Local recruitment: WASH Coordinator

Date: 02-Apr-2023

Location: South omo Woredas, Ethiopia

Company: Plan International

The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 80 countries.

ROLE PURPOSE

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organization working for better lives for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalized and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality. Our organization is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work. We need bold, forward-thinking and innovative individuals to lead our country operations, driving change and delivering results that will allow us to reach our target of 100 million girls. 

In Ethiopia, Plan has more than 25 years of experience in implementing its programme. Currently PIE mainly operates in seven geographical areas; Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, and Addis Ababa City Administration on different projects funded by different donors including sponsorship.

The position holder is primarily responsible to lead and implement the WASH development as well as humanitarian component of the integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition project in SNNP regional state and to insure the linkage to the Country WASH Program at the project level. The post holder is responsible for the delivery of results in line with pre-agreed project plans and objectives and oversees Project implementation at all stages throughout the project cycle. Given that a significant amount of the project thematic activities is done in partnership with key government sector offices, s/he will have also a key aspect of the role is nurturing, developing and facilitating the achievement of results.

Accountabilities and Main Work Activities  

Project design, implementation and reporting 25%

• Management of the WASH project specific budget at the field office level.  
• Responsible for project design, overseeing implementation and monitoring while ensuring quality program delivery of the overall WASH country program activities. 
• Regional advocacy and networking, strategic thematic area planning, developing and strengthening partnerships and mainstreaming of child cantered community development.
• Nurturing, developing and facilitating the achievement of results. 
• Implement the specific project and programme thematic initiatives pertaining to program area in line with different components within the country strategy as well as in support of overall country programme goals and objectives.
• Provide any requested technical support, assistance and follow up to the program area WASH initiatives in tandem with other field-based staffs and program managers to ensure the quality of program delivery in an efficient way and manner which will collectively address the real needs of Children, Adolescents and Women in need.
• Prepare quarterly project and program updates and reports (both financial and narrative reports) in consultation with concerned bodies to be incorporated into the general project as well as country Program quarterly reports.
• Develop proactive and constructive collaboration with different departments within PIE for a consorted and team driven effort towards fulfilling the vision, missions and impact areas of the organization.
• Develop partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations and networks whose support are essential to the achievement of PIE’s organizational objectives, and strengthen their capacity through appropriate training and experience sharing initiatives.

Policy engagement and networking 20%

• THE Post holder serve as a principal representative to WASH thematic networks and clusters in the project areas that has relevance to the project implementation when he delegated by his line manager, to create collaborative and positive partnerships and alliances, and to influence policy that maximizes the impact of the project.
• Establish links and good relationships with relevant district government authorities, UN organizations, NGOs, academic and research institutions and the media, in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene to draw information and knowledge for project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Makes follow up and proper documentation and share of district government information, strategies with respect to water sanitation and hygiene.

Partnership development and strengthening 20%

• Periodically collect project related and relevant information about other organizations working within the target districts to gain institutional knowledge of the environment.
• Seeks opportunities for different kinds of partnership for enhanced quality project implementation.
• Provide technical assistance and build the capacities of WASHCOs, clubs and local partners in project management.
• for smooth project implementation of the project Facilitates communication and interaction between partners/collaborators

Relationship Management / Communications 15%

• Assist and support communication department in developing communication materials through adopting and contextualizing it and disseminate to identified target audiences, support the department in translating materials into local languages as necessary.
• Collaborate and participate in effective knowledge and information management systems where the necessary Country Program Information is well documented and shared internally and externally as necessary.
• Promote a collaborative, team environment amongst project/program team.
• Inform line manager and donor of any issues or proposed resource changes (financial or human) that may require technical assistance or donor approval in a timely fashion. 
• Oversee outreach activities at program areas to support and raise awareness about the purpose of the project and any related opportunities.
• Shall perform any other duties as assigned by his line manager, the WaSH Project Manager at country office.

Child Protection and Gender Equality Responsibilities (10%)

• Demonstrate commitment to Plan’s child protection policy through implementing the policy in its entirety, and report any actual or potential risk situations following the reporting procedures, being aware of abuse and risks to children, being vigilant, becoming familiar with the Child Protection Policy.
• Raise children’s rights/protection awareness and important of gender equality and respect to diversity within Plan and amongst partners and community members.
• Child protection and gender equality policies are understood by the staff and partners.
• Ensure equal participation and benefit of boys and girls and children with disabilities in all phases of project implementation.
• Ensure sufficient budget and resources are allocated for gender equality activity in their respective area annual plans and project activities. Support partners in understanding plans’ gender equality strategy and program criteria and capacity building activities on gender as part of the regular work at field level. Ensure the representation of Plan Ethiopia in their respective project from gender equality perspectives.
• Plan Ethiopia has put in place a CP policy that all of its staff must adhere to and sign.

 Reporting 10%

• Prepare and provide all the necessary technical and information inputs prepare quarterly, mid-term and yearly reports and end of project report deliverables, as per standard templates and direction provided, including all narrative and financial content and associated annexes.
• Prepare and submit monthly narrative reports, including updates on project progress and outstanding issues to line manager and communication department as necessary.
• Identify and communicate any issues related to project delay to the line manager, other concerned bodies and include relevant mitigation/contingency plans.
• Assist and ensure that results of any internal Plan-led or external donor-led audits are addressed.
• Provide technical support for government partners and program unit staff on effective M and E applications. 
• Identify, document and disseminate best practices, success stories and story of changes from within and outside Plan to staff and other development partners.
• Ensure project learning and achievements are documented and disseminated widely.
• Ensure all project documentation is filed and organised for accountability purposes.

Dealing with Problems:

• The post holder will coordinate field-based staffs ensure the highest level of program quality and overall impact. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results.
• The position involves a high degree of complexity in resolving a wide range of challenges which typically occur in project management. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, thinking strategically while implementing projects, introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.
• Understands organisational strategies and contributes to its fulfilment by supporting his/her team to play their roles and implement programs in accordance with organisational values, goals and requirements. 
• Working at community and district level to give support to partners and sector staffs, influences PA colleagues to adhere to required implementation standards in an integrated manner to support the sustainability and effectiveness of the PlE programs.
• The post holder will coordinate with other project staffs, including WASH and Health and Nutrition coordinators to ensure the highest level of program quality and overall impact. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results.

1. Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGMENT COMPETENCIES

Leadership COMPETENCIES

• Courageous in taking a lead, focused on Plan International’s purpose and making the most effective contribution within my own work context.
• Behave in line with our values and safeguarding practices, inside and outside work.
• Challenge own attitudes, unconscious bias and behavior and speaks up when they see wrong doing, especially by those who use their power over others to create fear or abuse.
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date.
• Honest and efficient in use of resources, including own time.
• Take responsibility for own performance and development: reflecting; seeking and listening to feedback; learning from mistakes; finding people or resources to help them learn.
• Constructive and optimistic in facing setbacks, challenges and change, using own initiative to analyze issues and improve things.
• Good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them.

BUSINESS MANAGMENT COMPETENCIES

• Understand relevant sectoral context including how the sector operates in terms of funding and governance and awareness of Plan’s purpose, values, and global strategy
• Manage legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security
• Manage activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management
• Manage people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/Experience Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree or above in Sanitary Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Health or related disciplines with at least 5 years relevant experience in water supply and sanitation development, construction supervision and Contract Administration out of which a minimum of 2 years of NGO experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the management (feasibility study, design, construction supervision, contract administration etc.) of water supply and sanitation projects and infrastructures.
• Experience in CLTSH, community mobilization and organization skill
• Experience in preparation of Bill of quantities and specification, bid document preparation and evaluation, contract document preparation, negotiation management, as well as supervision and administration of projects.
• Experience and Knowledge of using Water CAD, AutoCAD and related software packages are advantageous.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
• Knowledge and experience in supervising infrastructures.
• In-depth knowledge of project cycle management and child centred community development programming.
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development.
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes.
• Experience in implementation of integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition projects.

      Skills Specific to the Post and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and problem-solving skills.
• Numeracy and the ability to interpret financial data, in order to understand budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to analyse information and evaluate options including planning skills.
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.
• Ability to interpret financial data, in order to provide management support to budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong, demonstrable grants management and compliance experience.
• Resilience, adaptability and flexibility: ability to operate effectively under a stressful and working environment, often under tight timelines and high donor expectations
• Child centre development and Gender aware.
• Fluency in English and Amharic languages
• Knowledge and skill of local languages is a plus.

Commitment to Plan Ethiopia Values:

• Integrity, Unity/Oneness, Accountability, Excellence, Embracing Change, Speed/Agility

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviours:

• A predisposition to collaboratively positive engagement with all other parts of the organisation.
• A commitment to communicate in a timely manner.
• Supports learning in diverse teams.
• Positively promotes team effort and high performance by all staff through shared successes.
• Creates highly motivated team of unified purpose
• Acts with high degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff
• Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
• Dynamic, highly motivated and balances future vision with practical delivery
• Remains calm and positive under pressure and in difficult situations
• Humble, supportive, ethical and service oriented
• Promotes innovation and learning
• Pleasant and polite attitude at all times; and ability to reflect professional standards
• Ability to act as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team.

Location: South omo Woredas

Type of Role: 

Reports to: Wash project Manager 

Grade: D1

Closing Date: 12 April 2023

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.