Water Analyst Officer at Solidarites International

Mission

• The Water Analyst Officer reports to the WASH Technical Advisor, the Water Analyst Officer shall play a vital role towards overseeing teams in the field to support WMCs on routine safe water treatment and quality HH monitoring
• He shall also operate the Regional Water Quality lab in Maiduguri and conduct regular water quality surveillance in SI areas of operation in the NE/NW.
• The Officer also expected to devise innovative solutions to address the complex potable water supply Challenges in NE and NW Nigeria.
• They shall routinely coordinate closely with SI WASH teams in the field locations including Team leaders, water supply officers and Hygiene Promoters.
• They shall ensure continuous stocking and replenishment of SI Maiduguri WQ and mobile water labs in SI field offices and be ready to travel at short notice to respond to Cholera outbreaks CAATI response and water quality crises in locations.
• S/he shall take the initiative to interact with counterparts in Govt departments and sister agencies to promote a collaborative effort to safe water in the region. 
• The Office shall also be responsible for training of staff/interns, archiving and reviewing WQ quality database and reporting- progress and results analysis, all the time respecting deadlines and technical specifications, standards and requirements.

Main Tasks
Water quality Analysis:

• Complete analysis of water samples collected as well as provided by the field teams according to water sampling protocols and procedures and properly document results as per WHO and Nigeria WQ guidelines.
• Communicate WQ analysis results to Team Leader and Activity Manager of the concerned base once they have been reviewed by WASH Technical Advisor /WASH COO.
• Prepare annual plans for WQ operations in consultation with WASH Technical Advisor and in coordination with TLs and AMs.
• Conduct or support emergency CATI cholera response as may be requested by RRM unit.
• Develop and manage a standardized water quality database for the mission.
• Relay of WQ results to Hygiene personnel to map and feedback to affected Households.
• Check the quality and quantity of samples delivered by the field.
• Identify problems during implementation and suggest improvements to the process, which includes regular visits to field sites to provide technical support to assigned field team and organize training if needed.
• Initiate and/or implement water quality surveys/studies as may be required.

Operation of the Laboratory:

• Secure the materials of water analysis activities daily basis,
• Ensure that the materials and tools are stored in appropriate place and manner,
• Ensure the maintenance and the proper operating of all SI material related to water analysis,
• Ensure the material is properly used by field teams and organize training if needed,
• Manage the stock of chemicals & materials under the supervision of his/her direct supervisor and support on anticipating, preparing the order for replenishing stock, consulting field WQ focal points to include their needs.

Reporting / Communication / Representation / Training:

• Follow SI rules (logistics & administration, security) in order to arrange and conduct field missions in different SI bases and fields of intervention.
• Report back to his/her line Manager before, any additional information related to WASH related activities or any event that may affect Solidarités International activities and security.
• Work under the supervision of the Technical Advisor and in close consultation with Team Leaders to ensure that water quality BOQs and M&E indicators are integrated in proposals and ME plans, and that archiving is done timely.
• Produce activity progress reports in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with WASH Maiduguri and field teams in accordance with SI guidelines.
• Coordinate with support staff (logistic and administration) as well as counterparts in Govt departments and sister agencies.
• Demonstrate and promote SI code of conduct while holding other SI colleagues and agents accountable.
• Train Interns and WASH teams in the field, ensuring post training evaluation.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• HND / B.Eng in Civil and Water Resources Engineering, B.Sc. Geology, Laboratory technology, Water Resources Development or in one of the Civil Engineering disciplines of water supply and/or Hydrology, Hydrogeology.

Professional experience:

• Minimum of 1 year in water quality analysis, water quality laboratory operations; knowledge of Water sector activities and Cholera response.
• Past experiences in WASH project with INGO/NNGO, government or private institution

Languages:

• English mandatory and at least local language widely spoken in NE/NW is an added advantage.

Technical Competencies:

• Understanding of Hydrochemistry, Water Quality treatment, Analysis, reporting and database archiving;
• Understanding of Water Safety plans, Practical experience in conventional and Mobile laboratory techniques; wide grasp of conventional laboratory apparatus and equipment and reagents;
• Computer skills;
• Good understanding of the link between Water quality and Hygiene.
• GIS mapping and experience with Wagtech Lab Technology is added advantage.
• IT skills: Good knowledge of office Excel, Word, Outlook.
• Personal Qualities: Coordination/collaboration skills, Excellent Leadership and Interpersonal skills, details oriented and ability to work with little or no supervision, Excellent planning, team player, Commitment to work, integrity, Team spirit, Ethical behavior, Time consciousness.

What We Offer
Salary + Food & housing contribution + Social benefits (medical coverage, 24 days of Annual leaves per year, compassionate leaves, public holidays as announced by government, festive bonus, Life insurance - covering death and permanent disability) etc.