WASH Project Manager

Role & Responsibilities

The WASH Project Manager plans, develops, monitors and evaluates the assigned WASH project(s). This involves assessing WASH needs, designing projects, writing proposals and initiating and effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe and budget. Providing technical support, leadership and strategic direction, other important aspects of the role include meeting quality standards in WASH delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders and managing and training WASH staff.

Project Overview

Medair has reestablished in Chad given the current refugee crisis due to the war in Sudan and is setting-up to provide multi-sectoral emergency response in the camps in the east of Chad. Programming will provide support to refugees and vulnerable people through the sectors of shelter, NFI, health, nutrition and WASH within camps and host communities. The project requires an agile program that can quickly respond to the establishment of new camps and support with existing needs given the flow of refugees has continued due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The role will deliver WASH projects in two or three camps to ensure household access to water through borehole drilling and equipping, construction of elevated tanks, network supply, distribution points, water trucking and other emergency WASH programming. The PM will be instrumental in helping to carry out research, coordination, leading assessments, implementing programming, reporting and applying for funding in response to changing humanitarian needs. A key aspect of the role will be building partnerships with local organisations.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field position based in eastern Chad, Adré. Living conditions are very basic.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

April 2024. Full time, from 6 to 12 months.

Key Activity Areas

WASH Project Management

• Manage assigned WASH projects in order to meet project objectives within the budget and allocated time frame.
• Provide strong leadership of the assigned WASH project(s), working to ensure both short and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for the beneficiaries, local authorities and local WASH staff.
• Management of contractors, including written contracts, workplans, milestones and budgets.
• Implement appropriate and effective WASH strategies in consultation with other WASH staff and field managers.
• Set clear objectives and indicators for WASH activities in collaboration with the WASH staff, field managers and, where appropriate, with the local communities.
• Continuously monitor and supervise WASH activities, overseeing the technical design, execution and evaluation of progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ensure the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting of activities according to Medair, donor and other applicable timeframes.
• Develop new proposals (including budget development), linked to the country strategy, in conjunction with the relevant field managers.

Staff Management

• Line-manage the WASH staff of the assigned project(s), including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc. It may also be necessary to line manage and support other WASH project staff.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives, progress, current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Provide coaching and supervision to staff in order to develop ownership and full responsibility for WASH activities.
• Assess the training needs of WASH staff and ensure that appropriate training is provided/conducted.

Financial Management

• Manage the WASH budget for the assigned project(s) and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance.
• Clear budget forecasting, and coordination with WASH staff and the in-country Finance Manager.
• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned WASH team, Medair in-country and GSO WASH Advisors and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs), with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.
• Participate in WASH coordination meetings and other working groups or meetings as required, representing Medair and feeding back to the WASH staff and field managers on relevant issues.

Logistics

• Support the logistics activities of WASH staff, particularly in relation to the purchasing of supplies and equipment for the assigned WASH activities.
• Liaise, as necessary, with the WASH, logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

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 robust AAP mechanisms are put in place and being actively used.
• Ensure designated project(s) are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country, and international standards e.g., Sphere and CHS standards,

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. Contribute to the 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.
• BSc / MSc in Water / Environmental Engineering or Management or Civil Engineering or Hydrology / Geology.
• Fluent French (speaking and writing).

Experience

• 2 years post-qualification professional experience in a field based humanitarian context.
• Management experience within a WASH programme.
• Excellent working knowledge of French and English (spoken and written).
• Proven ability to manage WASH project implementation directly and through partnership.
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills.
• Problem solving and technical WASH skills within a humanitarian setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian standards such as Sphere and CHS.
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills and willingness to support others and to share workload.
• Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building.
• Experience in training / mentoring / coaching staff and supervision of sub-contracted parties.
• Able to prioritise clearly, oversee multiple tasks and to take initiatives in project decisions.
• Able to enforce procedures and to set clear objectives for staff and to delegate.
• Committed to consultative and servant-minded leadership.