Job Vacancies at United Purpose

Background:

United Purpose (UP) is an international development organisation that works to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest communities. In Nigeria, UP has been working for almost two decades with local partners and rural communities to implement projects funded by international donors. Addressing areas of gender inequalities and rights abuses, improving sanitation and access to water, fostering accountability, preserving vital ecosystems, and developing sustainable development livelihoods.

In Nigeria, we partner with Federal, State and Local Governments, other civil society organisations, and communities to implement development interventions reaching thousands of rural people each year. Several funding partners currently fund the Nigeria Country Programme, including the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF – former WSSCC), Unicef, the Welsh Government, etc.

United Purpose has been nominated as SHF Primary Recipient in Nigeria for a three-year project focused on facilitating sustainable access to improved sanitation and hygiene services using marketbased approaches in 3 states: Ogun, Bauchi and Jigawa. United Purpose is the consortium's lead, which regroups three other organisations.

The project's primary participatory approach is Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and the Market-Based Approach. The M&E of the Project is a regular assessment process and support function for all Project and partner staff. The emphasis is on an M&E participatory approach with communities and partners. The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer will provide support in monitoring and evaluating ongoing Project activities, outputs and outcomes in sanitation, hygiene, MHH and the market-based approach at State and LGA level. They will support the analysis and interpretation based on verified data to demonstrate the programme's performance. They will take the support on all contract technical reporting. Moreover, the incumbent 2 is expected to promote key learnings in the Project and broader sharing and learning in UP and SHF.

Job Purpose:

The project will take a market-based approach to increase access to improved sanitation, hygiene and MHH services, developing product solutions and approaches that are evidence-based and effective, to be demonstrated for scaling. It will work in Open Defecation Free (ODF), and Open Defecation (OD) practicing Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi, Jigawa and Ogun states, developing and demonstrating context-specific approaches. It will incorporate global expertise on Market-based Sanitation (MBS) and build the capacity of local NGOs. The program will define how MBS can effectively be combined with CLTS to move households directly from OD to durable, at least basic levels of service and test how ODF communities can be raised on the sanitation ladder by MBS, reducing common risks of ODF slippage.

More information about the background, aims and objectives of the SHF are found here: https://www.shfund.org/

The Role:

United Purpose (UP) is seeking a full-time, State Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer who will contribute to implementing activities for the project. This position will support the implementation of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) projects and is aimed at (WASH) professionals with good knowledge of WASH development issues. The initial focus of the post-holder will be to support the agreed used database to monitor the areas of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning and State and LGA and feed all reports to the overall MEAL for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The State Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer will have the responsibility to monitor the areas of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning for the development of a sanitation market in the selected LGAs to increase access to improved sanitation, hygiene and MHH services They will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Technical M&E lead and advice:

• Use the agreed M&E tools for measuring and reporting indicators performance; develop indicator guidance reference sheet for activity output and outcome indicators

• Provide technical support in developing baseline surveys, assessments and studies.

• Contribute to updating the log-frame and results against Project indicators at state and LGA level with more detailed input provided towards preparing annual reports.

• Use the agreed questionnaires and conduct field interviews of the various stakeholders involved in the project

• Visit project sites at LGA for monitoring and quality assurance of water point construction and repairs.

• Monitoring and data checks on rural water supply activities at LGA to ensure reporting compliance.

• Work collaboratively with other Project to strengthen integration and cross-learning in the country Project and with Donors.

Training and supporting partners:

• Capacity building of partners and local government authorities.

• To supervise regular data collection through implementing partners at LGA and State and ensure the quality of the data by verifications and validations.

• Provide feedback to partners and staff on project performance based on data collected and findings, and lead partner staff in reviewing project plans as part of the learning and sharing process.

Reporting:

• Provide weekly and monthly updates reports as per the approved format, summarising the progress made in project implementation, lessons learned recommendations for improvement, and case studies at LGA

Documentation and learning:

• Manage the Project’s Monitoring & Evaluation and learning system at State and LGA while ensuring adequate technical capacity to enhance the system's performance to achieve optimal program reporting.

• Targeted analysis and information gathering on the WASH sector.

• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the community/civil society/Local Government level, ensuring a common understanding of the project's objectives and outcomes.

Other reasonable duties may be assigned to you that are consistent with the job and its level of responsibility. These will require pre-approval by your line manager.

Person Specification:

• Preferably a Master's degree in Monitoring and Impact Evaluation and statistical analysis using programs coupled with at least 3-6 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation in WASH programs, preferably with partners or sub-recipients and multi-donor setup.

• Knowledge and understanding of project monitoring and evaluation

• Knowledge of the current M&E trends and especially M&E systems in development organisations and Practical experience in rural water-point maintenance and monitoring

• Experience in WASH Programming in Nigeria and familiarity with the WASH sector and key stakeholders

• Good abilities for training, mentoring, and coaching skills (supervising enumerators and field staff)

• Good technical writing skills, presentation, facilitation, abilities for synthesisProactive, resourceful and results-oriented

• Must be a good team player, honest, dependable and willing to be flexible with work hours

• Fluent in written and spoken English, with the ability to speak local languages

Desirable:

• Gender, intercultural and interfaith 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 Project.

What we offer:

This position offers the opportunity to gain experience with an international NGO whilst receiving mentoring and learning on best practice global WASH approaches and issues. We provide a competitive salary and benefits package and, above all, a respectful and empowering working

Languages:

• Fluent in written and spoken English.

• Knowledge of Hausa and/or Yoruba is a plus

Terms and Conditions:

Salary and Benefits: An attractive package dependent on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

Duration of contract: One year with a yearly renewal of contract subject to performance and continued availability of funds.

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Background

United Purpose (UP) is an international development organisation that works to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest communities. In Nigeria, UP has been working for almost two decades with local partners and rural communities to implement projects funded by international donors. Addressing areas of gender inequalities and rights abuses, improving sanitation and access to water, fostering accountability, preserving vital ecosystems, and developing sustainable development livelihoods.

In Nigeria, we partner with Federal, State and Local Governments, other civil society organisations, and communities to implement development interventions reaching thousands of rural people each year. Several funding partners currently fund the Nigeria Country Programme, including the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF – former WSSCC), Unicef, the Welsh Government, etc.

United Purpose has been nominated as SHF Primary Recipient in Nigeria for a three-year programme focused on facilitating sustainable access to improved sanitation and hygiene services through market-based approaches in 3 states: Ogun, Bauchi and Jigawa. United Purpose is the consortium's lead, which regroups three other organisations.

Job Purpose

The Project WASH Engineer is required to oversee the quality and timely delivery of the hardware component of the project. This role is responsible for conducting the design/reviews of Bill of Quantity (BoQs), infrastructure designs such as schools toilets, hand pump boreholes and motorised water schemes and all project construction and rehabilitation activities. The project WASH Engineer is also responsible for site supervision of ongoing construction. This role will include the construction work that will likely be undertaken through government co-funding.

Responsibilities:

Planning and Coordination;

• Undertake proper planning and coordination of contractors’ work ensuring good use of budget allocation.
• Ensure that all contractors deliver high-quality work based on specified standards through proper use of materials (no waste or overbudgeting) thereby ensuring value for money.

Technical;

• Ensure the development of accurate Bill of Quantities (BoQs) and detailed technical drawings for all the WASH interventions in liaison with relevant technical staff from the government authorities
• Ensure all constructions implemented in the state are in line with United Purpose’s technical design specifications and national standards.
• Supervise and be responsible for all the technical aspect of construction activities, make sure that contractors complete project work in a timely, efficient and accurate manner with respect to standard engineering
• Guarantee the compliance of construction standards as well as the security practices at the project site.
• Contribute to the development of constructive solutions to challenges identified by the community and contractors.

M&E;

• Provide regular written and verbal reports to the State Project Coordinator and Project Manager on the infrastructure development activities.
• Provide feedback to the monitoring and evaluation system in order to assess the effectiveness and the impact of the projects and propose recommendations for improvement.
• With the help of the State Project Coordinator and the contractors, develop and maintain weekly, monthly plans and written comprehensive records of engineering work undertaken in the project, including site visits and reporting of work progress.

Sustainability;

• Ensure community involvement at all phases of the infrastructure construction and the development of community ownership of the project through the identification and training of technicians and masons.
• Support the functionality of community management structures in line with best practices in every location where United Purpose has supported the construction or rehabilitation of WASH infrastructures.
• Support the development of a viable system that ensures the maintenance of services (WASH) and that involves community structures, state structures, and private sector participation.

Communication;

• Work in close collaboration with the United Purpose’s communication team and voices from the field in the state to generate success stories and case studies showcasing the quality of United Purpose’s work in the State.

Others;

• Ensure the mainstreaming of United Purpose’s key programme delivery approaches in the state including equity, inclusion and gender (EIG), sustainability models, Risk Management, Health and Safety strategies/guidelines/policies etc.
• Facilitate and maintain a good professional relationship between United Purpose, communities and contractors

Qualifications

• A Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Geology or other related disciplines;

Experience

• At least three years of experience in a similar position/related
• Demonstrable professional experience in supervising and managing community WASH programs
• Experience with design and construction of water and sanitation facilities.
• Good understanding of national environmental standards, regulations and guidelines will be an advantage
• Demonstrable understanding of development programme management approaches

Skills

• Excellent program implementation skills
• Good communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in computer use and Microsoft Office Tools
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.

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.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Hausa and/or Yoruba is a plus

Terms and Conditions

Salary and Benefits: An attractive package dependent on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

Duration of contract: One year with a yearly renewal of contract subject to performance and continued availability of funds.

go to method of application »

Main Purpose:

The Project Support Officer will specifically support the non-state partners (sub-grantees) at LGA and community levels to increase access to improved sanitation, hygiene and Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) services, empowering sub-grantees and partners to deliver on the project objectives in the LGA. The Project Support Officer will contribute to sustainable service delivery in the LGA-wide Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), Market-based Sanitation (MBS), Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) and WASH in Schools (WiNs).

A significant level of effort will be providing direct support at the field level to LGAs and non-state partners (sub-grantees). They will specifically support the non-state implementing partners at the LGA level. 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 Project Coordinator and Project Manager.

The Project Support Officer is a member of the programme team with United Purpose and will be working closely with partner staff and the LGA WASH departments/units, and other non-state partners to implement the different components of the Programme at the LGA level. They will also work closely with UP's Finance and Accounting Team, linking the LGA WASH department/Unit and other LGA level partners' finance teams.

Responsibilities:

• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in activities at the LGA level, particularly LGA WASH departments/units, consortium member organisations, non-state actors and volunteers, to ensure the effective implementation of activities in achieving Project results.
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the Local Government level, ensuring a common understanding of the programme objectives with reference to the Logical Framework Approach (LFA). The Project Support Officer is expected to ensure full commitment to the Programme, including cost-sharing by all partners. This will include supporting the timely delivery of human and material resources in the participating LGAs.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per the approved format summarising the progress made in implementing 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 Project indicators quarterly with more detailed inputs for preparing annual reports.
• As part of the programme team, fully adopt the project cycle management (PCM), including the LFA and a results-based performance management approach.
• Work closely with State Project Coordinator and consortium partners on the programme (WASH and enterprise) structures at the LGA level towards identifying capacity-building needs for effective delivery of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and Market-based Sanitation (MBS) intervention towards the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) and increase in the purchase of improved sanitation and hygiene products in all communities.
• Assist in building a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, product sales, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Support the State Programme Coordinator in reviewing the LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in formulating strategies, plans, and budgets to achieve Total Sanitation and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and people) in the Project LGA.
• Provide technical input for the preparation/design of surveys and studies and play an active role in data collection and dissemination of findings under the Project 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 Market-based Sanitation, 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 the approved format summarising the progress made in implementing 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 Project indicators quarterly with more detailed input for preparing annual reports.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide feedback to partners and Project team on Project's performance based on data collected and findings
• Assist the Project team in building the capacity of LGA WASH departments/units, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Toilet Business Enterprises, Sales Agents etc
• Assist the Project team in developing human stories for publication
• Assist State Project Coordinator in conducting annual and quarterly planning and review processes.
• Support the eventual design and dissemination of research studies by providing relevant input
• Assist the MERO, State Project Coordinator, and Project Manager in developing quarterly and annual reports
• Assist the State Project Coordinator and Project Manager in developing annual and quarterly work plans and budgets for the project
• Assist State Project Coordinator in reviewing Project plans as part of the learning and sharing process
• Provide strategic support towards the putting in place and use of the Project M&E Framework and support plans and activities of the Project.
• Share learning with the wider UP country Project team
• Support partners in improving learning and sharing mechanisms in their Project
• Promote a culture of two-way learning in UP more widely
• Work collaboratively with the State Project Coordinator and Project team to strengthen integration and cross-learning in the country programme
• Show an eagerness to take on any other tasks where appropriate by the line-manager

Minimum Requirements:

• Commitment to United Purpose's Vision, Mission and Values
• At least a diploma in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Rural Development, Social Sciences or field related to WASH
• Knowledge and understanding of working with LGAs and community-based organisations
• Strong experience and understanding of the Nigerian WASH sector and the state landscape/priorities.

Experience

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in implementing Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) projects. Or other related market-based projects.
• Relevant knowledge and experience in Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programming.
• Good experience with implementing Menstrual Health and Hygiene projects in schools and communities.
• Good experience and understanding of WASH in Schools (WiNs) interventions.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in sanitation projects, funded by international donors, including expertise in technical reporting
• Strong experience in report writing.
• Proven track record of capacity building/training for stakeholders, including at the community level and for local institutions
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development

Skills

• Excellent planning, coordination, and prioritisation skills
• Strong facilitation, diplomatic, and interpersonal skills
• Good command of the English language and written and verbal fluency.
• Good knowledge of the local language of the LGA.
• Excellent communication and team-working skills with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally.
• Experience with data collection and management.
• Good computer knowledge with command of MS Office
• Ability to facilitate training for community-based organisations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse and performance-related environment
• A 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

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.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Hausa and/or Yoruba is a plus

go to method of application »

Background

United Purpose (UP) is an international development organisation that works to sustainably reduce poverty and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest communities. In Nigeria, UP has been working for almost two decades with local partners and rural communities to implement projects funded by international donors. Addressing areas of gender inequalities and rights abuses, improving sanitation and access to water, fostering accountability, preserving vital ecosystems, and developing sustainable development livelihoods.

In Nigeria, we partner with Federal, State and Local Governments, other civil society organisations, and communities to implement development interventions reaching thousands of rural people each year. Several funding partners currently fund the Nigeria Country Programme, including the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF – former WSSCC), Unicef, the Welsh Government, etc.

United Purpose has been nominated as SHF Primary Recipient in Nigeria for a three-year programme focused on facilitating sustainable access to improved sanitation and hygiene services through market-based approaches in 3 states: Ogun, Bauchi and Jigawa. United Purpose is the consortium's lead, which regroups three other organisations.

Job Purpose

The State Project Coordinator will contribute to sustainable service delivery in selected LGAs in the State. They will specifically support the consortium partners, the two LGA Project Officers, and non-state implementing partners at the state level.

The aim is to improve sanitation coverage and hygiene behaviour through a market-based approach, empowering state-level stakeholders to deliver on the project objectives. A significant level of effort will be undertaken at the UP head office in Abuja while 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 (DIP) and in consultation with the Project Manager.

The State Project Coordinator is a member of the programme team and provides technical assistance in overall LGA and non-state partner staff implementation. As part of the programme team, they would work closely with the UP Finance and Accounting Team, sub-grantees and LGA support staff.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate project activities in the State in collaboration with consortium partners and sub-grantees.
• Liaise/coordinate with and between all bodies and institutions involved in the Project activities at the state level, particularly RUWASSA, State Tasks Groups on Sanitation and WASH Management Teams, and ensure effective implementation of activities for the delivery of SHF Project outputs and outcomes
• Participate in regular meetings with key stakeholders at the State level, ensuring a common understanding of the Project objectives with reference to the Logical Framework Approach (LFA). You are expected to ensure total commitment to the Project, including cost-sharing by all partners. This will include providing support towards the timely delivery of human and material resources to the participating LGAs
• Work closely with LGA Technical Support Officers on the Project and WASH structures at the State and LGA level to develop capacity needs assessments and training requirements to achieve effective CLTS delivery and Open Defecation Free (ODF). Assist in efforts to build a resource pool of trained personnel in CLTS triggering, hygiene promotion, appropriate technology support, and monitoring & evaluation. In addition, identify needed support from State Agency for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation to assist participating LGAs' WASH Department/ Units on community mobilisation, establishment and training of tasks groups on sanitation, advocacy and participatory planning.
• Work closely with consortium partners on the State's market-based sanitation (MBS) activities.
• Support the Project Manager in reviewing the State & LGA Level WASH sector plans and budgets and assist in formulating strategies, plans and budgets to achieve project goals and the subsequent deployment of resources (funds and human resources) in the Programme targeted State.
• Provide technical inputs in the preparation and design of surveys and studies, and play an active role in the dissemination of survey results and study findings under the Project among stakeholders; as part of increasing their understanding of sector issues and emerging approaches, and thereby facilitate scaling up of successful approaches to LGAs, not in the Project catchment area
• Provide regular supportive supervision and monitoring of the Project activities of the State RUWASSA, STGS, NGOs/CBOs and Private Sector based on agreed plans, targets, and technical design, specifications and standards
• Support the State Authority to maintain a regular flow of information to relevant stakeholders, including monitoring counterpart funds contribution.
• Assist the State Authority in implementing a monitoring system for improved decision-making based on the Project M&E framework.
• Network closely with other implementing agencies/entities in the two LGAs and ensure maximising synergies in health and education for replication and scaling up opportunities.
• Provide weekly updates and monthly reports as per the approved format summarising the progress made in implementing activities, and lessons learnt and recommendations for improvement, including ad hoc reports and human interest stories that may be needed. In addition, contribute to updating the results-based framework in-line with programme indicators every quarter with more detailed inputs provided towards the preparation of annual reports

As part of the Project team, fully adopt a results-based performance management approach.

Specific Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• A University degree in Public Health, Sanitation Engineering, Sociology, Rural Development, or any other relevant degree related to WASH development assistance.

Experience

• Five years of relevant experience in successfully managing development projects funded by international donors, including knowledge of grant management and reporting experience in monitoring and evaluating WASH projects
• 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 the community level and for local institutions
• Solid knowledge and understanding of community-based approaches to development

Skills

• Excellent planning, coordination and prioritisation skills
• Strong facilitation, diplomatic and interpersonal skills
• Good command of writing in English
• Good knowledge of Hausa
• Knowledge and understanding of working with the State and LGAs
• Excellent communication and team-working skills, with the ability to build good relations, both internally and externally
• Excellent computer knowledge with command on MS Excel among other packages of MS Office
• Ability to facilitate training for community-based organisations and government stakeholders
• Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse and performance-related environment
• A 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.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Yoruba is a plus