Wash/Shelter Field Consultant-Ebola Response

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), founded in 1951, is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. In response to the 17th Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, IOM is enhancing its operational support for infection prevention and control at entry and exit points. This role supports WASH and Shelter activities within this critical public health response.

Job Purpose

The Shelter/WASH Field Consultant plays a crucial role in the operational implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Shelter activities during the 17th Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The consultant will provide daily oversight of construction and installation work for essential infrastructure such as control booths, handwashing stations, and water points at Points of Entry (POEs) and Points of Control (POCs). This includes supporting clean water supply, managing wastewater, and ensuring adherence to infection prevention and control measures, directly contributing to the containment and mitigation efforts of the Ebola outbreak.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the daily monitoring of construction, installation, and rehabilitation of WASH and Shelter infrastructure related to the Ebola response, including control booths, handwashing stations, and water points at POEs and POCs. This involves quality control of works against technical specifications and infection prevention standards, and monitoring daily clean water supply, storage, and distribution, promptly reporting any disruptions. The role also includes overseeing wastewater management and drainage to mitigate health risks, and inspecting WASH materials and equipment. Coordination with contractors, local authorities, and partners is essential for timely and safe implementation. The consultant will also conduct awareness sessions on the proper use and maintenance of WASH facilities, ensure health and safety measures are applied on-site, and prepare regular progress reports detailing achievements, challenges, and needs.

Work Experience

Requires at least four years of professional experience in monitoring construction work, WASH infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, or temporary infrastructure in humanitarian or emergency contexts. Experience in epidemic response, infection control, or WASH interventions during Ebola or other health emergencies is highly desirable. Practical knowledge of handwashing stations, water points, water management, wastewater, and WASH material quality control is essential. Coordination experience with various stakeholders in complex environments is also important.

Skills

Proficiency in French (oral and written) is required, with English being an advantage. Core competencies include teamwork, results-orientation, knowledge management, responsibility, and communication. Specific technical skills involve monitoring construction, WASH infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and infection prevention control measures.

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