Role and responsibilities

The purpose of the WASH Technical Assistant position is to provide technical support in specialist areas of work.

Generic responsibilities

• Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines
• Assist a range of support with the implementation of the CC portfolio according to plan of action
• Implements independently procedures and activities within own function or core competency as delegated
• Responsible for organizing and delivery of tasks in line with priorities and standards
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the specialist area of work in which technical assistance and support is being provided, in order to be most effective in supporting the team
• Use initiative in day to day problem solving in line with agreed procedures, priorities and standards for the area of work
• Prepare and develop status reports as required by management
• Ensure proper filing of documents
• Promote and share ideas for improvement in your area of expertise

Specific responsibilities 

• Mobilize beneficiary communities implementing HP through participatory approaches;
• Facilitate appropriate community involvement in the design and delivery of essential WASH services and facilities;
• Conduct field-based needs assessments;
• Conduct hygiene promotion activities in IDP/returnee settlements and schools under the guidance of the WASH Officer, and coordinate and supervise community Hygiene Promoters;
• Supervise appropriate use and maintenance of WASH facilities and services;
• Carry out training sessions (according to identified needs) for community members;
• Identify needs for non-food items relevant to hygiene; participate in the choice of items, targeting strategy, promotion of effective use, and post-distribution monitoring;
• Raise the awareness on issues relevant to the community and encourage their participation in projects;
• Ensure mainstreaming of all cross-cutting issues in implementation of activities;
• Train the IDP/returnee community on settlement care (with focus on public health related aspects), maintenance and protection issues;
• Deliver reports on time, including compiling and sharing of reports from community hygiene promoters;

Competencies

Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organisation to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

Professional competencies 

These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance.

Generic professional competencies: 

• Degree/Diploma in Public Health, Community Health, Public health nursing, community development or social studies.
• Minimum of two years’ work experience working as a WASH Assistant in a humanitarian/recovery context, preferably in NGO.
• Experience in implementation of hygiene promotion (public health) components of WASH activities.
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Fluency in Amharic and English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local language is highly advantageous.

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Good knowledge of the area and context in Benishangul Gumuz Region
• Experience in undertaking training of staff or target groups
• Experience in Hygiene promotion or community mobilization
• Ability to use MS Office software is desirable
• Good communication skills
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity

Behavioral competencies

• Handling insecure environment
• Planning and delivering results
• Empowering and building trust
• Communicating with impact and respect