Wash Officer

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and its safety unit, has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter, and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.

Purpose

The WASH officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing WASH projects in the field in line with cluster standards and organizational guidelines. This role involves working closely with affected communities, local authorities, and partner organizations to design, plan, and manage WASH interventions that meet the needs of displaced populations and ensure their safety and comfort. Undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of Shelter and Settlement activities in accordance with laid down procedures.

To this end, the WASH officer will liaise with DRC staff across departments to ensure compliance with DRC WASH SOPs and the maintenance of SOP-compliant records during programming as directed by the WASH Team Leader. Additionally, the role of the WASH officer is to ensure the development and implementation of an efficient, accountable, durable solution and measurable WASH program in the areas where DRC is operational and within the geographical area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General Programming & Operations

• Carrying out WASH needs assessment for returnees, refugees and IDPs using results in designing intervention measures.
• Carrying out the selection, design, BOQs and construction of WASH solutions in use by DRC and the sector.
• Monitor WASH activities, construction works progress, and schedule following the project plan and take appropriate actions.
• Ensure archiving of WASH logs and procurement records.
• Ensure efficient and Effective program implementation while following the work plan. 
• Participate in preparing and Providing Inputs monthly/quarterly/annual highlights/ reports
• Mobilization of beneficiary communities to maintain the established WASH resources.
• Training and Capacity building of existing  or new water committee
• Provide technical and programmatic leadership for community-based mechanisms in operational areas as needed.
• Based in the field to ensure WASH tasks are going on as planned and mentoring - through technical backstopping and training of duty bearers.

Coordination and representation 

• Collaborate with relevant Internal and External technical experts on issues related to WASH.
• Represent DRC at WASH meetings and other relevant technical coordination meetings at the field level if needed.
• Ensure integration and support of WASH and Shelter activities with other DRC sectors.
• Coordinate with WASH, RRM, and Shelter counterparts in other locations in the implementation of commonly funded projects.
• Ensure good representation and reputation of the WASH sector at all levels.
• Actively participate in internal and field coordination meetings.

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ M&E tools
• Assist in the management of WASH project grants through PR and PO tracking
• Monitor and Evaluate WASH Projects in the field level
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of WASH activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.
• Prepare WaSH weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to relevant authorities as per need.

Logistics / Finance:

• Support the line Manager to monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-ups.
• Support in initiating procurements and ensure their execution.
• Assist the line manager to ensure distribution plans are prepared and shared with relevant support units.
• Contribute to grants management of all WASH projects through management of day-to-day project expenditures with line manager.
• Assist the WASH Team Leader in developing a procurement plan at the start of the project cycle to forecast procurement needs.
• Under delegation from the WASH Team Leader, coordinate with the supply chain to facilitate procurement of supplies and services
• Support in ensuring adequate stock of critical supplies at all times, particularly factoring in seasonal access limitations (wet season).

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in developing and implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s WASH strategy in Nigeria.
• Support in developing appropriate WASH tools and ensure their implementation.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential:

• At least 2 years’ experience in the implementation and evaluation of WASH projects.
• Knowledge of WASH Approaches and SHERE Standard
• Good IT skills (especially MS Office).
• Basic in AutoCAD or suitable design software.

Desirable:

• Project Planning and Management is an added advantage
• Experience working in emergency response with NGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.
• Fluency in Hausa and Kanuri is a requirement.

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Water Engineering or Architecture from a recognized institution. Desirable
• Degree in Engineering or equivalent field with relevant work experiences

We offer

• Contract length:  6 months with the possibility of extension
• Level: NM - H, Step 1
• Start date: March 2024

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Deadline: Applications close on the 13th of February 2024 at midnight (GMT).

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis due to the urgency, therefore a candidate who closely meets the requirements may be selected before the above deadline.

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk