Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in more than 50 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages programs in 7 countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA implements more than $60 million in programs annually, and approximately 1,500 permanent employees based in New York City, Washington D.C, Nairobi, and country offices. Additional growth is anticipated.
Action Against Hunger has been present in Kenya since 2001 and is a transformative leader in nutrition security for improved quality of life among vulnerable communities. Action Against Hunger wants to contribute to the optimal functional performance of National, County, and Community systems through strategic partnerships for innovative nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions to achieve its impact. The organization recognizes gender equality as central to its core strategy towards realization of effective and sustainable outcomes on nutrition, WASH and surveillance interventions. Action Against Hunger is currently implementing activities in West Pokot, Mandera, Samburu, Isiolo, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia counties.
1. Summary of position
The WASH officer shall take charge of technical aspects of Emergency WASH and Community based water supply system and Hygiene promotion on behalf of the program under the supervision of the Program Manager. His/her main roles and in consultation with the WASH Program Manager and the county government technical teams shall include; planning, implementation, (technical oversights), monitoring and evaluation of high-quality, innovative WASH projects.
Purpose:
The WASH officer shall be responsible for the daily implementation, monitoring, and regular consultation with program partners on WASH program components. Ensure linkage, synergies and complementarity with other sectorial interventions, i.e. Nutrition, Food security and livelihood as well as proper coordination, consultation and information sharing with partner’s communities and other stakeholders.
Engagement:
Represent Action Against Hunger in all coordination forums at the county and sub-county level, collaborate with other implementing partners, INGO, UN bodies and the local communities to ensure successful implementation and smooth running of the projects
- Delivery:
Successful implementation of WASH interventions in target areas in line with internationally/Nationally accepted standards and ACFs /national technical guidelines as well as donor requirements.
II Essential job functions
Planning, design and implementation of water and sanitation Projects. 50%
- Identification and technical assessment of feasible water sources at the community level.
- Work in Partnership with government line ministries (county department of water) to prepare technical designs of feasible water supply projects.
- Ensure the construction of water systems (groundwater or surface water), protection, abstraction, storage, treatment, and distribution for new systems or rehabilitation of existing systems as well as the construction of the most appropriate form of sanitation systems, in consultation with the beneficiaries and line ministries
- Preparing bidding documents, materials and technical work specifications.
- Regular monitoring of ongoing WASH construction activities to ensure all the activities are as per the design, specifications and work schedule and also Verify the work done at site and recommend for payments to contractors.
- Ensure integration of Water, sanitation and hygiene promotion components of projects
- Capacity Building and strengthening of water management committees and linking with private sector service providers for post construction support.
- Ensure that procurements are timely initiated, monitored and prioritized by the logistics team
Support implementation of sanitation and hygiene promotion activities 20%
- In coordination with Program manager, Monitoring and evaluation officer and county teams, design and conduct all baseline assessment, KAP surveys and follow-up assessment with concrete feedback findings.
- In coordination with MEAL and WASH PM undertake/take part in quantitative/qualitative assessments to identify key risky hygiene behaviors to work on and to capture key achievements with-in the framework of project/s,
- In coordination with MOH, ensure proper implementation of hygiene and sanitation component of WASH projects with-in allocated budget and timelines.
- Support planning and implementation of community mobilization activities (using; community led total sanitation and any new methodology that may be introduced and appropriate.)
- Provide technical support to communities in construction of appropriate and context specific household latrine
- Provide support to the distribution of hygiene items, and conduct monitoring and follow up to ensure proper usage of items and appropriateness.
- Reporting and Program Development 15%
- Compile program reports on a timely basis in liaison with other program staff; Weekly SitRep, Monthly (statistical and narrative), Quarterly and annual donor reports
- Maintain full qualitative and quantitative records and reports of activities, disaggregated by age, gender where appropriate
- In collaboration with the Program Manager prepare progress reports, quarterly and final donor reports, project procurement plan and contributes to survey reports.
- In collaboration with Program Manager and coordination team; contribute in defining technical strategy when required.
- In liaison with the program manager develop project proposal to address County specific gaps
- In liaison with the County MOH/MOW and other partners, develop joint work plans for key activities as stipulated in the project document.
- Support MOH focal persons on information, data management and reporting through the KHIS and CLTS HUB
- Participate in the planning, organizing and implementation of surveys, assessments and research studies including post distribution monitoring
Information exchange and cooperation with Action Against Hunger interventions and stakeholders 10%
- Collaborate with all other Action Against Hunger departments and sectors to ensure the projects are integrated.
- Coordination with other Partners, Department of water, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, communities, local leaders and the UN working in this area to ensure smooth running of projects.
Any other assignment 5%
- Any other activities assigned by supervisor.
- Supervisory Responsibilities
- In liaison with county health management teams, the WASH officer will work closely with MOH in supervising CHVs at community level
- In liaison with the County water department, the WASH officer will work closely with the sub county water officers in supervising the water management committees at the field level
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Prepare cash forecast in liaison with the other program staff in line with the work plans
- Ensure the expenditure is as stipulated in the budget lines and strict adherence to the budget limits
- Propose anticipated budget realignment in discussion with program manager
- In liaison with the Program Manager Monitor budget spending in line with spending plan; ensure diligence in grants utilization including timely spending and value for money.
- Support the Program manager in monthly budget reviews and suggesting amendments to Finance
- Physical Demands
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Working Conditions, Travel and Environment
- The duties of the job require regular job attendance for five days per week with eight hours per day. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.
- Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic based on the office needs. While visiting the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.
- Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse
- Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men, and equal access to information.
- Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
- Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
- Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
- Value and respect all cultures.
- Required Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Degree/Diploma or technical training in civil/water engineering.
- Experience from both private and INGO sectors is an advantage.
- Knowledge of main donor requirements including UNICEF, ECHO, EU,OFDA/USAID donors
- Required Skills & Competencies
- 3 years’ experience in a similar position.
- Previous experience in Arid and Semi-Arid lands of Kenya
- Computer skills with excellence in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Proven ability to work in a team and proven skills in capacity building and community development (including community participation)
- Good level of spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
- Ability to work under minimal supervision and have impact on input on program indicators
- Demonstrate capacity in constructively engaging local authorities and local partners.
- Excellent organization, coordination, report writing skills
- Strong and effective communication and presentation skills
- Team player and Keen to details
- Knowledge on GIS and AUTOCAD is desirable.
- Understanding of main donor requirements including UNICEF, USAID-BHA, ECHO, EU, SIDA donors
All candidates should apply through link .The position is open on a rolling basis and closes on 20th September 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Action Against Hunger-USA provides all staff with an attractive salary & benefits package. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees & qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment.
