Ukraine: WASH Regional Cluster Lead

Jul 22, 2024 | Solidarités International
View Original

SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, since more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI's interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, the SI teams – 3200 people in total, made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at HQ, and a few volunteers - intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms.

ABOUT THE MISSION

The conflict in Ukraine has seen a dramatic and rapid escalation since 24th February 2022 with massive multidimensional attacks from Russian troops throughout Ukraine, from the East, North, and Southern borders that affected a large part of the country including the capital, Kyiv. This attack has been immediately followed by massive displacements, and more than 4 500 000 Ukrainians have taken refuge in neighboring countries. About 6 500 000 are internally displaced, mostly in the Western part of the country. In the East, impacts of the conflict are felt and humanitarian operations support people remaining on the frontlines.

SI strategy is to support the population in transit, the IDPs where they are settling and the population on the frontline directly affected by the ongoing conflict through a multisectoral approach including WaSH, Shelter, NFI, Food Security, and Multi-Sectoral Cash activities.

Mission - size, bases, budget, number of expatriates and national staff:

The coordination in Kyiv was the last base opened in the country around September-October 2022. Prior to that SI opened and developed activities in Mykholaiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv.

The budget projected was approximately 30 million for 2022-2023 (from the start to mid-2023). SI expects to support the Ukrainian population in both countries for an expected amount of 24M EUR.

The setup of the mission is the following:

  • One coordination based in Kyiv
  • One operational base in Mykolaiv focusing on humanitarian aid delivery to populations in need
  • One operational base in Dnipro
  • One operational base in Kharkiv

Key current donors include BHA, ECHO, UNICEF, UHF, and CDCS.

The mission is evolving and currently counts around 40 expatriates and 130 national employees.

ABOUT THE JOB

General objective:

  • Coordinate meetings and information sharing among East Ukraine WASH partners
  • Develop & support implementation of a Sub-National WaSH Cluster strategy.
  • Coordinate and conduct joint assessments, identify needs and gaps in focus area.
  • Provide regular inputs on activities and issues to National Cluster.
  • Conduct actors mapping in focus area area of responsibility.
  • Be focal point for WaSH response plans and operations within the Focus Area for OCHA and the ICWG.
  • Develop and facilitate implementation of contingency and preparedness plans for the Sub-National Cluster.
  • Provide strategy inputs to the National WaSH Cluster.
  • Undertake regular monitoring visits to all focus area locations.
  • Coordinate and promote the development of partners' and local authorities’ emergency WaSH capacity.

The main challenges:

Coverage of 3 oblasts directly, and Kharkivska area through dedicated Focal Point; coordination with Cluster members, local authorities and Water department entities (Vodokanal) across the area of responsibility.

Responsibilities and main activities:

  • Develop and support implementation of a Sub-National WASH Cluster strategy. 
  • Promote gender equality by ensuring that needs, contributions and capacities of women and girls as well as men and boys are addressed.  
  • National WASH Cluster Coordinator who will ensure the post holder has all necessary support and guidance.
  • Coordination and Technical competencies

 PROFILE

Education / academic background:

University level degree, preferably a Master degree in Water Sanitation and Hygiene related sector, Engineering, Civil engineering or construction, Environment and/or Geology.

Specific skills and experience:

EXPERIMENT IN THE HUMANITARIAN SECTOR : 3-4 years

EXPERIMENT ON SIMILAR POSITIONS: at least 1 to 2 years

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

1.Knowledge / experience on WASH emergency responses
2.Knowledge/experience on water treatment;  sewage system;  water networks and Borehole

TRANSVERSIAL SKILLS:

1. Coordination skills

2. Liaison and negotiation capacity with local partners and local authorities

3. Communication, both written and oral

TECHNICITY: Capacity to support the preparation and the implementation of WASH related assessments on needs or on specific WASH infrastructures. 

MANAGEMENT: Two staffs under the responsibility of the WASH Cluster Lead

ANALYSIS: Capacity to support needs and gaps analysis at region or local level. Contribution to annual HNO and HRP

SECURITY MANAGEMENT : Experience in following security rules, understanding emergency contexts and maintaining situational awareness

LANGUAGE: English (mandatory), Ukrainian (prefferred), Russian (preferred)

SI WILL OFFER  

A salaried position:


According to experience, starting from EUR 3080 gross per month (2800 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 700.

SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment.

Breaks: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of 7 working days every three months (with a USD 850 break allowance, allocated by Sl). To these breaks periods, SI grants one (1) additional rest day per month worked.

Insurance package: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which refunds all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

  • Guest Houses provided with all basic services (water, heating, stoves, electrcity)
  • Internet and telephone network working well in Dnipro city, wi-fi provided at work and in the guesthouses
  • Lively social life, both among SI members and humanitarian community
  • Entertainment well present in Dnipro: restaurants, coffee bars, pubs, gyms, sports centers, spa

Security wise there are sheltering measures during air alarms and explosions; limited area of circulation in Dnipro city; operational constraints in planning and implementing field activities.

However, when going on the field bases, living conditions are more basic, with fewer opportunities for socialization, as well as some individual movements’ restrictions. Security levels vary according to the different geographical locations and changes of context.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send CV and cover letter! Please note that CV-only applications will not be considered, and that the vacancy may close before the deadline.

To learn more about Sl: www.solidarites.org

  • Desired start date: September 1st, 2024
  • Duration of the mission: 6 months
  • Location: Dnipro - UKRAINE