The WASH Officer will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the technical assessments, design, and renovation of WASH facilities (latrines, water points where applicable) in formal schools and non-formal centers.
- Ensuring WASH interventions comply with national and international standards, including gender, inclusion, and disability considerations.
- Supporting the distribution of hygiene and dignity kits, including training on proper usage and maintenance.
- Coordinating closely with DRR/AA&P committees, school clubs, and relevant stakeholders to ensure community involvement, sustainability, and accountability.
- Providing technical guidance on integrating climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in WASH and education activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct WASH needs assessments in targeted schools and non-formal centers to identify key infrastructure gaps.
- Develop or review engineering designs, bills of quantities (BoQs), and technical specifications for the rehabilitation of gender-segregated, disability-friendly latrines.
- Oversee and supervise renovation works to ensure compliance with agreed standards (Sphere, national guidelines) and timelines.
- Monitor construction materials, labor, and quality of work on-site, providing regular progress updates.
Program Implementation:
- Plan and coordinate the distribution of hygiene kits and dignity kits, ensuring proper storage, transportation, and tracking of items.
- Provide training sessions and demonstrations on the use of hygiene and dignity kits, emphasizing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for adolescent girls.
- Coordinate with local partners, community leaders, and DRR/AA&P committees to ensure maximum participation and sustainability of WASH interventions.
- Assist in establishing/strengthening DRR/AA&P clubs in schools, promoting peer education on climate information, hygiene, and sanitation.
Capacity Building and Advocacy:
- Facilitate workshops on key climate concepts, DRR, and the development of community-based AA plans in targeted communities.
- Support the creation and strengthening of community committees on WASH, ensuring inclusivity and representation of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and women.
- Provide coaching, technical backstopping, and mentorship to local stakeholders (school management committees, local artisans, etc.) to maintain WASH facilities.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL):
- In collaboration with the MEAL team, develop and implement WASH monitoring tools and checklists to track progress and quality of interventions.
- Collect and document data on usage, maintenance, and user feedback related to WASH infrastructure and distributed kits.
- Participate in project reviews, lessons-learned workshops, and knowledge-sharing events.
Reporting:
- Prepare and submit regular technical and progress reports (weekly, monthly, and quarterly, as required) on WASH activities
- Maintain accurate records of project milestones, beneficiary data, kit distributions, and construction activities.
- Ensure timely reporting of any project challenges or delays and propose corrective measures.
Deliverables
- Renovated Facilities: High-quality, gender-segregated, disability-friendly latrines in formal schools and non-formal centers, meeting agreed standards.
- Distributed Kits: Timely and accountable distribution of hygiene kits and dignity kits, with proper beneficiary documentation.
- Training & Workshops: Effective capacity-building sessions for teachers, students, committees, and community members on proper WASH practices and DRR.
- Monthly & Quarterly Reports: Clear, concise, and accurate technical and activity reports submitted on time.
- Community Engagement: Active and functional DRR/AA&P committees and school clubs with enhanced skills in hygiene promotion and DRR management.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree/HND (or higher) in Civil Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
Professional Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years and above of relevant work experience in WASH interventions (in humanitarian or development contexts).
- Proven experience in designing and supervising construction/renovation of WASH infrastructure (e.g., latrines, water points).
- Experience in procurement processes, contractor management, and site supervision.
- Familiarity with donor-funded projects, ideally with UN agencies or international NGOs.
Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of Sphere Standards, WHO guidelines, and Nigeria’s national WASH policies.
- Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD) and MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Excellent training and presentation skills.
Soft Skills:
- Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and with local communities.
- Effective problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Hausa) is an asset.
Management and Reporting Line:
- The WASH Officer (Engineer) will report directly to the Project Manager (or WASH Program Manager). He/she will work closely with the MEAL team, Education Officers, and other relevant project staff, as well as local authorities, contractors, school committees, and community leaders.