Organizational Context

The incumbent is supervised by Programme Officer. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Assistant WASH Officer. S/he is also expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

External contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programme (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments). S/he  will conducct a regular field visits as necessary.

Accountability

• The needs of persons of concern in the country are assessed and analysed in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective to form a firm basis for planning.
• WASH activities are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures.

Responsibility

Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the delivery of WASH services to persons of concern in order to meet the UNHCR standards of assistance.
• Act as a focal point on water, sanitation, hygiene promotion within UNHCR Sub Office.
• Coordinate the activities of WASH Partners, other UN agencies, governmental and nongovernmental counterparts, to ensure delivery of WASH services to beneficiaries that meet UNHCR standards of assistance.
• Facilitate adoption of harmonized methodology.

WASH Strategy, Planning, and Programme Support

• Contribute towards the development of WASH strategies for UNHCR in key aspects of WASH.
• Contribute to the budgeting and planning processes and financial management of the programme in the area of WASH.
• Formulate project submissions including budget to respond to identified needs in collaboration with appropriate authorities, implementing partners and UNHCR programme and technical sectors.
• Advise programme staff and managers on the strategic development of WASH aspects of the programme.
• Actively participate in the plans for any new refugee settlement or settlement extension identified.
• Jointly with the technical staff of the Partners, update detailed needs and resource assessments and revise designs of technical plans as necessary, taking into account practical aspects of implementation, and relevant technical specifications and guidelines.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Provide technical guidance and support to Partners on all water, sanitation, hygiene promotion and environment related issues, to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability and environmental soundness in their implantation and in accordance with UNHCR policies, standards and priorities.
• Facilitate capacity strengthening activities of UNHCR WASH staff and its Partners to address key areas of WASH importance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance

• Supervise and monitor the implementation of the ongoing water, sanitation, hygiene and environment projects administered directly by UNHCR and Partners.
• Ensure that mechanisms to monitor the performance of UNHCR's Partners on WASH activities in the refugee settlements / host community are in place;
• Ensure that the Wash Monitoring System (WMS) data collection and reporting is carried out properly and timely with quality information.
• Review the quantity and quality of water offered in the settlements jointly with the Partners, carry out an assessment on the quantities of water provided to refugees and related water losses.
• Review the sanitation situation in the settlements and jointly with the sanitation Partners carry out an assessment of the latrine coverage in the settlements and their physical conditions based on UNHCR standards.
• Review the ongoing hygiene promotion activities and make any necessary recommendation for improvement.

Reporting

• Report regularly on WASH activity implementation, while maintaining accurate records of the relevant WASH performance indicators.
• Prepare regular sectorial reports and submit material for preparation of periodic project monitoring reports as required by the Sub Office, Branch Office and HQs.
• Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Authority

• Provide inputs for the country operations plan, as well as prepare inputs for funding submissions, appeals and reports.
• Enforce compliance with UNHCR’s global strategies, protocols and guidelines.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Water/Civil/Environmental Engineering/water resources development
• Advance training in water, sanitation or Public health Engineering will be preferable.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible functions in water/sanitary engineering or a related field dealing with large scale WASH activities.  Experience/training in site planning or shelter would be useful.
• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic (written / oral / comprehension) is essential.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies

• Proficiency in basic computer software such as MS Access, Excel, Powerpoint, Word, water modelling sofware (EPANET), GIS Software (MapInfo, Arc GIS), AutoCAD.

Required Managerial & Cross-Functional Competencies

• Demonstrates awareness of resource planning.
• Analyses information and data, and forms recommendations based on logical conclusions.
• Demonstrates good organization of time in project management and accomplishing daily tasks.

In order to be considered for this position , candidates are required to complete and submit the NEW UNHCR P11 Form.