Technical Advisor II, WASH for East Africa Region at Catholic Relief Services 75 views0 applications

Background:

CRS’ East Africa country programs have had a long history of experience implementing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in the region. Starting in 1958 with a water supply project in rural Ethiopia, the region’s WASH programs have expanded to include water supply for domestic and productive purposes, sanitation and hygiene promotion, natural resource management, environmental risk management measures and emergency response. Today, CRS’ East Africa region is implementing more than 10 WASH projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The Technical Advisor II (TAII) for WASH is responsible for providing backstopping support to these programs to ensure quality implementation of WASH-related interventions. The TAII will lead the region in developing and implementing strategies for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), multiple uses of water for domestic and productive uses, and traditional and ecological sanitation, hygiene behavior change, and reduction in water-related diseases. The CRS Signature Program Areas, especially the Health SPA and CRS Water and Sanitation Strategy for East Africa are closely linked to the CRS IWRM Strategy for East Africa. The WASH TAII is also charged with developing WASH programs that are compliant with donor, global and CRS best practices, enhancing monitoring, evaluation and learning across the region, promoting capacity building among WASH staff and engaging in WASH-related documentation, marketing and fundraising.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide technical assistance for WASH and IWRM in the East Africa region and to the global team when requested
2. Take an active role in promoting implementation of the global and region’s strategies on IWRM and Water and Sanitation and Health.
3. Promote the application of Agency Program Quality standards for water in the programs in the region.
4. Participate in project reviews and support proposal development, acquisition of funding and monitoring and evaluation.
5. Actively explore cross-sectoral linkages between WASH programming and microfinance, health, conflict resolution, nutrition and agriculture.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop WASH programs that are compliant with donor, global and CRS best practices

1. Participate in the writing and review of all new concept notes and proposals as requested by EARO DRD-PQ and country programs in a timely manner.
2. Actively participate in the design of WASH technical designs in proposal development.
3. Share and promote internationally recognized best practices and CRS promising practices during the design of WASH projects.
   Technical assistance, Training and Program Monitoring
4. Provide in-country and remote technical assistance for the start-up and implementation of WASH projects. Provide structured recommendations for WASH programs following TA in-country visits (i.e. trip reports).
5. Participate actively in the recruitment of country program water staff and serve as a mentor to them.
6. Assist country programs with their strategic plans for water, IWRM, and assist in development of those plans.
7. Coordinate requests for external consultants and temporary duty assignments of other CRS staff.
8. Assist programs in the development of quantitative and qualitative assessments including baseline surveys, participatory rural assessments and computer analysis of results, if needed.
9. Provide training as required on IWRM, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) including training on CRS strategies.
10. Share lessons learned from CRS evaluations of water and IWRM projects.
11. Assist in the design of evaluations, the identification of external evaluation consultants, and in reviewing reports for publication.

Engage in WASH-related marketing and fundraising

1. Identity funding opportunities within the WASH sector that fall in line with the strategic direction of country programs
2. During in-country visits, meet with existing and potential donors to update them on project progress, new developments for CRS in WASH and potential opportunities for future collaboration.
3. Work on gathering intel on WASH-related opportunities for funding

Leadership in WASH and IWRM

1. Document case studies and best practices while on in-country field assignments
2. Disseminate Best Practices in WASH programming among community of practice in the region and agency wide
3. Bring innovations to programming in EARO, including innovations created by the TA.
4. Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects.
5. Assist with the testing of new water tools developed by the field or headquarters.
   Networking and Alliance-Building
6. Network with appropriate organizations to build CRS’ profile in East Africa and to build alliances that further strategic objectives.
7. Develop and maintain strong linkages with international donors. Market and obtain external funding for regional and country program strategies.
8. Inform country programs of regional activities and opportunities.
9. Facilitate and attend workshops in core areas organized by headquarters, consortia and country programs.
10. Share lessons learned and educational opportunities with country programs.
11. Facilitate communication between country programs and HQ departments in matters pertaining to WASH & IWRM.
12. Attend international conferences, preferably as a presenter of CRS work. Prepare abstracts for conferences and assist country programs in preparing their abstracts.
    Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
    These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
    • Serves with Integrity
    • Models Stewardship
    • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
    • Promotes Learning

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Collaborate with the Country Representatives, the Heads of Programming, and the country Water Program Managers and other country staff.
2. Collaborate with other NGOs, UN Agencies and local government on health matters.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants must provide a statement of claims addressing the selection criteria below, which should detail suitability to perform the duties of the position including personal qualities, experience, skills and knowledge relative to a sound knowledge of WASH watershed management and IWRM.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in public health, engineering or other related field.
  • Minimum eight years of experience in international development either as a technical advisor or program manager, preferably in Africa.
  • Experience in program design/management, program quality and performance assessment as part of ongoing efforts to improve aid effectiveness.
  • Experience in community participation in development projects. Experience with adult learning methods and tools.
  • Interest and capacity to learn about new areas.
  • Developed monitoring and evaluation skills.
  • Strong analytical skills, sound judgment and the capacity to think and plan strategically, including the ability to produce high quality policy materials and advice for development implementation.
  • High level English oral and written communication skills, including representation and liaison skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills, including in a cross-cultural context as a team player.
  • Experience collaborating with local NGOs preferred.
  • Excellent coordination skills.
  • Knowledge of spreadsheets and budgeting.
  • Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer