WASH Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNHCR, established in 1950, leads global efforts to protect refugees and resolve their issues, ensuring their rights and well-being. Kenya, through its government and partners, is actively promoting socioeconomic inclusion for refugees and host communities. This includes implementing new refugee laws and development plans. The Kakuma Municipality, hosting over 310,000 refugees, is a key area for these initiatives, focusing on equitable protection services and self-reliance.

Job Purpose

This role supports the transition of WASH services from humanitarian agencies to government-owned systems in Kakuma Municipality, Kenya. The specialist will coordinate WASH activities among stakeholders, assess and improve urban water supply and sanitation conditions, and ensure the integration of Persons of Concern (PoC) into national development plans. The position aims to strengthen local capacity, promote hygiene, and ensure WASH programs are effective, client-focused, and cost-efficient, aligning with the Kalobeyei Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (KISEDP) and SDG 6. The ultimate goal is to foster self-reliance and resilience for both refugee and host communities.

Responsibilities

The WASH Specialist will coordinate WASH activities with partners and local government, aligning with KISEDP structures. This includes assessing urban water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions, and supporting the transition of WASH services to government systems like KALAWASCO. The role involves conducting detailed assessments of water supply systems, providing technical recommendations for upgrades, and developing cost-efficient operation and maintenance solutions. Responsibilities also include strengthening sanitation and waste management, promoting environmental health, and addressing gaps in existing WASH programs. The specialist will support the inclusion of PoC in national SDG 6 plans and financing mechanisms, and foster strategic partnerships. Ensuring PoC consultation, monitoring program effectiveness against UNHCR and SDG indicators, and building the capacity of stakeholders through training are key duties. The role also involves contributing to UNV's mission through knowledge sharing and promoting volunteerism.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, with at least two years in project management and coordination, preferably in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Experience in WASH program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, solid waste management, and hygiene promotion is desirable. Experience working with local communities, governments, and stakeholders is also preferred. Application of Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective in all activities is essential.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, commitment, motivation, ethics, integrity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, and teamwork. Expertise in community development and development programs is also noted.

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