Regional WASH/Shelter Coordinator [Localisation and Climate Adaptation] At Danish Refugee Council

Job Title : Regional WASH/Shelter Coordinator [Localisation and Climate Adaptation]

Technically Supervisored by : Global WASH/Shelter Lead

Reporting to : Regional Head of Programme

Duty station : Dakar with travels to other DRC offices of the region

Aera of operation : Region of West-North Africa & Latin America

Work contract lenght : 6 months (potentially renewable)

Type of contrat : Expatriate or National

Salary & Benefits : Band Non Management F, Accompanied position, small family package

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

DRC has been operating in West Africa since 1998 and in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2011. The DRC West-North Africa & Latin America (WANALA) Regional Office is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers several countries. Led by the Regional Executive Director, the DRC WANALAC oversees, supports, and provides strategic directions for DRC’s Country Offices within the above-mentioned regions. From 2024, it includes Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Venezuela.

The Regional Programme Team has a range of technical capacities, including 2 Economic Recovery coordinators, 2 Protection coordinators, 1 Partnership and Localisation Adviser, and Regional Emergency Coordinator. The position advertised is for a new addition to the team of a Regional WASH and Shelter Coordinator.

2. Purpose

The Regional WASH/Shelter Coordinator will guide the programmatic model for WASH/Shelter at DRC, write integrated proposals, develop partnerships, and support countries in ensuring high-quality WASH/Shelter activities. The coordinator will explore these areas:

a. Responding to Emergencies: Integrating WASH with protection efforts and shelter initiatives is crucial in emergencies to meet immediate health needs and prevent waterborne diseases. Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and safe shelter is vital for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, enhancing acceptance/access within affected communities.

b. Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion: WASH and shelter activities foster trust and cooperation among community members, including host and displaced populations. Community-driven initiatives addressing basic needs can reduce tensions and promote healing.

c. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Implementing sustainable WASH practices and resilient shelter designs reduces vulnerability to climate-related hazards. Resilient water supply systems and safe shelters maintain resource access during climate shocks. Engaging displaced communities in WASH and shelter planning fosters adaptation, enabling sustainable practices suited to local contexts.

d. Food Security and Livelihoods: Reliable water access and shelter are essential for supporting agriculture, a critical livelihood for displaced populations. Integrating sustainable agricultural practices with WASH and shelter efforts enhances food security and economic stability, providing a holistic approach to community resilience.

The Regional WASH and Shelter Coordinator will be responsible for formulating a strategy for WASH/Shelter in DRC’s West & North Africa and Latin America region and fundraise to develop this new sector for the region, while bringing effective, innovative modalities to the sector with emphasis on Climate Adaptation. The Coordinator will also provide effective, timely technical advisory to the Country Offices in the region working with Shelter and WASH. The role will be responsible for representing DRC in relevant technical fora and working groups at regional level and supporting the Regional Head of Programme in fundraising efforts for their sector through well-designed strategy, timely updates, advisory and sector engagement. The Coordinator will be responsible for mainstreaming green approaches across sectors while leading on Climate Adaptation programming.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Regional Head of Programme, the Regional WASH/Shelter Coordinator will undertake the following activities:

a. Strategic Development:

• Lead the strategic planning and development of WASH and Shelter programmes in DRC’s West & North Africa and Latin America region, ensuring alignment with DRC’s mission and objectives.
• Identify and analyse regional needs and gaps in WASH and Shelter services for displaced populations, proposing innovative and context-specific solutions.

b. Partnership Building:

• Develop a strategy to develop the WASH and Shelter sector within the region through establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and leverage local expertise in programme implementation.
• Create new strategic partnerships with international and national actors with expertise in WASH and Shelter in order to move towards joint fundraising.
• Facilitate internal capacity-building for DRC’s regional team members to strengthen their technical skills and enhance the sustainability of WASH and Shelter interventions.

c. Fundraising and Programme Development:

• Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial resources for WASH and Shelter programmes, including proposal writing and engagement with donors.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of WASH and Shelter projects, ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices.
• Develop and implement innovative modalities for service delivery, with a focus on climate adaptation and resilience-building in vulnerable communities.
• Develop and maintain a funding strategy that prioritises local partnerships and community-driven approaches.

d. Technical support:

• Provide technical guidance and support to field teams in the implementation of WASH and Shelter projects, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Organise training sessions and workshops to enhance the skills of staff and partners in WASH and Shelter programming.
• Provide technical inputs and review to proposals, reports, assessments and evaluations in line with the technical strategy.

e. Climate Adaptation Focus:

• Integrate climate adaptation strategies into WASH and Shelter programming, ensuring that interventions are resilient to climate change impacts.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in climate adaptation relevant to WASH and Shelter sectors.

In addition to the above, the Regional WASH and Shelter Coordinator may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Regional Head of Programme – but always in the scope of this job description.

4. Required Qualifications

Required

• At least 5 years’ experience in technical management and advisory in WASH and Shelter sectors with specialty in Climate programming.
• Proven experience with inclusion of climate-sensitive approaches.
• Proven experience with proposal and report writing processes.
• Direct experience with drafting and reviewing of technical SoPs and guidelines, technical papers and analysis with emphasis on innovation and climate.
• Proven experience with impactfully engaging with stakeholders and creating new partnerships
• Experience working in emergency response with INGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context
• Full professional proficiency in English with the capacity to produce well-written products for formal reporting and communication.

Desirable

• Bachelor’s Degree in civil/Water Engineering, or Construction.
• Master’s degree in above fields will be an added advantage.
• Experience with capacity building for national partners.
• Prior knowledge of West Africa or Latin America context.

5. Required Skills & Qualities

• Full professional proficiency in English and French
• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organisational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humour

Note: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

6. General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request