WASH and Construction Engineer

Job Description

The Organization

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 75 countries.

ROLE PURPOSE

The role and responsibility of the WASH and Construction Engineer is to provide overall direction on quality BHA project WASH and construction project and implementation in line with Plan’s global DRM policy and strategy. He/she ensures the project cycle and that all field program implementation is undertaken efficiently and effectively. The position holder supports the emergency project/program response team to ensure proactive engagement in the area of networking and collaboration, learning and knowledge management within the broader organization and with other partner organisations.

 The primary role of the post holder is to oversee, supervise and provide strategic oversight and coordination for WASH and construction works in works in the Humanitarian Department of BHA project which includes program development, planning, implementation, monitoring, resource mobilization, and networking, coordinating with donors, partners and WASH cluster. The post holder is also responsible to ensure the quality and effectiveness of all PIE’s WASH and Construction activities in emergency areas. S/he will also be responsible to supervise all BHA WASH and Construction work in line with the minimum standards in Tigray, Afar and Amahra regions

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

Assessment, Program design, Planning and implementation

• Ensure quality BHA project WASH and construction project/program delivery at all levels of the project cycle management in line with the global DRM policy and response sector and humanitarian standards.
• Develop and oversee comprehensive and assessment-based BHA WASH and construction projects/programs which could be children, young girls and women cantered in collaboration with communities, government partners and Plan International Ethiopia staff at all levels.
• Provide technical support to field and country office staff on emergency WASH and construction projects/programs in the selection of effective strategic options that address the live-saving emergency response followed by possible resilience building of disaster-affected children, their families and the community.  
• Ensure that all emergency response WASH and construction projects/programs are technically sound and are aligned to the Plan’s, global priorities, country strategic plan, country programs objectives and principles.
• Develop necessary guidelines and technical design to facilitate the implementation of emergency WASH and construction intervention activities under the established local level procedures, country programs, national and global standards and norms.
• Based on the approved budget and activities of emergency response, prepare annual and quarterly implementation plans and enforce the execution of the aspired plan as per the requirement.
• Approve and/or prepare the construction payment certificates for emergency WASH and construction projects which could be certified and/or approved by other coordinators or specialist recommended by and in line with Plan’s procurement and construction guideline and procedures.
• Ensure optimum community involvement in the conceptualization, development, management, monitoring and evaluation of emergency WASH response projects.
• Beyond the emergency WASH response project management, in consultation with other team members at all levels, address the resilience building, recovery/rehabilitation, preparedness and mitigation components of the DRM needs and requirements for the disaster-affected and vulnerable communities.
• Ensure adequate monitoring, reporting and acquittal of WASH and construction response activities in accordance with Plan’s humanitarian accountability framework and common Humanitarian Standards, and essential and resource gaps.
• Ensures all personnel understand and carry out their duties in accordance with humanitarian principles, core values, Code of Conduct and the SPHERE standards.

Resource mobilization

• In consultation with the WASH & Construction thematic sector lead, mobilize resources and develop emergency WASH and Construction funding portfolio through conducting rapid needs assessments and writing concept notes and proposals, submitting timely to donors based on the national and regional appeal and resources gaps. 
• Undertaking quality and reliable technical feasibility studies and preparing designs and bills of quantities and tender documents for emergency WASH and construction projects to facilitate timely and quality resource mobilization.
• Supporting the development and implementation of emergency WASH and construction projects at all levels based on Plans’ corporate procedures to enhance resource mobilization efforts to save the lives of disaster-affected children and communities. 
• Map donors in order to identify potential grant for emergency WASH & construction projects and provide technical support to the resource mobilization team and field staff in proposal development.

• Ensure that emergency response WASH projects are implemented in compliance with donor requirements and in line with Plan’s grant management systems.
• Ensure efficient utilization of emergency response grant funds for WASH in close collaboration with all relevant staff at the country and field levels.  
• As part of donor compliance and tools for maintain good relation with donors to run smooth resource mobilization, prepare and submit periodic quality narrative and financial reports in a timely manner according to the requirements.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensure the recommended practices of Core Humanitarian Standard for Quality and Accountability (CHS) and WASH sphere standards being both of them are quality assurance monitoring and evaluation tools for the humanitarian response.
• Following the emergency WASH and construction project planning, monitor the implementation processes, coordinate mid-term and final evaluations and document best practices that will be helpful for learning and sharing for others.
• Prepare and document quality and timely case studies for the interest of donors and learning purposes in and outside Plan staff.
• In close consultation with program quality and emergency response teams at all levels, establish a community feedback mechanism for quality and accountability and monitor its operationalization.
• Establish a country-specific and updated assessment-based national database and provide support for program area staff which are relevant for emergency WASH, construction and other humanitarian responses.
• Identify, document and disseminate best practices from within and outside Plan to staff and other relevant partners.
• Prepare and submit quality periodic narrative and financial reports for all emergency WASH & construction projects in a timely manner according to Plan International, donor and government requirements.
• Ensure all emergency response project documentation is filed and organized to serve as a reference for accountability and bases for learning, sharing and dissemination

Program integration and mainstreaming

• Internalize the child protection policy of Plan and be vigilant to report all child protection concerns and look for responding action in all walks of the emergency response management period.
• Mainstream gender, disaster risk reduction, inclusion and environmental protection in line with child-cantered community development approach in the emergency response project management at all levels to enhance appropriate participation of stakeholders and help them to play a leading role.
• Nurture collaboration and provide support for emergency programs in order to develop plans that integrate with other emergency response thematic areas.
• Enhance the team spirit and work in collaboration with other development and emergency response staff to ensure resilience building through programmatic and conceptual understanding. 

Partner development and strengthening

• Provide technical assistance and build the capacities of local partners in project management for specifically for WASH in emergency.
• Provide high level guidance to field staff on smooth partnership management with a particular emphasis for government sector partners for enhanced and quality response project implementation.
• Ensure that appropriate partner assessment with due emphasis on capacity gaps analysis in terms of program management competency and organizational integrity is done on time and communicated to relevant staff those who endorse and approve.
• Ensure adequate stakeholder consultation and participation mainly with beneficiaries at all stages of the project implementation.
• Manage and monitor partnerships with implementing organizations, including their efficient utilization and timely accountability of funds allocated for emergency WASH response.

Networking and representation

• Represent PIE in WASH clusters and forums at the national level for emergency-related WASH intervention and networking, particularly with UNOCHA, UNICEF, UNHCR and others as required.
• Establish and lead strong and smooth partnerships and networks with likeminded NGOs, government bodies and forums for cross-learning, identification of lessons learned, best practices, resources mobilization and scaling-up to enhance program initiatives.
• Network effectively with others to draw information and knowledge for the response projects and strategy development.

Staff Development and Management

• Actively participate in country program team meetings in an open, cooperative and proactive manner and contribute towards ensuring smooth departmental collaboration and coordination as far as WASH emergency response is concerned.
• Ensure equal and fair opportunities and representation of both sexes and persons with disabilities in the WASH and related emergency response projects and programs.
• Organize regular performance review meetings to assess emergency response resource mobilization and project implementation progress and communicate any changes in strategy with the key project stakeholders particularly donors and national forums.
• Build the technical capacity of Plan emergency response staff and community facilitators and also ensure possible active benefices involvement in the pre and post-assessment conceptualization, development, management, monitoring and evaluation of WASH emergency response projects and programs.
• Appraise field emergency project coordinator’s performance and ensure capacity-building support is provided with regular competency updates.

 Dealing with Problems

• The post holder understands organizational strategies and contributes to their fulfilment by supporting the team to play their roles and implement programs in accordance with organizational goals and requirements.
• Demonstrates problem-solving ability, and strategic thinking and promotes innovative ideas. Working at the country level to give support to PA emergency WASH & construction staff, the position influences country and PA colleagues to adhere to required implementation standards in an integrated manner to support the timely response and recovery interventions.

Communication and Working Relationships

• To maximize impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government counterparts, implementing partners and other  humanitarian cluster organizations
• Effective working relationships within Plan are also essential. The job holder will have frequent communication with CO and PA program emergency response and other functioning department teams, Program Areas  Managers as well as National Offices and/or institutional donors

Job Requirement

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Hydraulic/Civil/ /Water Resources and Environmental Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of work experience in emergency WASH response.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of key programmatic areas relevant to WASH emergency response under the country program.
• Additional experience and commitment to, and understanding of, participatory approaches to respond to disaster-affected people.
• Previous experience in managing and developing a multi-disciplinary team. 

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of emergency WASH, Basic Construction design, drawining, and the sector environment.
• Understanding of Core Humanitarian Standards which are workable by sector. 
• Knowledge of human resource and coordination role from general and organization perspectives.
• Understand organizational principles, systems and have the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level for disaster affected population.
• Knowledge of child-rights programming particularly Child Protection in Emergency, CPiE
• Knowledge of  participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes

Skills to the Post

• Conceptual and strategic thinking skills.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues
• Have good writing and oral communication skills, including presentation.
• Experiences in resource mobilization through preparation of emergency response WASH proposals.
• Understands budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to provide team leadership and communicate effectively.
• Ability to conduct assessment, analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically.
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications

Competencies

• Able to perform under stress and remote environment, innovative, build relationships, communicate effectively, coach and mentor, facilitate change, develop teams, initiate action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing and a personal commitment to children’s development

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) ( 5%)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff signed safeguarding policies;
• Implement Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organisation by being open, honest and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

We strive for lasting impact

We strive to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative.

We work well together

We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organisation, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities and our partners.

We are inclusive and empowering

We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge inequality in our programmes and our workplace. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential