Associate WASH Officer

Organizational Context

The UNHCR, in coordination with the Government, assesses needs and coordinates the provision of WASH services to refugees and their hosting communities. This involves site-level coordination with partners, monitoring program implementation, and ensuring adequate hygiene promotion services in line with UNHCR guidelines and national standards. The role aims to integrate environmental considerations and climate action into WASH activities for long-term sustainability.

Job Purpose

The Associate WASH Officer assists in providing technical support and guidance on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) activities within UNHCR's Areas of Responsibility. The role supports the implementation of sustainable WASH programs, ensuring the inclusion of refugees in national and local WASH systems. This includes coordinating with government authorities and WASH partners, monitoring program progress, and ensuring hygiene promotion services meet established standards. The incumbent will follow a rights-based and community-focused approach, aligning with UNHCR's principles for protection, accountability, and WASH, while also mainstreaming environmental considerations and climate action. A key aspect is establishing consultative frameworks to involve refugees and hosting communities in the delivery and management of WASH services, ensuring their close involvement and feedback.

Responsibilities

The Associate WASH Officer supports the implementation of sustainable WASH programs and the inclusion of refugees in national and local WASH systems by collaborating with stakeholders like governments, humanitarian actors, donors, and the private sector. In emergencies, they monitor the response and raise issues. They contribute to developing and reporting on joint appeals and refugee response plans, and support the review of WASH contingency plans for potential epidemics and refugee movements. The role facilitates multi-sector teams covering areas such as settlement planning, shelter, energy, climate, protection, livelihoods, and health. They support the collection and analysis of WASH and climate action data in the Technical Information Management System (TIMS). The officer assists operations in defining UNHCR's involvement scope during different phases and reviews partner project proposals. Using community-based approaches, they ensure the involvement of diverse groups in designing WASH infrastructure and services. They contribute to technical assistance for developing, integrating, and mainstreaming client-focused and cost-effective WASH programs. Information, education, and communication materials are developed through community consultations. Capacity strengthening activities for UNHCR and partners on WASH hardware and software components are facilitated, including community training on menstrual health, hygiene promotion, and maintenance. Monitoring of WASH programs against UNHCR and SDG indicators is supported, ensuring evidence-based and protection-sensitive implementation. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation follow UNHCR's WASH monitoring system and TIMS. SDG 6 WASH access data is monitored to promote inclusion within national development plans and service delivery systems. Feedback and accountability mechanisms for WASH services are fostered, and data on user satisfaction is collected and analyzed. Regular sectorial reports are drafted, and input is provided for project monitoring reports, donor updates, and management briefings.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is required. Experience in WASH programming, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, is beneficial.

Skills

WASH program implementation Coordination with stakeholders Needs assessment Hygiene promotion Community engagement Data collection and analysis Report writing Capacity building Monitoring and evaluation Emergency response Protection principles Environmental considerations

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