WASH Specialist
Organizational Context
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) safeguards the rights and well-being of refugees globally. In Kenya, the government, in collaboration with partners, is enhancing socioeconomic inclusion for refugees and host communities. Kakuma Municipality, hosting over 310,000 refugees, is part of initiatives like KISEDP-II, aiming for equitable protection services, socioeconomic inclusion, and self-reliance. This involves coordinated approaches, systems-building, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to support service delivery and community empowerment.
Job Purpose
This role supports the transition of WASH services from humanitarian agencies to government-owned systems in Kakuma Municipality, Kenya. The incumbent will coordinate WASH activities among stakeholders, assess urban water and sanitation conditions, and provide technical recommendations for system rehabilitation and upgrading. Key objectives include strengthening sanitation and waste management, addressing WASH program gaps, and ensuring the inclusion of Persons of Concern (PoC) in national development plans. The position aims to foster sustainable WASH solutions, promote hygiene, and build the capacity of local authorities and communities, ultimately contributing to improved public health and self-reliance.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will support WASH coordination among partners, aligning with KISEDP structures. This includes assessing urban water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in Kakuma Municipality and supporting the transition of WASH services to government systems like KALAWASCO. The role involves facilitating detailed assessments of water supply systems, providing technical recommendations for rehabilitation, and proposing 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 volunteer will support the inclusion of PoC in national SDG 6 plans and financing mechanisms, and foster strategic partnerships with development and humanitarian agencies. Ensuring PoC consultation in WASH service planning and monitoring, and evaluating program effectiveness against UNHCR and SDG indicators are crucial. Capacity building for KALWASCO, partners, and communities on WASH best practices will be undertaken.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, specifically in project management and coordination, preferably within the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. Experience in WASH program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, solid waste management, and hygiene promotion is desirable. Experience working at the local level with communities, local governments, and stakeholders is also preferred.
Skills
Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, client orientation, commitment, motivation, ethics, integrity, judgment, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, and teamwork. Specific technical skills include project management, program development, strategy formulation, and expertise in water, sanitation, and waste management.