Emergency WASH Specialist oPt At We World

Position: Emergency WASH Specialist oPt

Location: Ramallah (or remotely) during the first phase and in Gaza when the conditions allow

Report to: Emergency Coordinator

Technical Supervision: WASH Technical Expert

Work in coordination with: Emergency Response Team

Starting date: ASAP

Application deadline: 07/03/2024

Family Duty Station: NO

Working Context

WeWorld has been working in Palestine since 1992, operating in the field of human rights, humanitarian aid and development to guarantee Palestinian communities access to basic services and available natural resources, in particular with regard to integrated service management, the strengthening of the integrated protection of the population and the enhancement of local socio-economic development in a sustainable and innovative way, with particular attention to the social and economic empowerment of women.

WeWorld in Palestine has 5 offices (central office in Jerusalem and field offices in Gaza City, Ramallah, Hebron and Tubas). Over the decades, WeWorld has implemented several interventions funded by multiple donors: DG ECHO and the European Union, the Italian Cooperation, UN agencies as UNICEF and OCHA, as well as national agencies and donors such as SIDA, GIZ, JICA, DGD, GFFO, FCDO, AECID and others.

WeWorld’s interventions are linked to global and national strategies, including the coordination with and the contribution to the Humanitarian Response Plan of the UN. With a people-centered approach, the priorities are always identified together with the communities we serve, with a specific focus on a triple Nexus approach. The significant amount of data and analysis collected and elaborated by WeWorld in oPt inform the intervention of multiple agencies in Country. WeWorld is a member of the Global WASH Cluster and is part of all the clusters at national level: WASH (member of the Strategic Advisory Group), Education, Food Security, Shelter, Protection and Health.

Job description:

Since the opening of an office in Gaza City in 1997, WeWorld intervention in Gaza has been traditionally focused on humanitarian needs, especially in the WASH sector, focusing on the shortage of drinking water. WeWorld has focused its intervention on the growing needs of vulnerable households in terms of Integrated Protection, and on the urgent needs for enhancing the local capacity to manage and supply drinking and domestic water. The ongoing war in Gaza has left more than 1,6 m displaced people, its’ critical services infrastructure damaged and as we speak because of no fuel with little or no water to drink or use for other purposes. WeWorld personnel in Gaza have been trying in any way it is possible to mobilise resources to provide water to people. The result of this war has had catastrophic consequences, and the humanitarian needs are dire. WeWorld has planned to scale up the provision of basic services to IDPs when this is possible (availability of fuel and safety).

Under the line management of the Emergency Coordinator, the Emergency Wash Specialist will be responsible for implementation, day-to-day management and control of the technical part of projects in the field of WASH (Water and Sanitation/Hygiene), in accordance with WeWorld protocols, standards and procedures to ensure quality delivery of WASH activities in support to the Emergency projects in Gaza.

She/he will be responsible for:

Main functions and duties:

• Define procedures and ensure the implementation, control and effective technical work in WASH
• Manage technical support WASH activities in close collaboration with the Emergency Coordinator
• Carry out project assessments and feasibility studies to explore alternative solutions as per challenges encountered in the field of WASH
• In direct liaison with staff, identify project needs and manage responses to requests, establishing priorities
• If standard protocols are unavailable or unsuitable, establish a protocol that makes extensive use of feedback and pilot tests to ensure smooth operation, and define operating standards and control systems
• As technical referent, provide expert advice, quality control and knowledge reinforcement to the team
• Provide training for technicians, managers and controllers in the general set-up, operation and maintenance of new installations and new activities
• Carry out delegated tasks by the Emergency Coordinator (eg. participation in the WASH cluster)
• Technically Supervises the WASH focal points in the field
• In collaboration with the Emergency Coordinator, contribute to the Gaza annual WASH planning, training needs and technical standards review
• Provide support to field teams in identifying, implementing, and monitoring WASH activities in IDP sites and health facilities
• Development of WASH construction standardization and mission protocol
• Technical support for projects implementing specific WASH activities
• Carry out field assessments identifying WASH needs in partnership with project teams to support the development of emergency strategies and response plans in close collaboration
• Follows up WASH material orders for the mission with the Emergency Log Officer
• Ensures the quality of locally sourced materials
• Participates in the proper management of the WASH stock and in coordination with local technical teams
• Manage the WASH team involved in water, sanitation and health and hygiene promotion activities (selection, training, planning, daily tasks)
• Keep the constant monitoring of activities and reporting

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Job Specifications

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Technical diploma or degree from a technical University in the relevant specialization
• Good knowledge of the social and economic Palestinian context and the Palestinian market
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

Professional experience

• At least 5 years’ of professional WASH experience
• NGO previous experience and experience in emergency developing countries

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent team spirit, high ethical standards and coordination and communication skills
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent time management and capacity to meet the deadlines
• Flexibility and capacity to work in a complex environment
• Pro-activity and problem-solving attitude
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Details-oriented attitude
• Integrity in line with the Humanitarian Principles and ethical standards
• Strong commitment to WeWorld Mission
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of the Arabic language, written and verbal
• Knowledge of Italian language, written and verbal
• Proven experience in project proposal writing

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a 3 (three) month + 3 (three) collaboration contract renewable subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Country Representative upon arrival on assignment)

Economic conditions to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex and hardship based on place of work; schooling, flights for children and insurance coverage for children)

Other conditions: Tax Treatment: equal tax treatment between Italian and foreign residents is guaranteed

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract

Health insurance: covered

R&R: YES (To be defined)