WASH Officer Reporting To

Islamic Relief- Kenya
Job Description
Job Title:
Reporting To:
Matrix Management:
Base Location:
Duration:
WASH Officer
Nutrition Coordinator
Kenya Program
Wajir (with frequent travel to Mandera)
SHORT TERM CONTRACT
BACKGROUND
Established in 1984 in the UK, Islamic Relief is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic
and social development by working with local communities through relief and development activities.
IR-Kenya started operations in Kenya in 1993 with the One to One orphans sponsorship programme through a
local CBO in Mandera County, Northern Eastern region of Kenya. IR-Kenya opened its fully fledged office in
March in 2006 at the height of drought in the Horn of Africa. Since then IR-Kenya has been providing
humanitarian and development assistance to vulnerable communities. Over the years IR-Kenya has
implemented various development and relief programmes in Mandera, remarkably changing lives of the
vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. In January 2010, IR-Kenya extended operations to Wajir County,
neighbouring Mandera, and in January 2012 expanded to Garissa and Dadaab Refugee Complex.
Our aim is to help the needy regardless of race, religion or gender and our interventions are in the following
sectors:
Child Protection and Education
Livelihood (Income Generation)
Emergency & Relief
Health and Nutrition
Water and sanitation
Disaster Preparedness
Ramadan and Qurbani
KEY OBJECTIVES
Under the guidance of the Nutrition Coordinator, the WASH Officer is expected to manage and implement the
WASH component in nutrition projects at field level by ensuring accurate technical specifications and
corresponding to IR’s Guidelines.
WASH OFFICER
KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES












Planning and design of construction of WASH activitie s such as elevated tanks, rising mains and
distribution pipeline, reservoir tanks repair, latrines, disposal pits/ incinerators and waste collection
bins.
Monitor and supervise the WASH activities at field level in close collaboration with the county/ sub
county Public Health Officers.
Monitor and review the over all WASH materials and equipments movements such as deliveries,
storage, transport and utilization at the site level,
To ensure and verify the quantity of spare parts, equipments and other wate r materials are ordered
and received, and properly recorded for damage or suspected to be damaged or expired,
Ensure quality standards of structural and civil works are upheld in all construction and rehabilitation
works under the project.
Represent IR in the water coordination meetings and in liaising with INGOs, NGOs and local authority
Ensure the proper implementation of action plan, review achievements, constraints, lessons learnt
and provide feedback,
Ensure the reporting system is functional and adherence to monthly, quarterly and annual reporting
timelines
Train MOH staff and CHWs on WASH,
Support monitoring and evaluation activities
Prepare TORs and/or contract document to initiate the procurement of goods, services and works as
deemed necessary for the effective and efficient performance of the task,
Identify any apparent issues in the WASH project and report immediately, and perform other related
duties as required.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION






Proven WASH project implementation and management skills
Experience of drafting and writing project documents or proposals,
Experience of INGOs and UN system in the same field,
Experience in developing linkages with INGOs, Government agencies, Institutional donors and other
stakeholders,
Experience in successfully developing and managing programmes funded by all institutional donors
Experience of working in culturally sensitive areas thereby managing circumstances through high level
of diplomacy and tact.
Skills







Strong written and verbal communication skills in English,
Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and analysis,
Strong coordination and negotiation skills with stakeholders,
Proven technical competencies in planning, design and implementation of WASH programmes as well
as sound financial skills (e.g., budgeting),
Experience of work with a team in a multi-cultural environment in emergency and development
settings and good team leadership,
Positive and ability to build consensus in problem solving,
Able to engender credibility, confidence and respectability, and
WASH OFFICER

A focus on results, balanced with a sensitive and honest approach to people.
Qualifications
 University degree/ Higher Diploma in Civil/Water Engineering or its equivalent from a recognized
institution
 Not less than 2 years’ experience of WASH projects. Experience in Kenya will be an advantage
 Good Project Cycle Management, reporting and documentation skills
 Experience in working in unsecure zones with knowledge in Standard Operation Procedures
 Knowledge of International and National Standards/policies governing WASH programmes i.e.
SPHERE and Water Act 2002
Please send us your cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications and experience. Your
application should also include names and addresses of three referees, a working e -mail address and daytime
telephone contacts. The forwarding e-mail and cover letter must clearly indicate the position title on the
subject line. Send your applications to HR.Kenya@islamic-relief.or.ke, by Friday 15th May, 2015.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
WASH OFFICER