WASH Officer , UNHCR TANZANIA

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

Current Situation

Due to the recent tensions in Burundi, refugee movements into Tanzania dramatically increased in the recent months, with most originating from various locations in Burundi such as Nyazalake, Gitega and Bujumbura, arriving with almost no belongings and often in poor health. As of 30 of October 2015, close to 100,000 Burundian refugees, had been registered. UNHCR and its partners are closely coordinating with the Government of Tanzania, particularly the Refugee Services Department, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other Government departments, including Immigration, Border Management and Control and the Office of the Prime Minister at the national level. Owing to the Government of Tanzania¿s open border policy almost all refugees fleeing Burundi benefited from unrestricted access and asylum on a prima facie basis. The number of new arrivals has now, however, reached such a volume that Nyarugusu refugee camp has exceeded its capacity. As a result two new campsites have been identified in Nduta and Mtendeli and are under initial phase of development. A Relocation Plan has been approved to relocate 50.000 refugees from Nyarugusu camp to the two new campsites commencing October 2015 in preparation to mitigate the risks of the approaching rainy season. The on-going situation in Burundi continues to generate new arrivals, some of whom have experienced sexual assaults or rape. There are also separated and unaccompanied children, as well as persons with connections to security or military forces, for which screening and separation must be insisted. ,The impending change in weather condition necessitates the urgent relocation of refugees living in flood-prone areas of Nyarugusu.

Desirable Attributes

Interpersonal Skills: Given the complex nature of the operation, the incumbent needs to be a dynamic team player, with demonstrated commitment to gender equality. Good planning, managerial, leadership skills and maturity in communication and decision making are essential attributes. The incumbent should have a profile which includes field experience and working in a diverse team. Good writing and language skills in English are required. Qualified and experienced female and male candidates are sought. Travel on monitoring, training and other missions will be undertaken.

Working and Living Conditions

UN Security Level-2 is currently in place, which implies that official and private road travel by staff is limited as per the MOSS and all official missions in this region should not begin before 07:00 and be in a secure location no later than 18:30. Police escorts are required as per MOSS for travel by road between Kibondo to Kasulu. Security escort is not required for travel from Kasulu to Kigoma Town. Road transport from Kibondo to Kigoma requires armed police escort.

Security Considerations

UN Security Level-2 is currently in place, which implies that official and private road travel by staff is limited as per the MOSS and all official missions in this region should not begin before 07:00 and be in a secure location no later than 18:30. Police escorts are required as per MOSS for travel by road between Kibondo to Kasulu. Security escort is not required for travel from Kasulu to Kigoma Town. Road transport from Kibondo to Kigoma requires armed police escort.

Additional Factors

Although Kibondo appears as a Family Duty Station as per ICSC Classification of Duty stations it is NOT a place that can accommodate a family in good conditions. Health and educational facilities are not available and housing options very limited.

JOB DESCRIPTION

DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

In order to ensure wider reach out to the refugees and ensure their close involvement in the delivery and management of the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) services, the incumbent will need to establish an appropriate consultative and monitoring framework which would draw the experience and expertise of a wide range of actors both internally and externally.

The WASH Officer (Roving) will be responsible for provision of professional technical support and guidance on activities within the areas of WASH. Furthermore, the incumbent is required to play a lead role in formulating appropriate project proposals and assistance activities that should be incorporated into the relevant country programmes 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.¨

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability WASH services provided to refugee and others persons of concern to UNHCR are based on UNHCR country and /or internationally recognised and most up-to date standards and policies.
Sound technical support and advice are provided to country operation in the field of WASH.

There is viable monitoring and evaluation system in place for data collection, analysis and interpretation to serve as evidence base for planning and interventions.
Responsibility

Provide technical assistance to UNHCR country offices and programmes in the development, integration and mainstreaming of appropriate and cost effective WASH programmes.
Undertake needs and resource assessments with Governments and partners in order to prioritize needs and activities in provision of services to refugees and others persons of concern to UNHCR.
Support country operations to define the level and scope of UNHCR involvement, expressed in tern of overall and operational objectives during emergency situations as well as in care and maintenance and repatriation/reintegration programmes.
Support country operation to participate in review and analysis of relevant project proposal and budgetary submissions presented by UNHCR partners within context of UNHCR programme cycle.
Ensure that project plan and proposal submitted to UNHCR for funding adhere to internationally accepted standard.
Ensure establishment of strong viable WASH monitoring system, including monthly data collection and KAP survey.
Maintain and update WASH contingency plan for potential epidemics, refugee and returnee movement.
Work in a multi-sectorial and coordinated approach in co-operation with Governments, UN agencies, non-Governmental organizations (NGO¿s) and other humanitarian partners.
Work closely with UNHCR programme, field and protection staff to identify priority WASH and key data requirements for programme planning and monitoring to ensure that minimum UNHCR and international standards are being met.
Use community-based approaches, including clear involvement of refugees in the hygiene promotion and others sector that are related to WASH.
Ensure regular update and share information within UNHCR as well as with relevant Government, UN and NGO counterparts and donor communities.
Monitor and evaluate country-level WASH programmes against standard UNHCR and international indicator to ensure that programmes are evidence-based and implemented in a comprehensive and cost effective manner.
Make provisions for the installation of WASH services in any new camp or camp extension identified for the settlement of refugees.
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.
Build the capacity and competence of UNHCR¿s Public Health and WASH staff.
Ensure WASH is adequately addressed in in-house capacity building activities of the agency such as emergency and operations training.

Provide other duties as required.
Authority

Provide guidance and recommendations on WASH programmes in the country.

Represent UNHCR in WASH meetings as well as in technical monitoring of activities

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 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 8 years (6 years with Advanced 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 3 years of this experience should be in a capacity directly relevant to the current position in an international humanitarian 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 is essential.
• 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 are important elements for this post.
• Proven technical expertise in area of WASH assessment including surveys, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination is required.
• Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles.
• Knowledge and experience of working with local 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 English and/or French (depending on the country of assignment) and working knowledge of another relevant UN language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Experience and professional training in one of irrigation, site planning, or shelter with a good understanding of the main issues in the other two sectors. To this end, an advanced degree and additional training in one or more of the above sectors would be useful.
• Applied knowledge in UNHCR programme management, project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards.
• Previous exposure to cluster approach, preferably both at the global policy level and at field level.
• Expertise in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on humanitarian operations.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply through the UNHCR website at http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c491.html under "Employment" then "Current Vacancies"