Cameroon: WASH Officer

Oct 24, 2016 | UN High Commissioner for Refugees
View Original

UNHCR and its implementing partners have extensively been working to ensure the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assistance is maintained to these various caseloads leading to a progressive improvement of the situation. However, the standards are yet to be achieved. In this context, a sound and standardized mechanism and framework to ensure provision of sufficient, appropriate, and acceptable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to refugees and host communities is required. A sustainable coordination has to be maintained since WASH assistance is ensured by many humanitarian actors in collaboration with the related Government services.

Therefore, the WASH Officer will be responsible for providing professional technical advice and contribution to programme/project design, and management of the WASH services, including data analysis, progress reporting, and for the enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with UNHCR and country programme goals and strategy.  The WASH Officer will also coordinate WASH assistance and collaborate with Government Services and all WASH partners to insure a relevant access of water and sanitation to the Persons of Concern (PoCs) assisted by UNHCR and partners.

The WASH Officer will receive the technical backup and support from the Regional WASH Officer and/or the Senior WASH Officer in HQ.

Accountability

  • WASH services and infrastructure meet UNHCR standards and provided to refugee and other persons of concern to UNHCR based on UNHCR country and /or internationally recognised and most up-to date standards and policies.
  • Sound technical support and advice provided to country operation in the field of WASH and on the strategic development of WASH aspects of the programme.
  • A viable monitoring and evaluation system is established and implemented for data collection, analysis and interpretation to serve as evidence base for planning and interventions.
  • Coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training are provided to partners and WASH staff.
  • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities.

Responsibility

  • Coordinate, and provide technical guidance and support to partners on all Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion (WASH) related issues in accordance with UNHCR Global and Country level policies, priorities, and strategies.
  • Advise UNHCR on the strategic development of WASH, and participate in review and analysis of relevant project proposals and budgetary submissions within context of UNHCR programme cycle.
  • Ensure a coordinated delivery of appropriate WASH services to PoCs to UNHCR, and establish and implement an effective monitoring mechanism/ framework on WASH activities.
  • Work with relevant UNHCR staff to identify priority WASH and key data requirements for programme planning and monitoring.
  • Review performance, monitor development and evaluate approaches adopted by partners in WASH and related sectors and formulate appropriate designs and corrective measures as deemed necessary.
  • Ensure regular and up-to-date assessments of needs related to WASH services; formulate project submissions to respond to these needs in collaboration with appropriate partners, and the relevant UNHCR sectors at all levels.
  • Monitor and evaluate country-level WASH programmes against UNHCR standards and indicators to ensure that programmes are evidence-based and implemented in a comprehensive and cost effective manner.
  • Undertake needs and resource assessments with relevant partners to prioritize needs and activities in the provision of WASH services to the PoCs to UNHCR, including in emergency situations, and take concrete steps to enhance WASH aspects of emergency preparedness and response, and installation of WASH services in new camps or camp extensions for refugees. This would also include supporting the country operations to define its level and scope of involvement, expressed in terms of overall and capacity and operational objectives during emergency situations, in care and maintenance , or in repatriation/reintegration programmes
  • Facilitate capacity strengthening activities of UNHCR and its implementing/operational partners to address key areas of WASH importance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR. This will include building the capacity and competence of UNHCR¿s Public Health and WASH staff.
  • Ensure the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information required for effective WASH programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation to enhance programme efficiency and effectiveness through evidence base approach
  • Conduct field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conduct periodic programme reviews as scheduled; ensure that data is consistent with the programme information and database.
  • Ensure the effective communication and networking developed and maintained through partnership and collaboration.
  • Team with government and sectoral stakeholders counterparts to exchange information on WASH programme implementation, status, capacity and risk mapping, preparedness as well as movement, prepositioning and distribution of supplies.
  • Represent UNHCR in the WASH sector internally and externally including relevant actors/technical coordination platforms.
  • Contribute to the budgeting process and input to financial management of the programme on technical areas of WASH, and establish and facilitate adoption of harmonized methodology.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Authority

  • Provide guidance and recommendations on WASH programmes in the country.
  • Provide technical support and coordination related to WASH.
  • Represent UNHCR in WASH meetings.

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • University degree in water and sanitation engineering / water resources development and/or postgraduate degree in one of the civil engineering disciplines (water supply and/or hydrology) or sanitation/hygiene engineering.
  • Minimum of 8 years (6 years with Advance University Degree) of progressively responsible functions in water/sanitary engineering or a related field in developing countries dealing with large scale WASH activities. At least 2 years of this experience should be in a capacity directly relevant to the current position in the UN or in an international organisation dealing with large scale emergencies or displaced/refugee situations.
  • Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common objective in the area of WASH.
  • Demonstrated experience in organising and conducting training activities and information campaigns in the areas of environmental sanitation, natural resources management, water quality, bore-hole drilling, vector control and appropriate technologies.
  • Proven technical expertise in the area of WASH assessment including surveys, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination.
  • Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles.
  • Knowledge of and experience with partner agencies with a capacity to provide formal and informal training.
  • Proficiency in basic computer software such as MS Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, water modelling software, GIS.
  • Excellent knowledge of French and working knowledge of English.

Desired Qualifications

  • University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Geology.
  • Experience in project cycle management, partnerships, exit strategy and sustainability of WASH projects.
  • Background/familiarity with Emergency preparedness and response.
  • Experience in borehole drilling technical specifications development, tendering, monitoring and supervision.
  • Training in Health Education or Communication for Development (Programme Communication).

Operational Context

  • Training and capacity building of implementing and governmental partners;
  • Demonstrated drafting skills in English;
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a large team and coordinate with other Field Offices;
  • Sensitive political context requires ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts;
  • Consensus teambuilding and cultural sensitivity needed as the team is diverse;
  • On-the-job coaching and mentoring of national staff;
  • Experience in dealing with multiple crises;
  • Ability to come up with innovative and creative solutions to operational challenges;

Since 2014, about 130,000 Central African Refugees were established in Refugees settled sites and host villages, where 90,000 refugees hosted previously within the local communities had a poor access to water and sanitation.

UNHCR and its implementing partners have extensively been working to ensure the provision of WASH assistance is maintained to these various caseloads leading to a progressive improvement of the situation. However, the standards are yet to be achieved. In this context, a sound and standardized mechanism and framework to ensure provision of sufficient, appropriate, and acceptable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to refugees and host communities is required. A sustainable coordination has to be maintained since WASH assistance is ensured by many humanitarian actors in collaboration with the related Government services.

Therefore, the WASH Officer will be responsible for providing professional technical advice and contribution to programme/project design, and management of the WASH services, including data analysis, progress reporting, and for the enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with UNHCR and country programme goals and strategy.  The WASH Officer will also coordinate WASH assistance and collaborate with Government Services and all WASH partners to insure a relevant access of Water and sanitation to the PoC assisted by UNHCR and partners.

The incumbent will play a lead role in formulating appropriate project proposals and assistance activities that should be incorporated into the relevant country programms of UNHCR.

The WASH Officer will receive the technical backup and support from the Regional WASH Officer and/or the Senior WASH Officer in HQ.

There has been significant improvement in the working conditions although logistic challenges due to long distances and poor road conditions in areas of high concentration of refugees still prevail.

It is therefore difficult to access and deliver protection and assistance to some refugees living within the local communities in several locations deprived of basic infrastructure and services.

As for living conditions in general, are acceptable. Civilian and military public administrative decentralized structures are available; a hospital is also available for secondary care as well as a Catholic private hospital; Drugs could be purchased in at least two (02) pharmacies; etc. The town is covered by the telephone networks of the main operators in Cameroon.

In terms of security, the Government has deployed a Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) in the Adamawa region and a battalion of the Rapid Intervention Group of the Gendarmerie (GPIC) in the North Region to provide escort for all humanitarian missions. There is still the need for military escorts on secondary roads leading to the areas where most of the refugees are settled.

Housing is still an issue, most of the international staff live in UNHCR`s guesthouse where water &, generator is secured and well equipped rooms could be provided to the staff.  The town is covered by the telephone networks although the water and power plants are poor. There is no bank in Batouri for the time being and the staff have to travel to Bertoua, the nearest town with Bank facilities, located some 100 km for any financial transactions. However the negotiations are still ongoing for the opening of a bank in the near future.