Mali: Environmental Health Advisor

Jun 9, 2016 | International Rescue Committee
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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC opened the country program in Mali in 2012. Our programs span the range from humanitarian relief to early recovery activities, focusing on child protection, education, nutrition, health, water and sanitation. We work both in the north and south of Mali. Conflict and drought have displaced hundreds of thousands both within Mali and in neighboring countries. The security situation in the north remains fragile. Nevertheless the needs of IDPs affected by conflict are widespread and the issue of humanitarian access is a continuous process. Scope of work Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Programs at the Head of Office - Mali, the Environmental Health Advisor will be responsible for the vision, strategy design and quality assurance of program in delivery of the Environmental Health Projects in Mali.  The Environmental Health Advisor will be based in Bamako with frequent visits to the field sites. The Environmental Health Advisor (EH) role will also include capacity building of national staff and partners engaged in the implementation of IRC Mali EH activities, the design, development and quality control of IRC’s EH programs through continued context analysis. In accordance with IRC Mali’s focus on integrated programming, the EH Advisor will work together with in-country Advisors and the EH Technical Advisors supporting the Mali Program based in New York as needed, to actively seek opportunities for integration in programming and ensure timely, effective and high quality delivery of all EH components.                                     Responsibilities Coordination and Representation

• Lead planning, designs of proposals and strategies aimed at supporting IRC Mali’s commitment to environmental health outcomes as described in the country’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
• Collaborate with other in-country technical advisors  to ensure an integrated strategy to achieve environmental health outcomes as the country’s SAP;
• In coordination with the supervisor, represent IRC to UN, international and national NGOs,  Ministries of Health, the Environment, Water Resources, and donors for environmental health issues;
• Participate actively in external WASH coordination and Cluster meetings; Participate in internal coordination and management meetings to promote effective and efficient information sharing, problem-solving and decision making.
• Support field implementation teams through trainings and refreshers on technical approaches and methodologies relating to environmental health (WASH).

• Provide technical supervision of, and technical support to IRC Mali Environmental Health programming activities;
• Ensure that environmental health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as prescribed by the Ministry of Health, the Environment, Water Resources and WHO/UNICEF;
• Ensure that all environmental health activities are consistent with established international and national best practices, in close collaboration with New-York based EH technical advisor (TA).
• Lead all research and learning activities in relations to Environmental Health;
• Ensure appropriate follow-up and decision-making on data relevant to IRC environmental health programs;
• Ensure all stakeholders are provided with updates on the environmental health program in Mali, HQ and the regional WASACH team, including Head of Office – Mali, Technical Unit, donors etc.
• Ensure regular performance monitoring of partners to achieve the set project’s objectives; provide technical support and guidance;
• Select and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems; analyzing results to ensure and enhance program effectiveness and quality

• Monitor evolving needs of the target communities and adjust the programmatic priorities as necessary;
• In collaboration with HQ-based Technical Advisors and Senior Management Team - Mali, lead the overall development of an overall IRC Environmental Health Program strategy in line with IRC Mali Strategy.

• Identify opportunities for program development;
• Lead technical assessments as a basis for environmental health program development;
• Coordinate and initiate project proposals and develop program proposals (development of logical frameworks, program design and implementation plans and appropriate, realistic and measurable indicators) for the IRC Mali Environmental Health Program under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Programs – Mali and in consultation and collaboration with field based technical and field management staff.

• Ensure the ongoing capacity building of international and national staff to support the delivery of high quality environmental health programming;
• Ensure respect for IRC HR policies during the recruitment process;
• Provide timely and quality performance evaluations;
• Promote the IRC Way with all supervisees.

• Masters level qualification in Engineering, Environmental Sciences or Public Health (MPH) or related subject; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene specialization preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years professional experience in leading/managing water, sanitation and hygiene promotion projects in development contexts.
• Excellent professional approach, strong building skills and proven ability to build staff capacity
• Prior experience and excellent understanding of working in emergency settings or insecure environments
• Strong leadership, management, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, analytical interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong budget management and reporting skills; and an ability to oversee multiple awards from a variety of donors and to meet required reporting deadlines
• Able to work independently while being a strong team player;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment and effective in representation and liaison
• Fluency in French and proficiency in English required.
• Excellent Computer skills: MS Word; Excel; AutoCAD and GIS preferred
• International experience with preference in Africa.