Role & Responsibilities

the Wash Project Manager has a vital role to play in community mobilisation as well as access to safe water and sanitation for the target population. This involves effectively managing the assigned WASH and infrastructure 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 the M&E Manager and the Project Coordinator, and assessing, planning and initiating new infrastructure and WASH projects / proposals.

Project Overview

WASH projects to be implemented in Ituri Province alongside mainly emergency health focussed projects targeting displaced, war affected and vulnerable populations in NE Congo. Developmental typed projects aimed at long term and sustainable behaviour change in general population and state health employees to improve public health outcomes.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field position based in Bunia, D.R. Congo.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full-time, 24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Technical Management

• Be responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and support of the assigned infrastructure and/or WASH project(s) in line with the activity plan and time frame of the project proposal(s) and any applicable national and international guidelines and standards as well as providing support to the WASH & Infrastructure Advisor in developing new standards.
• Manage the quality construction of all infrastructure structures, ensuring good maintenance and sustainable processes are put in place especially helping to involve more the local communities drawing on similar experience in WASH projects, namely helping to improve the current committees setup.
• Ensure that regular monitoring and evaluation assessments are conducted both against project objectives and to ensure the quality of the programme, with reports being made to the field managers. This will be done through frequent visits to field locations and involve a lot of travelling.
• Work towards the continual improvement of the processes and the technical implementation of the infrastructure WASH programme. In particular help implementing a better framework and give feedback on how to both have better ensure quality of the work being done while keeping paperwork to reasonable amount.
• Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability (BA) in all aspects of the project. Help integrate beneficiary participation into the existing project(s) framework: committees, random selection of casual labourer for interview and help develop new ways in integrating BA into infrastructure project(s).
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities for internal and external reports (e.g. monthly, quarterly and final reports) as requested by field managers, GSO and donors.
• Input into the development of the country strategy, new projects and/or donor proposals as requested by field managers and GSO. Support the WASH & Infrastructure Advisor in analysing former infrastructure and WASH projects and budgets in order to improve project and budget quality and procedures.

Staff Management

• Manage the assigned team including recruitment, management, development and training, appraisals, etc.
• Hold monthly team meetings with the assigned team(s), reviewing team and individual objectives, ensuring team members are kept informed of issues to their work and providing an opportunity for feedback. Ensure the assigned team(s) members receive supervision, coaching, mentoring and training in order to develop their personal and professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
• Promote the health and security of the team(s) by providing support to the Project Coordinator and to the WASH & Infrastructure Advisor in developing security and safety guidelines in the workplace and ensuring healthy living conditions and practices are being followed.
• On occasions work with casual labour or other Medair staff (including hiring, co-ordinating workload and payment) to achieve specific, time-bound tasks.

Financial Management

• Work with the field managers to plan, develop and manage budgets for the assigned project(s).
• 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 the assigned team(s), Medair in-country and GSO managers and advisors and other stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs).
• Represent Medair at local level coordination meetings involving local authorities, UN agencies and other NGOs.

Logistics

• 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.
• Ensure the careful use, regular servicing and replacement of all equipment, within budgetary constraints, for the assigned project(s).
• Oversee field depots and help develop project(s) specific handling of field depot in order to comply with Medair standards and better track movement of goods in the field.

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, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Higher level qualification in a technical field, preferably in water and sanitation.
• Excellent working knowledge of the English (spoken and written).

Experience

• 2 years post-qualification professional experience in a relevant field.
• Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, beneficiaries, other agencies and local authorities.
• Ability and willingness to manage project implementation. Good report writing skills. Problem solving ability.
• Technical WASH skills within a humanitarian setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian standards such as Sphere and HAP.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.