ensure that small town WASH management structures are established, trained and sustained to carry out operation and maintenance of water schemes in their towns.
• Ensure that State level WASH institutions are strengthened to support sustainable small town WASH facilities
• Engage in massive sanitation and sanitation marketing approaches with a view to accelerating household sanitation uptake and develop strategies for sustainably operating institution sanitation facilities.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of all consultancies or any other work commissioned under the project in the State.
• Act swiftly and timely upon recognition of any opportunity to improve WASH service delivery in the State.
• Be innovative and creative in the implementation process of the project in the State.
• Be responsible for drafting Terms of Reference (ToR) for and consultancies needed for the project in conjunction with the DCOP.
• Submit monthly progress reports or any other reports as may be required by the project to the Head of WASH services of WaterAid
• Participate in any other assignment as may be directed by the Director of Programmes or the Country Director of WaterAid from time to time.

Scope/method of operation

The WASH Specialist who shall work directly under the DCOP and with dotted responsibilities to the COP, will lead the WaterAid Component of the project, which is OUTCOME 2: IMPROVED WASH SECTOR POLICY AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES IMPLEMENTED BY SMALL TOWN WASH AGENCIES

The WASH Specialist will therefore be responsible for all outcomes and result under outcome 2. Community management processes for small town WASH sustainability shall be paramount to the success of this project.

The WASH Specialist will report to the DCOP of the project resident in Adamawa, who is also an employee of WaterAid but shall equally work very closely with other project staff for effective coordination and communication. The DCOP shall take responsibility for the overall delivery of the component of WaterAid with the effective support of the WASH Specialists in Borno and Yobe States

Person Specification.

Essential Criteria

Qualification:

The proposed WASH Specialist should have at least 5 years’ experience in internationally funded projects. A minimum of a Master degree in at least one of the followings: Civil Engineering; Geology or Hydrogeology; Environmental Sciences; or other related disciplines, but with vast knowledge and experience in institutional development and capacity strengthening. A work knowledge and experience of work with or on USAID supported projects/programmes will be an added advantage.

General professional experience:

A minimum of 10 years post qualification experience in institutional capacity development, policy formulation.

Specific professional experience:

At least 5 years’ experience in the Nigerian WASH Sector with adequate knowledge of policy, institutional structure, capacity development, regulatory framework including private sector engagement, CSO engagement and citizenship empowerment. Must have adequate knowledge of the North-east environment, be proficient in use of Hausa and English languages. Must be proficient in computer skills, especially in MS-Office. 

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.

Please note: to apply for this role you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in Nigeria.

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct.

WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We particularly encourage applications from women who are underrepresented at this level in the organisation.

Only candidates shortlisted for interviewing will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date for applications.