ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The WASH associate will be responsible for provision of professional technical support and guidance on activities within the areas of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) in the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Furthermore, the incumbent is required to play a lead role in formulating appropriate project proposals and assistance activities that should be incorporated into the relevant operation programmes of UNHCR. In order to ensure wider reach out to the refugees and other persons of concern (ex: host community) and ensure their close involvement in the delivery and management of WASH and shelter services, the incumbent will need to establish an appropriate consultative and monitoring framework which would draw the experience and expertise of a wide range of actors both internally and externally.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

• WASH services provided to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR are based on UNHCR and /or internationally recognised and most up-to-date standards and policies.
• Sound technical support and advice are provided to the operation under AOR in the field of WASH.
• There is viable monitoring and evaluation system in place for data collection, analysis and interpretation to serve as evidence base for planning and interventions.

Responsibility 

• Provide technical assistance to UNHCR office and programme under AOR in the development, integration and mainstreaming of appropriate and cost effective WASH programmes.
• Undertake needs and resource assessments with Governments and partners in order to prioritize needs and activities in provision of services to refugees and others persons of concern to UNHCR.
• Support operations under AOR to define the WASH strategy at AOR level.
• Support operation under AOR to participate in review and analysis of relevant project proposal and budgetary submissions presented by UNHCR partners.
• Maintain and update WASH contingency plans for potential epidemics, refugee and returnee movement.
• Work in a multi-sectorial and coordinated approach in co-operation with Governments, UN agencies, non-Governmental organizations and other humanitarian partners.
• Work closely with UNHCR programme, health/field, protection and CRRF to identify priority WASH  and key data requirements for programme planning and monitoring to ensure that minimum UNHCR and international standards are being met.
• Use community-based approaches, including clear involvement of refugees and other persons of concern in WASH.
• Ensure regular update and share information within UNHCR as well as with relevant Government, UN and NGO counterparts.
• Facilitate capacity strengthening activities of UNHCR and its implementing/operational partners to address key areas of WASH.
• Provide other related duties as required.

Authority

• Provide guidance and recommendations on WASH programmes in AoR.
• Represent UNHCR in WASH meetings as well as in technical monitoring of activities.

Grade

• LICA - 6

Type of Appointment

• Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)

Contract Duration

• Six (6) months

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in water and sanitation engineering / water resources development / civil engineering disciplines/ architecture,  plus minimum 5 years of previous work experience relevant to the function.
• Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master) plus 3 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
• Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common objective in the area of WASH.
• Proven technical expertise in area of WASH assessment including surveys, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination.
• Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles. Experience of working in Tigray and Afar region.
• Excellent knowledge of English, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.
• Proficiency in basic computer software such as MS Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, water modelling software, GIS.