NATIONAL PROJECT OFFICER- WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE

Background

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities.  UN-Habitat helps the urban poor by transforming cities into safer and healthier places with better opportunities. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector. This post is located in the Urban Basic Services Branch

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the Leader of the Water and Sanitation Unit, the National Project Officer (WASH), will work with the Project  Manager (Sanitation Task Manager) to support the implementation of project activities under an Agreement between European Investment Bank (EIB) and UN-Habitat on the Sanitation in Informal Settlements and Schools WASH components of the LVWATSAN –Mwanza project. Within delegated authority, the National Project Officer Scope of assignments includes: Supporting the Sanitation Task Manager in the management of the project: Assist with consultations/meetings/activities to develop and operationalize project implementation strategies; Participate in preparing related work programme and budget documents; Contribute to baseline surveys and information gathering to inform project monitoring and evaluation; iii) Contribute fully in outreach and TCB activities; Work with the project team to provide substantive guidance to the main institutional stakeholders on the project; Assist with UN-Habitat WASH partnership and networking on the project; Contribute to the preparation of project reports, background papers, analytical notes, inputs to publications, etc. Collaborate substantively on all aspects of the Stakeholder Engagement process: Work with key stakeholders and assist to develop, implement and evaluate the assigned project activities; Manage the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) in the informal settlements including establishing and operationalizing Multi Stakeholder forums; Collaborate with the project team to identify three pilot areas and schools to demonstrate feasible sanitation solutions; Coordinate and mobilize stakeholder sensitization and awareness raising through the MSFs and city authorities; Assist to enhance local capacity in the beneficiary communities to sustainably manage the WATSAN facilities to be put in place; Assist to integrate lessons from the project to inform sector policy and practices in low income settlements; Assistance to the Sanitation Task Manager in following up on Project Management issues: Substantively contribute to measures to mainstream cross cutting issues (e.g. gender, youth, pollution/climate change and human rights) in the project activities; Participate in monitoring emerging needs during implementation and offer assistance in meeting those needs; Assist identify alternative actions, design and implement proposals for these actions; Provide inputs during reviews of the work plan Provide inputs to periodic progress assessments, mid-term review and final evaluation of the project; Undertake any other duties within the incumbent's area of competence as requested by the Sanitation Task Manager, Leader of the Water and Sanitation Unit and the Coordinator of the UBSB.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of approaches relevant to low cost sanitation services provision in slum settlements; Ability to identify, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Demonstrates professional competence, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observes deadlines and achieves results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations'; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks/writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, has interest in having two-way communication; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; genuinely valuies others’ ideas and expertise; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning & Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education A post graduate university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Economics or Environmental Sciences with relevant experience in community-based water and sanitation projects relevant to development and management of human settlements; A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience Candidates must have at least five (5) years of professional working experience on the design and implementation of gender sensitive and community based WATSAN projects with demonstrated skills in community mobilization, formulation and implementation of stakeholder engagement processes in urban contexts. Language English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English and Kiswahili is required; Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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