The Opportunity
In response to the triple water crisis, COVID-19, and ongoing population movements, the Syria Response Office requires a technical advisor to further strengthen and develop its WASH programming, lead on strategic discussion and quality control, and support the Area Offices with programme implementation.
The WASH Technical Advisor leads on WASH components as part of joint sectoral assessments, programme design, concept notes/proposals development as well as overall strategic direction. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to support SRO to promote climate resilient WASH outcomes, at the same time ensuring environmental safeguarding aspects in programming more broadly. The post holder will be expected to mentor and/or do capacity building of relevant country programme staff, and where possible, the staff of implementing partners. With matrix management of the WASH Technical Specialists, the TA will play a key role in updating and overseeing the quality benchmarks and other contextually relevant guidelines. The Advisor will be a part of the Programme Development and Quality Team, working closely with other sectors to promote and further strengthen child-focused integrated response.
WASH is largely a new sector of intervention for Save the Children therefore this role will require someone with experience in capacity assessments, networking and information gathering to further develop and build up an evidence-based portfolio of programmes in line with the context and Country Strategic Plan. The role will have a strong operational focus and, in addition to technical advice, will be expected to support the Area Offices in the implementation of WASH projects (including procurement plan, implementation planning, and optimising quality of technical documentation related to supply chain, etc.)
A knowledge of construction, particularly in aspects related to health and safety, supply chain construction monitoring is highly desirable.
The post holder will be expected to travel to the Area Offices at least 50% of the time.
SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Programme Development and Quality Director
Staff reporting to this post: This is an advisory role with no direct line management responsibility; however, the role provides technical backstopping and guidance to program staff and matrix manage the WASH specialists in the Area Offices.
LOCATION: One of the SRO Offices (Jordan, Turkey or Syria) with expectation to travel to other locations 50% of the time.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Strategy and Programme Development:
- Lead on WASH technical needs assessments and partner capacity assessments in coordination with other SC thematic areas and/or other external sector agencies (ensuring assessment findings are documented and that all assessments include a specific analysis of children’s needs).
- Lead on the development of the strategic direction for WASH interventions in Syria, ensuring they respond to the overall child-centred and integrated response model
- In coordination with the wider PDQ team, lead on the development of sector specific high quality concept notes and proposals including engagement with member and donor Technical Advisers.
- Lead on the design of contextually relevant sector guidelines, tools and quality benchmarks
- Provide technical checking of WASH engineering designs and hygiene promotion programmes as necessary, and proactively promote high quality WASH technical approaches within country programmes
- Collaborate closely and provide technical support to the WASH coordinators/managers and the field managers in Area Offices to identify needs and help solve operational challenges
- In coordination with other TAs, develop and adapt guidance on COVID-19 preparedness and response measures, leading and providing advice to staff across sectors on how to programme for activities through the development of SOPs.
- Work with other TAs to identify specific areas for WASH integration in other sector initiatives (Education, CP, Health and Nutrition, FSL, etc.) and support integrated programme design that helps in achieving protection and multi-sector outcomes
- Working closely with the MEAL team to develop sector indicators, MEAL plans and feedback mechanisms across all WASH programmes
- Provide technical oversight of WASH programme implementation (with staff and partners) to ensure timely and quality delivery of programme activities
- When needed, identify WASH programme supplies needs and coordinate with the logistics team to put in place a sensible phased procurement plan and provide proactive technical input to WASH construction and tender procurement.
- Promote a risk-based approach to programming that include sounds assessment, management and mitigation plans.
- Lead on research and technical studies that explore innovative ways of programming, in line with Save the Children WASH related work streams at regional and / or global level.
Capacity Building:
- Identify learning and training opportunities for Save the Children staff and partners and work as a mentor and role model for less experienced staff.
- Oversee development of technical training material that will improve aspects of WASH work within Save the Children, at country level and lead on delivery of capacity-building objectives
Representation & Advocacy & Organisational Learning:
- Ensure that Save the Children’s work is coordinated with efforts of other agencies, and take a leadership role within Interagency Coordination forums, such as the WASH cluster and the WASH Working Group, ensuring the specific needs of children are being addressed. Take the lead in technical working groups at national or sub-national level where needed. Take steps to document lessons learned, from WASH programmes, for wider dissemination.
- In collaboration with SC WASH colleagues, feed in learning, experiences and evidence to relevant global advocacy objectives.
- Work with the MEAL and Research Manager to translate learning log into defined action plans that can be shared with operational teams
General:
- Demonstrate leadership in relation to Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
- Ensure that the minimum standards of humanitarian aid are maintained in accordance with the Sphere and other relevant sector Standards.
- Ensure the Centrality of Protection and Do No Harm are embedded across the WASH programme cycle
In order to be successful you will bring/have:
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
- Education to a degree level in Public Health, Water Engineering, Environmental Science / Engineering or a related subject, or equivalent field experience
- Prior experience of working in a technical advisorrole within a complex country programme in an emergency response or fragile state, and managing a WASH team at national level
- Previous experience of WASH project management and programme coordination, implementing WASH programmes within donor constraints, on time and within budget (including experience of implementing WASH in institutions)
- Experience of and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability
- Demonstrated monitoring and evaluation skills
- Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands-on implementation capacity
- Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff in WASH technical skills
- Experience of representation and ability to represent SC effectively in external forums.
- Experience of preparing successful funding proposals for donors
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports and a high level of written and spoken English
- Strong influencing skills and experience in advocacy
- Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
- The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
- Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support
Desirable
- Language skills in Arabic
- Experience or knowledge of working and living in relevant regions/contexts
- Knowledge of and experience working in the both protracted and rapid onset emergencies
We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector.
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
- All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
Location: Amman
Employee Status: Fixed Term
Closing Date: Jan 21, 2022
