Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Officer at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Purpose

• The WASH officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing WASH and Civil infrastructure projects in the field in line with cluster standards and organizational guidelines.
• This role involves working closely with affected communities, local authorities, and partner organizations to design, plan, and manage WASH and Civil infrastructure interventions that meet the needs of displaced populations and ensure their safety and comfort.
• Undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of Shelter and Settlement activities in accordance with laid down procedures.
• To this end, the WASH officer will liaise with DRC staff across departments to ensure compliance with DRC WASH SOPs and the maintenance of SOP-compliant records during programming as directed by the WASH Team Leader.
• Additionally, the role of the WASH officer is to ensure the development and implementation of an efficient, accountable, durable solution and measurable WASH and Civil infrastructure program in the areas where DRC is operational and within the geographical area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities
General Programming & Operations:

• Carrying out WASH and Civil infrastructure needs assessment for returnees, refugees and IDPs using results in designing intervention measures.
• Carrying out the selection, design, BOQs and construction of WASH and Civil infrastructure solutions in use by DRC and the sector.
• Monitor WASH activities, construction works progress, and schedule following the project plan and take appropriate actions.
• Ensure archiving of WASH logs and procurement records.
• Ensure efficient and Effective program implementation while following the work plan. 
• Participate in preparing and Providing Inputs monthly/quarterly/annual highlights/ reports
• Mobilization of beneficiary communities to maintain the established WASH and Civil infrastructure resources.
• Training and Capacity building of existing  or new water committee
• Provide technical and programmatic leadership for community-based mechanisms in operational areas as needed.
• Based in the field to ensure WASH tasks are going on as planned and mentoring - through technical backstopping and training of duty bearers.

Coordination and representation:

• Collaborate with relevant Internal and External technical experts on issues related to WASH and Civil infrastructure.
• Represent DRC at WASH meetings and other relevant technical coordination meetings at the field level if needed.
• Ensure integration and support of WASH and Civil infrastructure activities with other DRC sectors.
• Coordinate with WASH, RRM, and Shelter counterparts in other locations in the implementation of commonly funded projects.
• Ensure good representation and reputation of the WASH sector at all levels.
• Actively participate in internal and field coordination meetings.

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ M&E tools
• Assist in the management of WASH project grants through PR and PO tracking
• Monitor and Evaluate WASH and Civil infrastructure Projects in the field level
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of WASH activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.
• Prepare WaSH weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to relevant authorities as per need.

Logistics / Finance:

• Support the line Manager to monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-ups.
• Support in initiating procurements and ensure their execution.
• Assist the line manager to ensure distribution plans are prepared and shared with relevant support units.
• Contribute to grants management of all WASH projects through management of day-to-day project expenditures with line manager.
• Assist the WASH/Shelter  Coordinator in developing a procurement plan at the start of the project cycle to forecast procurement needs.
• Under delegation from the WASH/Shelter  Coordinator, coordinate with the supply chain to facilitate procurement of supplies and services
• Support in ensuring adequate stock of critical supplies at all times, particularly factoring in seasonal access limitations (wet season).

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support in developing and implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s WASH/Shelter  strategy in Nigeria.
• Support in developing appropriate WASH tools and ensure their implementation.

Experience and technical competencies
Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil / Water Engineering or Architecture from a recognized institution.
• Desirable: Degree in Engineering or equivalent field with relevant work experiences

Essential:

• At least 3 years’ experience in the implementation and evaluation of WASH and Civil Infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of WASH, Civil Infrastructure Approaches and SHERE Standard
• Good IT skills (especially MS Office).
• Basic in AutoCAD or suitable design software.
• Knowledge of Sokoto and Northwest Humanitarian context

Desirable:

• Project Planning and Management is an added advantage
• Experience working in emergency response with NGOs, preferably in Northwest humanitarian context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.
• Fluency in Hausa is a requirement.

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.