Terms of Reference for Temporary Appointment
WASH Specialist (Construction/Engineering) in Freetown (P4)
Location:Freetown
Duration:06 months
Start Date: 15thMay 2014
Reporting to: UNICEF WASH Manager
Contract managed by: UNICEF Sierra Leone
- Background
The WASH Programme in Sierra Leone is at the stage of scaling up and requires more actions to ensure quality and sustainability. Aligned with the national goals and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) Commitments of the Government of Sierra Leone, UNICEF has been committed to implement Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, hand washing with soap promotion, community water supply, WASH in Clinics and WASH in Schools in the eight rural target districts.The WASH Programme has embraced various stakeholders at all levels; national and district governments, NGO partners and community-based organizations in the context of decentralization. Thus far, according to the MICS 2010 data, 57% and 13% of households have access to and use of improved water and sanitation facilities respectively. There are district/regional disparities and disparities by wealth quintiles. Additionally, the baseline study for the rural WASH in Schools Programme in 2008-2009 shows that only 20.0% and 4.6% of primary schools in the six target districts meet the national standards in water supply and sanitation respectively.Furthermore, the most recent water point mapping in 2012 has proved that only 39% of existing improved water points are functional and in use all year round. In July 2013, the Minister of Water Resources signed the Sustainability Compact in which the Government of Sierra Leone guarantees quality of WASH services for at least ten years after the completion of project implementation. This is a significant step forward to tackle the current challenges in the WASH sector in Sierra Leone.With the scale up of the programme and the more close attention required for sustainability, there is an urgent need to strengthen the quality of Water, sanitation and hygiene facilities construction in communities, health facilities and schools, to ensure the quality, the standards’ harmonization andthe results-based performance in themedium to long term.
- Rationale for the assignment
In view of the emerging significance to improve technical designs and options to ensure sustainability in themedium to long term, a staff member with a strong technical background in WASH facilities’ engineering is required. Under the direct supervision of the WASH Manager and the general guidance of the Chief CSD, responsible for the formulation, design, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance of the construction/engineering of the WASH programme to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme management, delivery and accomplishment of programme goals and objectives.
- Scope of the Work
Under the directsupervision of WASH Managerand the general guidance of the Chief CSD, contributes to project implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project activities and progress reporting, including teamwork and capacity building of staff members under her/his supervision.
Participates in the formulation and development of the WASH programme goals, strategies and approaches for the UNICEF plan of cooperation. Plans, implements and monitors assigned activities. Participates with UNICEF/government/and other partners in the development of WASH construction/engineering strategies, methodologies and identification of new approaches for improving WASH construction/engineering programme delivery, with emphasis on advocacy, community participation and social mobilization
Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of WASH construction/engineering programmes/projects in coordination and collaboration with government and other partners. Provides technical support to government and non-government organizations at the national, regional and provincial levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the WASH construction/engineering programmes/projects. Plans, organizes and conducts training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building at the central and regional levels, and expansion of coverage of services
Undertakes field visits, and surveys in order to monitor and evaluate WASH construction/engineering project implementation. Identifies problems and proposes remedial actions. Identifies alternative courses of action, to accelerate/improve programme delivery. Develops the work-plan for the WASH construction/engineering sector and monitors compliance to ensure objectives and targets are met/ achieved. Guides and supervises professional staff. Ensures their training needs are met, and provides on-the-job training.
Coordinates with Operations/Supply staff on supply and non- supply assistance activities. Approves disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and accountability, and that activities are within established plans of action, and the programme budget allotments. Coordinates activities and exchanges information/ideas with other programmes, to contribute to the achievement of overall country programme objectives. Participates in establishing effective monitoring, information and reporting systems, and in the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.
- Minimum Qualifications of the Consultancy
Education:
Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.
Additional training in Health Education or Communication for Development (Programme Communication), an asset.
Work Experience:
Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience of which at least 5 years are within the UN or other international development organizations in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene construction/engineering programme planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
Field work experience required. Background/familiarity with Emergency (preparedness and response) and the IASC Cluster approach an asset.
Language:
Fluency in English required. Knowledge of another UN official language and/or the local language of the duty station is an asset.
Technical Knowledge
a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required
Advanced Technical Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods in the following areas: communication for behavior change, WASH in schools, water supply projects management, monitoring and evaluation; integrated water resource management; appropriate water supply and quality technology i.e. community based water supply.
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required
Knowledge of the latest theories, technology and practices in:
•Community based sanitation i.e.: hygiene education or latrine construction and waste management.
General knowledge of:
•Methodology of programme/project management
•Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for sectoral programmes
•Knowledge of global human rights and gender issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.
•Knowledge of global environmental issues that pertain to sustainable development and specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
•UNICEF policies and strategy to address WASH issues, including those relating to conflicts, natural disasters, recovery, and disaster risk reduction and environment.
•UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.
•Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
•UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
•Mid-Term Strategic Plan
•UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on WASH results.
•Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and software, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.
•UNICEF policies and strategies promoting gender equality and equity.
- c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced
•Government development plans and policies
•Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes
•UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues, preparedness and the responses, including the IASC Cluster approach.
•UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
•UN security operations and guidelines