Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Manager At Medair

Role & Responsibilities

The WASH Manager plays a vital role in community mobilisation as well as in the access to safe water and sanitation for the target population. This involves effectively managing the assigned WASH activities within ongoing project(s) in line with the objectives, budget and timeframe laid down in the proposal(s). The role also includes enhancing beneficiary participation, managing and training local staff, implementing control and quality procedures in cooperation with MEAL Manager and Project Manager, initiating the procurement process related to the relevant WASH activities, weekly/monthly planning of activities in the field.

Project Overview

Madagascar is counted as the country with the second or third highest chronic malnutrition rate worldwide and the Southern of the country is experiencing the worst drought and food security crisis recorded since 1981. Also, Madagascar is one of the most prone countries to Cyclones, hence, working on disaster preparedness is critical. Medair has been present in Madagascar since 2002 and currently runs WASH, Nutrition, DRR and ERT projects in different regions.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field based position is based in Ambovombe, South of Madagascar, with frequent field visits in the Androy region.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full-time, 6 to 12 months (potentially renewable).

Key Activity Areas

Technical Management

• Be responsible for implementation, monitoring and support of assigned infrastructure and/or WASH activities within ongoing project(s), in line with activity plan and time frame of project proposal(s) and any applicable national and international guidelines and standards, as well as providing support to the WASH Project Manager.
• Manage quality construction of all infrastructure structures, ensuring good maintenance and sustainable processes are put in place especially helping to involve as much as possible local communities drawing on similar experience in WASH projects.
• Ensure that regular monitoring and evaluation assessments are conducted both against project objectives and programme quality, through frequent visits to field locations and regular reports.
• Work towards continual improvement of processes and technical implementation of infrastructure WASH programme. Help implementing a better framework and ensuring good quality work.
• Provide input into integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project(s). Facilitate integration of beneficiary participation into existing project(s) framework: committees, random selection of casual labourers for interview.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities for internal and external reports (e.g. monthly, quarterly and final reports) as requested by the Management, GSO and donors.

Staff Management

• Manage the assigned team including recruitment, management, development and training, appraisals, etc.
• Hold team meetings with assigned team, reviewing team and individual objectives and performance, ensuring team members are kept informed of issues to their work and providing an opportunity for feedback. Ensure that team members receive supervision, coaching, mentoring and training in order to develop their personal and professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
• Promote health by ensuring healthy living conditions and practices are being followed.

Financial Management

• Work with the field technicians to plan, develop and manage budgets for the assigned activities.
• Coordinate and oversee petty cash requirements of the assigned team(s), ensuring all required paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Communication and coordination

• Develop and maintain transparent and supportive communication structures with assigned team(s), Medair in-country and GSO managers and advisors and other stakeholders such as beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs.
• When required, represent Medair at local level coordination meetings involving local authorities, UN agencies and other NGOs.

Logistics

• Support the Logs team in conducting the procurement process related to the relevant WASH activities and managing contracts with suppliers and service providers.
• Manage the correct and timely procurement (within budgetary constraints) of all necessary Infrastructure and WASH supplies and equipment for the assigned activities, ensuring minimum stocks are maintained and items are stored and distributed correctly and timely.
• Oversee field depots and help develop project(s) specific handling of field depot to comply with Medair standards and better track movement of goods in the field.

Security Management

• Help the project coordinator in monitoring security situation for teams in the field and close communication.
• Responsible for ensuring field team compliance with security procedures; ensure teams are equipped.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair e-library and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed. Ensure that most up to date documents are used across the project(s).
• Implement, within operational constraints, policies and standards relating to current operations including national, and international (e.g. Sphere and HAP) standards, donor guidelines & good practice.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith- based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayer, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

Qualifications

• BSc in Water / Environmental Engineering or Management or Civil Engineering or Hydrology / Geology
• Good level of spoken and written English & decent level of French (with willingness to progress).

Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian standards such as Sphere and HAP.
• Strong Christian commitment. Enthusiastic with a ‘can-do’ attitude. Compassionate, self-motivated, dynamic, proactive, self-starter.
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills. Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as beneficiaries, other agencies, local authorities.
• Able to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels. Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner. Able to cope with basic living conditions in the field and during field trips
• Ability to manage project implementation with resources and time bound objectives. Good report writing skills, in French and English. Problem solving ability. Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills and the capacity to analyse and prioritise needs, leadership skills and supportive management style. Able to take the initiative in project decisions. Experience in managing, training/mentoring staff.
• Knowledge of Water and sanitation infrastructures design and implementation.