Assistant WASH/Shelter Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The WASH Shelter national Officer will be responsible for provision of professional technical support and guidance on activities within the areas of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) and Shelter in the locations 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 & Shelter 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 operations under AOR in the field of WASH and Shelter.
- 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 & Shelter 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 & Shelter strategies 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 & Shelter 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 & Shelter 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 & Shelter.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 & Shelter.Advice UNHCR, partners and local authorities on how sites are planned, shelter and infrastructure are organized to ensure that relevant minimum standards in camps and infrastructures are upheld.Support and advice on shelter and infrastructure construction in camps to ensure efficiency in reaching populations with the most critical needs; and this by working with protection and other sections in support of an effective service delivery to all persons of concern.

- Provide other related duties as required.

Authority

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

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 & Shelter.

Proven technical expertise in area of WASH & Shelter 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.

Submission of Applications

This vacancy is open for qualified Ethiopians only. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

IMPORTANT

Applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter and the most recent fact sheets and P11 through the online application system. Candidates may be required to sit for a test.

Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for interview. 

Refugees – who cares?   We Do.