WASH Program Officer

Action Against Hunger is an international NGO providing humanitarian relief in more than 50 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security. Action Against Hunger has been present in Kenya since 2001 and is a transformative leader in Food and nutrition security for improved quality of life among vulnerable communities. The organization contributes to the optimal functional performance of National, County, and Community systems through strategic partnerships for innovative nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions to achieve its impact. The organization recognizes gender equality as central to its core strategy towards realization of effective and sustainable outcomes on nutrition, health, WASH and surveillance interventions. Action Against Hunger is currently implementing activities in West Pokot, Mandera, Samburu, Isiolo, Tana River, Nairobi and Baringo counties.

I. Summary of the position

The WASH officer shall take charge of technical aspects of hygiene promotion and Sanitation interventions under the supervision of the field coordinator and Deputy Field Coordinator programs. S/he shall be responsible for planning, implementation, (technical oversights), monitoring and evaluation of high quality, innovative Hygiene Promotion and, Sanitation interventions

Purpose

WASH Officer-Hygiene and Sanitation Promotion will be responsible for the daily implementation, monitoring, and regular consultation with program partners on hygiene and sanitation promotion interventions. Ensure linkage, synergies, and complementarity with other sectorial interventions, i.e. Nutrition, Food Security, and livelihood as well as proper coordination, consultation and information sharing with partner’s communities and other stakeholders.

Engagement

Represent Action Against Hunger in the WASH coordination forums at County and sub-county level, collaborate with other implementing partners, INGO, UN bodies and the local communities to ensure successful implementation and smooth running of the projects. Successful implementation of WASH interventions in target areas in line with Internationally/Nationally accepted standards and ACFs/national technical guidelines and the donor requirements.

Delivery

The WASH Officer will work under the guidance of the Deputy Filed Coordinator support in designing, adoption and promotion of hygiene and sanitation activities at the community level.

II. Essential Job Functions

a) WASH Project Implémentation and Management (50%)

• Design the contents and methodology of the Community Hygiene and Sanitation mobilization campaign as required by the project.
• Ensure integration of Water, sanitation and hygiene promotion components of projects.
• Ensure that procurement is timely initiated, monitored and prioritized by the logistics team.
• Support water quality testing and monitoring at communal water points and household level and recommend remedial
• Support implementation of sanitation and hygiene promotion activities
• In coordination with the Deputy Field Coordinator, Monitoring and evaluation officer and county teams, design and conduct all baseline assessment, KAP surveys and follow-up assessment with concrete feedback findings.
• In coordination with MEAL and DFC, HOD undertake/take part in quantitative/qualitative assessments to identify key risky hygiene behaviors to work on and to capture key achievements with-in the framework of project/s,
• In coordination with MOH, ensure proper implementation of hygiene and sanitation component of WASH projects within allocated budget and timelines.
• Support planning and implementation of community mobilization activities (using; community led total sanitation and any new methodology that may be introduced and appropriate)
• Provide technical support to communities in construction of appropriate and context specific household latrine
• Provide support to the distribution of hygiene items and conduct monitoring and follow up to ensure proper usage of items and appropriateness.
• Meeting with local leaders and community elders to communicate the details of overall Action Against Hunger program objectives and specific WASH program objectives

b) Coordinate Community Level Mobilization (20%)

• Develop and execute effective strategies to mobilize community members for participation in project/development initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
• Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to ensure active engagement and participation.
• Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members for project success.

c) Building Partnerships with Project Stakeholders and Partners (10%)

• Work with the FC, DFC and technical program staffs to expand cooperation between communities and the local authorities during project implementation ensuring local needs, priorities and initiatives are integrated into the local authorities’ plans
• In liaison with the line manager, communicate project updates, challenges, and successes to relevant stakeholders at the county level.
• Participate in coordination meetings to ensure seamless integration of community initiatives into larger county/base programs.
• Collaborate with base program personnel to leverage resources and opportunities for community level activities.
• Ensure awareness about project priorities, strategies and approaches
• Analyze ongoing experience for lessons learnt, best practices, and share with project team for use in knowledge sharing and planning.
• Liaise with the project team to ensure anticipation of stories and begin their documentation at early stages.
• Proactively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice
• Collaboration with other Partners, MOH (S/CHMT), MoW, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs and the UN working in this area to ensure smooth running of projects.
• Work in collaboration with the communities and local leaders at all stages of project implementation

d) Reporting and Program development (10%)

• Compile program reports on a timely basis in liaison with other program staff; Weekly SitRep, Monthly (APRs and MNRs), quarterly and annual donor reports
• To verify that all reports and data submitted to Action Against Hunger by CHPs are accurate and completed. Ensure all team members have the knowledge and resources for field based educational work
• In collaboration with the Deputy Field Coordinator, prepare progress reports, quarterly donor reports, proposals, Program reports project procurement plan and contributes to survey reports.
• Participates in the analysis and drafting of activity reports and evaluation of the project.
• In liaison with the DFC and FC develop project proposal to address County specific gaps
• Support MOH/MoW focal persons on information, data management and reporting through the DHIS.
• Participate in the planning, organizing and implementation of surveys, assessments and research studies including post distribution monitoring

e) Branding, Communication and Visibility 5%

• Ensure all project activities at community level are well branded with Action Against Hunger and donor visibility as per the project visibility and communication guidelines.
• Ensure capturing of quality images/photos and videos for activities at the community and share with the project team and communications officer

f) Any Other duty 5%

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager

III. Supervisory roles

• None

IV. Fiscal Responsibility

• Prepare cash forecast in liaison with the other program staff in line with the work plans
• Ensure the expenditure is as stipulated in the budget lines and strict adherence to the budget limits
• Propose anticipated budget realignment in discussion with program manager
• In liaison with the DFC and FC monitor budget spending in line with spending plan; ensure diligence in grants utilization including timely spending and value for money.
• Support the DFC and FC in monthly budget reviews and suggesting amendments to Finance

V. Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with interruptions.
• This position entails a lot of travel to the field to support community level activities. The employee must attest to a level of physical fitness capable of enduring physically difficult, highly stressful situations, which may include the necessity to walk long distances, to eat a limited diet and/or to reside in potentially uncomfortable housing.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

VI. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. The incumbent must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required by contact with the base security, or other obligations.
• Must be able to travel as required for standard base and capital travel as well as internally as appropriate.
• While visiting the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.

VII. Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

At all times, Action against Hunger commits to:

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of people of all genders equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where people of all genders can be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

VIII. Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree/Diploma or technical training in Public Health/ community development or health related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in a similar position with similar setting and responsibility.
• Experience from both private and INGO sectors is an advantage
• Knowledge of main donor requirements including USAID, UNICEF, ECHO, EU, SIDA etc.
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting skills for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications and systems for data management and reporting.

X. Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse community members and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in community mobilization, capacity building, and development work.
• Previous experience in Arid and Semi-Arid lands of Kenya
• Computer skills with excellence in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proven ability to work in a team and proven skills in capacity building and community development (including community participation)
• Good level of spoken and written English and Kiswahili
• Ability to work within deadlines, follow security rules and be flexible
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and have impact on input on program indicators
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership and initiative.
• Adaptability and accommodative to local culture, customs, and social dynamics.
• Good listening, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.