DRC: WASH Advisor

Sep 6, 2016 | International Rescue Committee
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The WASH Advisor will coordinate, provide guidance and technical support for the implementation of facility-level and community-level WASH interventions as part of a comprehensive health service package. S/he will be responsible for the design of quality WASH interventions, and for coordinating these interventions with all other components of the IHP project, as well as governmental and civil society partners involved in WASH implementation in the targeted areas. The role will require strong collaboration with other health specialists at a national and decentralized level in order to ensure improved access and utilization of health services.

This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin in July 2017.

DESCRIPTION

Background:

With headquarters in Kinshasa and field offices in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Katanga, the IRC is one of the largest development actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The IRC works to save lives, to strengthen Congolese institutions and to reinforce social cohesion through carefully designed and professionally-implemented programs. The IRC has been working in the DRC since 1996, and currently operates in five core programming areas – primary health care, community-driven reconstruction & local governance, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response as well as women’s empowerment, education, and emergency preparedness and response.

In partnership with other stakeholders, the IRC will implement the anticipated Integrated Health Project (IHP) to be funded by USAID in South Kivu, Katanga, Kasai Oriental and Kasai Occidental. The project will provide support to the health system in several health zones and strengthen the performance of quality health services.

Within the overall framework of the project, the IRC will be responsible for providing technical leadership for the WASH component, as part of a targeted facility-level and community-level primary health care platform, which includes preventative and curative family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal and child health (MCH), malaria, tuberculosis (TB), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and nutrition services as well as health systems strengthening activities. Specific activities will be jointly designed with Ministry of Health at national level and decentralized health strictures at provincial and zone levels. To this end, the IRC is seeking an experienced professional for the position of WASH Advisor for the Integrated Health Project. This position will be based at the project office in Kinshasa and will require regular trips to the provinces.

Responsibilities:

  • Direct supervision of all WASH activities and technical staff, ensuring a common vision to contribute to the overall objectives of the IHP project.
  • Ensure that all WASH interventions are designed to be effective and tailored to the needs of the IHP project and the context of implementation.
  • Build strong relationships with implementing partners, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders at national and subnational levels.
  • Act as the project focal point for the WASH component of the project, liaising with stakeholders including donors, government institutions, project partners, and coordinating bodies.
  • Develop where needed and implement the consistent and effective use of WASH guidelines and tools • Responsible for reviewing and updating the program’s WASH strategy in consultation with all project management as well as technical leaders in each province to ensure that WASH activities are relevant, realistic, complementary, and in harmony with the primary health care activities.
  • Work with the project management team and technical experts to ensure coordination with other sectors, with a coherent and integrated approach to achieving the strategic objective of the project.
  • Ensure that the main cross-cutting themes such as gender equity and the specific needs of people living with HIV / AIDS, are considered and integrated into the design of WASH activities.
  • Work closely with the technical lead for Behavior Change Communication (BCC) to to develop and implement effective strategies based on proven methods of hygiene promotion.
  • Provide ongoing technical and non-technical support and guidance on issues related to the program, ensuring that all issues are resolved satisfactorily and in a timely manner.
  • Assist with the implementation of the project’s M&E strategy, ensuring all WASH activities and indicators are integrated into the project’s M&E systems and tools, and that all WASH activities are using those tools and systems regularly and effectively.
  • Maintain regular contact and supervision with WASH staff in the field and ensure the implementation of activities in accordance with the overall project strategy
  • Ensure that WASH reports are made available to the project’s SMT in a timely manner.     

Qualifications: 

  • Advanced degree in field related to WASH (e.g. public health, environment health, water systems engineering).
  • At least five years of experience in management of WASH programs in complex and divers environments, with at least 3 years at a regional or national level of management. Experience in infection prevention and control in health facilities and hygiene promotion strongly preferred.
  • At least 3 years working in  Francophone Africa context, with a minimum of 2 years spent working on community-level WASH programs.
  • Experience coordinating WASH interventions with multiple partners and stakeholders to achieve a common goal; work experience as an advisor or manager on a large consortium preferable.
  • Ability to work under pressure, maintaining a professional approach with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Fluency in French required. Fluency in English, spoken and written, is preferred.
  • Computer skills with common software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, as well as ability to use internet and other IT-driven communication tools.