Background

Water Witness leads action, research and advocacy for a fair water future where all people can access the water needed to thrive, and are protected against floods, drought, pollution, ecosystem degradation and water conflict.

We stand with those at the sharp end of the global water crisis to shine a light on its impacts, to understand its root causes and to activate an effective response. We work with our trusted local partners to trigger social justice and system change to ensure sustainable management and equitable use of the world’s most precious resource.

Over the past decade our team have been on the frontline: working to improve water security for over 1 million vulnerable people, driving improved policy, practice and investment, building new approaches and communities of practice, and holding duty bearers to account for improved performance on water.  Our hands-on field experience is backed up by cutting-edge research and global analyses, and this provides us with a clear understanding of the action needed to deliver on the water-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Reports to: Regional Programme Manager

Post: The position is based in Addis Ababa at the Water Witness Office

Travel: The Position would require regular travel, including to remote field locations in Ethiopia, but also to other countries in Africa

Term: 6-months contract, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding

Job Summary and Purpose

The WASH Officer will play a central technical and project management role in delivering Water Witness’ ambitions related to the “Hawassa and Kombolcha Industrial Parks COVID-19 Prevention Project”, in collaboration with implementing partners and Industrial Parks.

We are seeking a qualified individual with the technical experience, management and communications skills needed to act as accountable focal point in implementing a complex multi-stakeholder programme in Ethiopia. The WO will be accountable for providing technical advisory and ensuring high quality impact and value-for-money performance for our programmes and partners across several work streams.

The WO will manage the delivery of “Hawassa and Kombolcha Industrial Parks COVID-19 Prevention Project”  and will also be a key resource person to support work streams related to ‘Putting Water Stewardship to work for Ethiopia’, working with multiple stakeholders from public and private sectors, civil society, and international organisations.

An ideal WO would be able to translate his professional expertise to deliver effective WASH intervention, including behavioural change, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), and other gender related aspects. S/he should have a solid understanding in the technical and social aspects of WASH to prevent WASH related diseases and to improve livelihood.
The applicant should be demonstrate abilities across all aspects of project cycle management, including effective planning, timely and cost effective implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting. Required expertise includes training and co-ordination of staff and partners; technical problem solving and reporting; liaison between stakeholders and partnership development.  The WO will work primarily with Water Witness Regional Programme Manager and Technical Programme Officer in Ethiopia, and with the International Programme Officer in the UK.

 Programme management

• Planning, delivery, monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting against set budgets, and planned activities, outputs & outcomes.
• Ensure resources and activities are adequately planned and organised annually, quarterly, monthly, and weekly, ensuring day-to-day, effective coordination with colleagues, supervisors, external teams, and partners. Take the lead on issue prioritisation, show ownership of processes, and adapt learning.
• Ensure effective and timely financial and technical progress reporting to donors by developing and constantly feeding relevant data, testimonials, and results into monitoring, evaluation learning and reporting systems. Document and analyse evidence and data as necessary.
• Ensure alignment of programme activities and outputs to the overall local and regional government plan
• Carry out project level risk assessments regularly and provide mitigation alternatives.
• Assume responsibility for project assets (tablets and data collection tools) and other budget spends.

 Technical advice and delivery

Ensure the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective

•  Responsible for WASH sensitization in general, on personal and community hygiene, in particular awareness campaign, menstrual hygiene and IPC (Infection and Prevention control);
• Maintains and manages WASH relations with local counterparties, stakeholders, NGOs and operational agencies in the implementation area;
• Lead initial rapid or detailed assessments in WASH in collaboration with other sectors, authorities and the textile industry community to determine priorities; learn the current situation and immediate activities and resources.
• Provide technical support to relevant Government agencies in order to develop capacities related to their roles and responsibilities in the WASH Sector.
•   WASH programme design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation with a particular focus on sanitation and hygiene promotion
• Contribute in the selection, design, and upgrade the most appropriate forms of hygiene and sanitation system and facilities in accordance to AWS standard WASH guidance and taking full account of local conditions, resources, customs and cultural norms.
• Provide technical support on Hygiene and Sanitation activities such as review the TORs, develop Hygiene/Sanitation training manuals/topics and IEC materials, provide advice and supervise the capacity building activity.
• Ensure the implementation of activities to quality standards and in line with sector technical good practice, supported by and guided by the Regional Programme Manager
• Manage the implementation of WASH activities to achieve the goals and objectives set out in project proposals.
• Plan and resolve issues that arise to ensure that they are completed to timeframe.
• Plan and manage WASH programs in a phased and prioritized manner with full consultation and coordination with the Regional Programme Manager and project partners.
• Ensure appropriate technical approaches are incorporated in the project tasks and clear documentation to ensure that action research generates valid evidence and supports change
• Keep track of the project log frame indicators, collecting and documenting relevant data regularly

Strategic leadership and co-ordination

•  Lobby, explain and defend the programme to secure agreement and active support of relevant government stakeholders during project implementation. Coordinate a diverse group of project stakeholders ensuring timely and appropriate communications, and constructive relationships based on trust and shared objectives.
• Manage government relations within projects: Prepare and submit reports to government offices, facilitate joint monitoring, organise review meetings and project evaluation
• Liaise with local authorities, community institutions and other local actors for collaboration and attainment of programme goal; actively participate on and contribute to relevant forums such as NGO forums.
• Include vulnerable persons and communities’ perspectives in information gathering and dissemination, decision-making, and programme activities, as necessary.Key working relationships and logistical arrangements

Equality Statement

• Equality and diversity are at the core of Water Witness’ values. Staffs are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected. Water Witness is committed to equal opportunities for all, and to welcoming people from a wide diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experience.  On this occasion only those with the right to work and live in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia should apply.

Selection Process

• We’ll only use the information you provide to process your application. For more details on how we use your information, see our applicants privacy notice. By emailing us, you are permitting us to use the information you have provided for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake an additional assessment prior to final interview.

Experience and qualifications:

Essential

• Msc/Bsc degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, Environmental health or related fields.
• At least 5 year’s relevant experience working for international NGOs, public private partnerships, industrial associations, or certification bodies. Plus 2 years’ experience in WASH project management.
• Demonstrated experience in both emergency and development WASH response programmes
• Technical background and knowledge in environmental health and demonstrated work experience in water and sanitation in designing and implementing hygiene promotion/hygiene education programs.
• A record of working effectively with private sector, government, and civil society stakeholders and with technical staff in challenging contexts.
• Strong knowledge of subjects crosscutting the WASH sector (including Gender; Environment; Vulnerable Groups);
• Experience of addressing the challenges and opportunities facing corporate engagement for sustainable and inclusive development.
• Extensive programme management experience including of delivering concurrent initiatives, budget management, ME&L and timely reporting.
• Sound knowledge of gender and social inclusion strategies in WASH programmes
• Technical and policy literacy in WASH, gender, and occupational health guidelines

Desirable

• Excellent understanding and experience of the water, climate or natural resource sectors.
• Experience in implementing standards for sustainable development with private sector actors.
• Relevant experience and networks in Ethiopia, Africa and globally.
• A successful track record of fundraising, institutional development and advocacy.
• Skills and attributes:

 Essential

• A proactive, dynamic ‘go getter’ approach to work and commitment to teamwork. Must be passionate about delivering positive change in the world.
• A gifted communicator, both as a speaker and author in English. Excellent communication in different local languages is an advantage.
• A proven, positive team player, able to collaborate within a multi-cultural, dispersed team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – leadership, diplomacy and tact are essential.
• A high degree of competence in using IT tools, platforms and programmes.
• Able to create and manage effective and productive partnerships.
• Emotionally intelligent leadership and the ability to support and mentor others in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
• Strong facilitation, participatory analysis and planning, and meeting management skills.
• An ability to make good decisions independently and under pressure, producing work of high quality within tight deadlines.
• Exceptional organisational skills, professional diligence and high ethical standards and conduct.
• Proven ability to think, plan and act strategically and pro-actively.
• Willing to work in difficult conditions in remote areas, and outside usual office hours on a regular basis.
• Able to ensure compliance with internal policies including Health and Safety and Safeguarding.

 Desirable

• Familiarity and competence in media, film/photography, communications, publishing and the use of social media.