Catchment Implementation Specialist

Title: Catchment Implementation Specialist

Location: Moroto (02), Kaabong (02) and Soroti (02)

Department: Programs

Report to: WFS WASH Team-lead[FA1]

Duration: Full time

Country/Location: Kampala/Uganda

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been working in Uganda since 1965 and has a vibrant portfolio of projects, serving over a million vulnerable Ugandans and refugees each year through the Country Program 2030 Strategy. CRS programs in Uganda currently support five strategic priority areas, including Health and Social Services Systems Strengthening, Resilient Food Systems, Emergency Preparedness and Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Local Leadership. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including international and local NGOs, Ugandan government departments and ministries, the Catholic Church, and community-based organizations for maximum impact and sustainability. CRS Uganda employs around 150 staff and has its main office in Kampala, with sub-offices in Yumbe, Kyangwali and Kasese.

Job Summary:

The USAID Uganda Water and Food Systems (WFS) is a five year activity (2023-2028) that aims to inclusively and equitably improve food and water security in the Kyoga Basin in northeastern Uganda, specifically three watersheds of Lokok, Awoja, and Lokere, by empowering individuals and communities to mitigate and adapt to shocks and stressors in order to improve livelihoods, maintain nutrition and health wellbeing, address drivers of conflict, and reduce reliance on humanitarian assistance. This area is home to agro-pastoralists whose livelihoods are at risk due to violent cattle raiding and the effects of climate change (drought and flooding). This part of Uganda also suffers from fragmented markets, chronic underinvestment in public services, and a lack of private sector investment. This Activity is aligned with the Water and Development II (WADI II) scope to access critical technical services in support of the U.S. Government’s Global Water Strategy, Global Food Security and Strategy Refresh, Agency Climate Strategy, and the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience; and is a cornerstone of the USAID Uganda 2022 Country Development Cooperation Strategy Development Objective (DO) 2, Resilient Growth Enhanced. The activity aims therefore is to achieve results under the following development objectives:

1. Improve water supply and integrated water resource management.
2. Increase equitable access to sanitation and hygiene services for households and schools.
3. Improved agriculture-based livelihoods.
4. Increased consumption of nutritious foods among women and children.
5. Expanded access to financial resources for women, men, youth, indigenous people, and marginalized groups.
6. Improve local capacity to manage shocks and stressors.

WFS will enhance market systems, strengthen relevant institutions, expand access to climate-resilient services, and—in two of the most vulnerable of the 21 districts covered by the activity—employ “graduation” approaches to assist the ultra-poor. These initiatives will incorporate conflict sensitivity, local leadership, climate change adaptation, and approaches inclusive of women, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and indigenous groups. The 21 districts include the following:

1. Karamoja: Amudat, Nakapirit, Napak, Kaabong, Moroto, Kotido, Abim, and Nabalatuk District.
2. Teso: Soroti, Amuria, Serere, Bukedea, Ngora, Katakwi, Kapelebyong and Kumi District.
3. Bugisu: Bukwo, Bulambuli, Kapchorwa, Sironko, and Kween District.

WFS will be implemented from three regional offices, one per water catchment (Lokok, Lokere and Awoja) so each water catchment will have two CIS employed by CRS but supporting implementation of all six objectives presented above.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively implement catchment-level interventions from inception to completion, ensuring they align with the Activity annual work plan, policies/procedures, organizational goals, and quality standards.
• Support WASH Team-lead and Catchment Managers to host/attend meetings with district authorities and local council members and present high-level letters of intent (LOIs) concerning the Activity’s process and the possible interventions for approval and signature.
• Facilitate the implementation and completion of start-up and interim assessments conducted in the assigned catchment area by Activity partners according to the annual work plan (such as the Baseline, Infrastructure Gap Analysis, Construction Implementation Plan, Market Systems and Private Sector Landscaping Analysis, and MBISA Formative Research among others).
• Facilitate the selection of sub-counties, communities, and households where appropriate for Activity interventions.
• With WASH Team-lead and Catchment Managers/Cross-cutting team members, support and participate in co-creation/co-design of local interventions where assigned.
• Facilitate awareness and outreach activities to solicit partnerships via the Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) designed by the Technical and Grants/Procurement teams.
• Report back to WASH Team-lead and Catchment Manager with key progress updates on interventions for inclusion in bi-weekly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of pause and reflect and listening sessions with local stakeholders to help the Activity adapt interventions where needed.
• Attend assigned local collaboration and coordination meetings and platforms with local authorities, donors, and other implementing partners to ensure the Activity interventions are not duplicative and report back to Catchment Manager for Activity awareness of the implementation environment.
• Stay abreast of local, district and national regulations and ensure compliance within catchment areas; collaborate and comply with regulatory agencies such as National Environmental Management Authority, Environment office to obtain necessary permits and approvals for catchment interventions.
• Build and maintain positive communication and relationships with local communities, government agencies/authorities, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in Activity annual work planning and pause and reflect workshops to plan for and adapt the Activity interventions each year.
• Ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and reporting to external and internal stakeholders.
• Support the organization and hosting of intervention site visits by the client (USAID) and/or others as assigned.
• Other tasks as assigned by the WASH Team-lead or Catchment Manager.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in the field of environmental health science, public health, agriculture, or social works with experience in approaches such as MBSIA or CLTS Plus, Market system or gender and governance will be a plus.
• Minimum of 4-year work experience in related projects with INGO. Experience in Lokok, Lokere or Awoja is desired.
• Experience in implementing USAID funded activities is a plus.
• Specialized experience in any of the following: IWRM, WASH, agriculture, nutrition, disaster risk management, community engagement, gender, and social inclusion, and/or market systems and graduation approaches is preferred.

Required Languages – English will be the official language while Ngakarimojong, Ateso or Lumasaba may be needed for field communication/instruction.

Location: The positions will be based in WFS regional offices in Kaabong, Moroto and Soroti.

Travel – The WASH Implementation Specialist must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of his/her official time within and sometimes outside of her/his office location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and ability to implement CLTS Plus and MBSIA (sanitation marketing) is key.
• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment is desired.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with other implementing partners, volunteers, private service providers and local government officials.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships

**Internal –**Grantees, WFS field team members, Climate Resilient Infrastructure Teal-lead, Water and IWRM, Team-lead, Cross-cutting Manager, Catchment Manager, Catchment implementation director, STTAs, Deputy Head of Programs, and Head of Programs.

External – Sub-County Health Assistants, Community Development Officers, Health Inspectors, Private Service Providers, and other relevant local leaders.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding related topics.