UKRAINE – WASH AND SHELTER COORDINATOR (M/F) – KIEV

Desired start date: ASAP
Duration of the mission: 6 months ( to be extended)
Location: Kiev

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 as of March 22nd about 3 500 000 Ukrainians have taken refuge in neigbhouring countries and about 6 500 000 are internally displaced, mostly in the west part of the country.

Areas affected by the conflict are becoming increasingly difficult to access, due to fighting, or because they area under Russian Federation control. Civilian casualties have increased and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructures, including private housing, have been reported. However, many inhabitants are still living in these conflict areas, either because they were not able to leave, or they want to stay in their villages or cities. In those areas, public services are strongly affected: water, electricity and gaz networks are not functioning properly or fully destroyed. Access to essential items such as food, drugs, fuel and NFI is a vital need for the population, as they are no longer accessible, and the economy and markets are no longer functional. In some areas, the banking system is as well affected.

• Distribution of in kind food, shelter and WASH NFIs
• WASH interventions in punctual basis

During the 2 first months of the conflict numerous people leaving East Ukraine, and other area affected, Have transited by road or train to Lviv along an axis Dnipro Ouman, Vinnistsya, Khmelnytskyï, Ternopil. The trip to Lviv can take several days, by train or by Car and no or very few assistance is provided along this axis, IDPs are therefore lacking food, water, warm places to sleep during curfew time, from 7.00PM to 6.00AM, depending of the oblast regulations. The influx has decreased but assistance is still needed.

• SI response to people in transit needs: to support with NFI, ready to eat food people in transit on the axis and to ensure transit centers are well equipped
• Support to transit Centers

Many IDPs are settling in the Western regions, including in Lviv Oblast but some are also staying in Dnipro Odessa and all along the axis, as un Uman (Cherkassy oblast). These IDPs have often lost their source of income and rely on relatives, host community and solidarity to find food and basic items. Housing is as well now scarce in the area; prices subsequently increase and the improvised transit centers that are supposed to host IDPs for a few days before they manage to find accommodation are already at the limit of their capacities.

• Rehabilitation/repairs and/or basic equipment of shelters, houses and buildings to accommodate IDPs.
• WASH improvements in shelters
• Provision of food
• Cash response to the IDP families including cash for rent

ABOUT THE JOB

General objectives

The position is currently based in Kiev, but this location may change depending on the assignment of the SI Coordinator (either in Kiev or in Dnipro). Due to the 4 operational bases, the numerous projects and technical issues, the possibility to attend most of the coordination meetings and online technical representation, the WASH Coordinator is expected to spend a significant amount of time on the operational bases (at least 70%), in technical and methodological support of the PMs. The WASH Coordinator provides functional support to 3 different WASH PMs (Dnipro, Odessa, Chisinau) and this number may increase due to the growth of the mission, the potential opening of new areas (bases or sub-bases) and the implementation of new types of activities.

The level of representation is important on the mission. Representation for the WASH Coordinator involves regular presence and participation to related clusters and TWiG (national and provincials) for Wash and Shelter/NFI. The position is also closely involved in donors discussions, proposal writing and reports (in support or backup of the Deputy Country Director for Programs). Mission is opening and work of organization, structuration and harmonization will have to be set up.

Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

Strategic orientation

Relevance and quality of projects/Technical support and operational monitoring

Capitalization: organize capitalization and dissemination of SoPS/tools in priority for:

Personnel management/Reporting / communication / representation

YOUR PROFILE

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ professional work experience in a coordinator role in managing teams (including by remote control) + specific WASH experience.
• Significant previous experiences in emergency contexts and protracted crises.
• Experience in conducting technical assessment and project evaluation.
• Significant experience in an English-speaking environment.

Technical skill and competence:

• WASH programming experience;
• Team management and capacity building;
• Monitoring and evaluation;
• Report and proposal writing;
• Strategic thinking;
• Able to quickly understand complex situations and to coordinate both emergencies and long-term programs;
• Technical knowledge on water network, construction, behaviour change approach;
• Experience in social water management, participatory methods and community engagement in tensed community context.

Personal quality:

• Ability to take decisions and work in autonomy is essential;
• The candidate must display diplomatic and smooth leadership skills;
• An understanding of and commitment to SI’s mission and values.
• Show a clear calm, stable, mature and rational personality with a culturally sensitive approach
• Willingness to work under challenging conditions and physical fitness to live and work in a tropical climate
• Able to work under pressure, be dynamic and highly motivated to meet populations’ humanitarian needs.

Languages: Fluent in English (the mission is an English speaking /writing mission). Fluent in/knowledge of Ukrainian/Russian is an asset.

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post:
According to experience, starting from 2400 euros gross per month (+ 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem.

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL also covers accommodation costs in the Guest House and travel expenses between the expatriate’s country of origin and the place of assignment.

Vacation: 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 700 euros allocated by SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL). To these break periods, one additional rest day per month worked are granted.

Social and medical cover:
Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses 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.