WASH Specialist

Organizational Overview

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. Habitat for Humanity has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia (HFHE) is a branch of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). HEHE is currently operating under Africa Habitat for Humanity International. Since it started operation in 1993, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has supported thousands of families and individuals. Initially focused on mortgage houses for families affected by poverty and other vulnerabilities, the organization has expanded its efforts to incorporate vulnerable group housing, urban slum upgrading, urban resilience building, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and Disaster Risk Reduction Response (DR3)-WASH Resilience Building.

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of the WASH Specialist position is the day-to-day implementation of the WASH Projects. He/she will be mainly assigned to WASH in community projects. The WASH Specialist will be in charge of technical aspects of WASH construction activities as well as reporting and documentation processes. S/he ensures the proper and quality implementation of WASH projects in Addis Ababa and in the regions where HFHE has a presence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence with HFHE WASH policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines.
• Follow up of WASH work with (i.e., Construction Supervisor, Hygiene & Sanitation Officer, and Sanitation Marketing Officer).
• Attending in WASH cluster meetings and all other cluster meetings in the Addis Ababa and/or regional level.
• Implement delegated WASH project portfolio according to
• plan of action.
• Prepare and develop status reports as required by the WASH Manager.
• Ensure proper filing of documents; ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need and explore and asses new and better ways to assist.
• Manage all the phases of the WASH activities including but not limited to, beneficiary selection, project planning, field assistance, project implementation, and evaluation.
• Implement technical direction and ensure high technical quality of projects, leading WASH technical assistants onsite.
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders.
• Participate in HFHE staff and seminars and training, when scheduled.
• Work closely with all WASH project stakeholders.
• Keeping on track recording of training data and program documents; participate actively in project coordination meetings.
• Coordinate closely his or her activities with the Senior WASH Program Manager.
• Assist the Project Manager on planning, organizing, facilitating, and monitoring of projects.
• Manage budget within his/her domain of responsibility and preparation and compilation of WASH reports (both narrative and financial).
• Ensure that all measures have been taken and rules followed to ensure safety and security on-site.
• Assist the WASH Team in the direct implementation of project activities.
• Assure adequate compliance and adherence to available SoPs and Guidelines.
• Assess regularly the WASH implementation and determine adjustment needs as appropriate.
• Collect any relevant information from the communities and partners in the area for improved service delivery.
• Analyze and monitor the results of the WASH activities.
• Participate in the needs assessment and the selection of the beneficiaries according to the minimum standards.
• Support the adequate mobilization and implementation of the soft WASH activities (the information sessions and campaigns related to hygiene and health promotion, waste management, and others).
• Prepare procurement plans against approved work plans and ensure timely initiation of procurement requests in line with established guidelines and procedures.
• Monitor and track budget expenditure and burn rates, flagging over/under expenditures and recommending corrective measures in a timely manner.
• Prepare monthly budget forecasts with reference to the overall program annual budget forecast and submit them to the country office on time.
• Ensure proper contracting, field-level oversight, works certification, and payment preparation processes for contractors and other service providers engaged to execute WASH works.
• Directly supervise the WASH team comprising of technical expertise. Conduct annual staff Performance Monitoring and Development.
• Review for the employees directly supervised.
• Ensure team motivation and teamwork and promote open communication and feedback channels.

Minimum Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in water resource engineering, water and environmental engineering, water supply and sanitation engineering.
• At least Five years of relevant work experience in WASH OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Develop a program plan, ensure its smooth implementation, and manage the team’s performance of project tasks and activities that may include, but are not limited to:
• Supervise and coordinate the field implementation of WASH project activities.
• Plan field activities, supervise staff, community workers, and any potential contractors, and ensure a follow-up of the different activities with regard to the agreed planning, guidelines, standards, and requirements.
• Duration of the contract: 2 years with possibility of extension.

Salary:  Negotiable 

Required number: -      1

Vacancy Closing date: -   May 25, 2024

How To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to send their non–non-returnable application by quoting the position in the subject matter including an updated CV and application and contact details of three work-related referees, (including HR and Immediate supervisor) you can submit your application through hfheapplication@habitatethiopia.org. The closing date for submitting applications is within 10 days of this announcement. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further screening.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

Active Supporter of HFHI Values:

Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. 

Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.