2021-10-26

Assistant Program Officer – WASH – Baidoa, Somalia

Baidoa, Somalia
Posted on October 26, 2021

Mercy Corps

Assistant Program Officer – WASH – Baidoa, Somalia

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Assistant Program Officer – WASH

Duty Station: Baidoa

Position Category: Full-time

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps Somalia aims to strengthen systems and mechanisms that enable sustainable development, emergency response and peaceful processes through high quality and high impact programming in Somaliland, Puntland and the South-Central of Somalia, i.e. all over Somalia. Mercy Corps assists communities in Somalia to transition from crisis to transformative recovery and sustainable development. We currently implement programs that address IDP and returnees needs in terms of education, health, conflict mitigation management, livelihoods and emergency response with an orientation towards early recovery. We aim to expand our programs that strengthen and diversify livelihoods and ensure food security and resilience throughout the country. In our continued response to emergency and disaster, Mercy Corps seeks experienced WASH Program Officer for its Somalia Emergency Assistance and Early Market Recovery Program (SEAM II), funded by the USAID/BHA.

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GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Program Officer is responsible for the day to day implementation of the planned activity components under the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector activities in the SEAM II Program. Working and the direction of the Program Team Lead and technically under the WASH Specialist, the officer will work closely both with program and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in Mogadishu and other Mercy Corps field offices to ensure the day to day activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. The WASH Officer will have to coordinate closely with the different clusters, i.e. WASH, Food Security, Protection and Health/Nutrition Clusters. Similarly, the WASH Officer has to closely coordinate with the Local Administration, the IDP and host community leaders, and other key program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities to be implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy and security protocols.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Conduct periodic need assessment and prepare activity papers and documentations
Maintain close working relationship with local authorities, INGOs and Local NGOs
Prepare and develop status reports as required by management and supervisor in the area of duty station
Representations at cluster meetings at the field level.
Field data information and data collection to inform program design and planning
Document good practices and lessons, testimonies and stories for program learning from field visits, surveys and assessments that have been done
Arrange and facilitate meetings with project beneficiaries, local health promoters, local government officials and agencies, as required.
Help develop training content, curricula and conduct relevant trainings required for setting up community health clubs and school health clubs.
Oversee the day-to-day implementation of the project activities, promotion of BCC methodology, hygiene promotion activities, health surveillances and environmental clean-up campaigns in project areas.
Compile and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports as well as other reports as may be requested by the Program Team Lead and/or Program Manager.
Assist the M& E Officer in the collection and assembly of data for reports and actively participate in field evaluation activities i.e. transact walks, health surveillances, clean-up campaigns, water quality, community and school sanitation inventory, etc.
Trouble shoot, investigate and make recommendations for the solving of all problems encountered in the implementation of the project.
Regular progress reports to the WASH Specialist, Program Team Lead and Program Manager, with copies to other relevant staff like MEL and Director of Programs.
Mobilize local resources in collaboration with the Project Manager and local authority for successful project implementation.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not to jeopardize its humanitarian mission in Somalia.
Adhere to MC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines
Other duties as maybe assigned by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Team Lead

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:

Other program staff, finance officers, logistics officers, human resources and administration officers.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Relevant qualification in the field of Engineering, Public Health, Sociology and Community Development of the development for national and international relief and development organization in a similar role, ability to multitask and make decisions, experience in working effectively with minimum supervision.
At least three years of work experience with an NGO in a similar capacity, one operating in the South-Central of Somalia is extremely desirable.
Experience in both urban and rural WASH programs will be an added advantage
Knowledge of the Somalia legal and tax system regarding NGO operation is desired.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in program design and implementation.
Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keeps to deadlines.
Knowledge and understanding of the Somali people’s culture and political set up.
Strong team player and effective communicator.
Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps 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, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps 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. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. 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 Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Application Procedure:

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV and contacts of 3 professional referees) through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Deadline for Applications: Nov 4, 2021.

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