LVIA is looking for a WASH Expert in Kenya at Lay Volunteers International Association

The WASH Expert will organize all activities related to the implementation of development and humanitarian water, Sanitation, hygiene and Environmental related projects/programs, for which S/he will be responsible for the identification, assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting. S/he will have to coordinate and collaborate with county government, partners, local CSOs and community to deliver quality, impactful and sustainable interventions. S/he will also provide leadership and oversight to the project’s WASH component. The WASH Expert will possibly supervise water and sanitation staff and activities in order to effectively implement planned projects.

Duty Station: Isiolo Town with frequent field visits

Duration of assignment: 11 months renewable

Key Responsibilities

Project/programs planning, Managementand Implementation

1. In coordination with LVIA Area Coordinator, support continued development and advise on WASH strategic approach through best practices and in line with LVIA mission in Kenya.
2. Support in development of new projects/programs proposals to support the strategic direction of LVIA.
3. Undertake joint-planning and agreed upon approach with Isiolo County Government, communities and other stakeholders to identify target locations for implementation of WASH and related interventions;
4. Support LVIA area coordinator in obtaining County support documents, including MoUs, letters etc. for implementation of WASH and related projects and activities;
5. Conduct comprehensive WASH technical assessments, data analysis and provide assessment reports and ensure their dissemination to all relevant Stakeholders;
6. Develop detailed implementation plans aligned with LVIAs overall Water, Sanitation and Hygiene approach, budgets, work schedules and ensure tracking of the same for timely projects delivery;
7. Ensure water supply projects conform to sound relevant technical assessments such as hydrogeological, Environmental and feasibility surveys before implementation;
8. Ensure Water Quality testing of all the water sources developed to ensure compliance with the set National and WHO standards for safe water before handover;
9. Provide technical expertise in developing project technical designs, bill of quantities, and specifications.
10. In coordination with the procurement officer ensure all technical aspects and requirements are accurately captured in the tender and contractual documents;
11. Provide supervision during project implementation as planned and according to developed technical standards, schedules timelines and budget while ensuring quality standards are adhered to in all WASH Infrastructure before contractors are paid;
12. Ensure stakeholders such as county and communities are involved at all the project cycle phases (identification, design, implementation, and monitoring) for enhanced ownership, accountability and oversight;
13. Ensure collaboration and integration of WASH activities with other sub-sectors – climate change, Environment, water resources management, agriculture, livestock, private sector for a coherence implementation approach;
14. Plan, organize and support capacity building activities for Water Management units by employing the agreed upon County water management strategies;
15. Keep detailed technical records and inventories of all WASH systems developed and ensure the same is documented at county and community level;
16. Liaise with county public health department to implement strategies and activities to improve capacity to practices appropriate sanitation and hygiene behaviours at community and household level
17. Develop project monitoring and evaluation tool and monitor project implementation, document processes, achievements and learning to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated;
18. Regularly visit field activities to assess progress and provide formal and informal feedback;
19. Compile and provide comprehensive project activities repor

Influence and representation

1. Support LVIA Country Area Coordinator to coordinate activities with local government and other partners programs;
2. Support planning of meetings and workshops with government, NGO, private sector, and community partners.
3. Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government departments, NGO’s and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line supervisor.
4. Represent LVIA at county government, donor, NGO and other relevant events at county level such as WASH forums, CSG, in close coordination withLVIA area coordinator.

Collaboration and partnerships

1. Work collaboratively with all key stakeholders to develop and maintain good relationships, explaining LVIAs roles when in liaising with County and communities during all phases of the program implementation;
2. Ensure coordination and linkages between community water management schemes with county structures for supportive water operation and maintenance models for enhanced sustainability;
3. Support collaborative partnerships with other county development partners to identify potential opportunities for leverage and linkages;

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

1. A BSc degree in Water and Environmental Engineering, Water Systems Engineering, Water Resources Management, or related field;
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in implementation of development and humanitarian programs including rural water supply with integration of sanitation and hygiene promotion (WASH);
3. Experience in developing technical water infrastructure design drawings, technical specifications, feasibilities and environmental assessment and bill of quantities;
4. Experience of gender and social inclusion approaches within WASH methodologies such as Community-led Total Sanitation, Water Safety Planning, community and school WASH;
5. Knowledge of WASH systems strengthening is preferred;
6. Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing;
7. Previous working experience in similar role in Arid and Semi-arid Land (ASAL) counties with National/International NGOs;
8. Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;
9. Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.

Personal Skills

1. Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
2. Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
3. Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
4. Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
5. Fluency in English and Swahili is mandatory; knowledge of local language is preferable.

Accountability

Reports Directly To: LVIA area coordinator;

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to LVIAs program Donors, partners, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Success Factors

S/he will combine exceptional proactive aptitude in terms of planning and coordination with different stakeholders, teams, county institutions while maintaining cordial and diplomatic relationships with different stakeholders at county, sub-county and community levels. The post requires a target oriented and problem-solving aptitude with ability to multi-task, prioritizing activities and simultaneously having an attention to detail with a strategic broad vision.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Isiolo County requiring visits to projects sites, local utilities, and county relevant department offices and forums

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LVIA is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

LVIA is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to LVIAs Code of Conduct Policies and values.