United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

INTERNAL/EXTERAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy Notice No: IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/14/007
Title of Post Assistant WASH Officer Grade NOA
Post Number 10019939 Date of Issue 20 June 2014
Location Sub Office Kakuma Closing Date 7 July 2014

Organizational Context (role of the position within the team, describing its leadership
role, its external/internal work relationships or contacts, the contextual environment
in which it operates and the scope of supervision received, and where applicable,
exercise by the incumbent)

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Snr Ops Officer as well as with the technical support of the
Regional Water and Sanitation Officer based in Nairobi, Kenya, the incumbent provides technical support and
overall coordination of all WASH sector partners activities in the area of responsibility.

The incumbent holds a professional management position responsible for provision of expert technical support
and advice to the HoSO/Snr Ops Officer on strategic planning and policy making on activities within the areas
of WASH and related technical sectors as an integral part of UNHCR programmes.

Internal and external work relationships: the incumbent needs to work closely with:

Programme and field colleagues;
- The relevant district line departments for coordination purposes as well as be in position to work in
line with the governments policy guidelines;
- Implementing partners in water, sanitation and hygiene promotion in the refugee settlements; and
- The community in promoting their active participation in the development and maintenance of water
and sanitation systems in the refugee settlements.

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)
- Accountability (key results that will be achieved)
- WASH services provided to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR are based on UNHCR
country and/or internationally recognized standards and policies.
- Sound technical support and advice are provided to country operation in the field of WASH.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)
- Support the implementation of UNHCRs Strategic Plan for WASH activities;
- Assist in adapting internationally accepted standards, policies, and guidelines for WASH;
- In close coordination with the WASH Technical Units at HQ and the region, consolidate and provide
technical support to partners on all WASH-related issues to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness,
sustainability and environmental soundness in their implementation;
- Act as a focal point on water, sanitation and hygiene promotion issues within UNHCR and liaise with
UN related agencies and governmental and nongovernmental counterparts;
- Review on a regular basis the quantity and quality of water and sanitation services offered in the camps
and host communities and ensures the maintenance of records of WASH performance indicators;
- Review performance, undertake field verifications, monitor development and evaluate activities and
approaches adopted by partners in WASH and related sectors, sharing the results with the WASH
technical units at HQ and the region (e.g. natural resources management, environment assessment) and
formulate appropriate designs and corrective measures as deemed necessary in consultation with the
WASH technical Units;
- Promote community involvement and participation in all the different stages of the WASH project
cycle;
- Initiate and lead the WATSAN coordination mechanism involving all the actors in the Camps (UN
Agencies IP, Donors, Operational partners, Local Authorities, etc.);
- Liaise with other sectors, particularly health and education, to plan, implement and monitor WASH
activities in health facilities and schools;
- Ensure that regular and accurate reports that analyse the challenges encountered in providing WASH
services for beneficiaries are prepared and circulated;
- Participate in the preparation of all reports for management, boards, donors, budget reviews, camp
Water Monitoring System (WMS)/report cards, budget reviews, programme analysis, monthly, annual
reports etc. in a timely manner;
- Provide technical advice to the Head of Sub office and field staff on any WASH related issues;
- Advocate on all issues relating to WASH and refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR both
within and outside of UNHCR;

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)
- Update detailed needs and resource assessments and revise designs of technical plans as necessary
taking into account practical aspects of implementation, and relevant technical specifications and
guidelines;
- Participate in WASH coordination meetings as well as in Technical monitoring of activities.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- University degree in water and sanitation engineering / water resources development and/or
postgraduate degree in one of the civil engineering disciplines (water supply and/or hydrology) or
sanitation/hygiene engineering;
- Minimum 2 years of professional working experience in water/sanitary engineering or a related field in
developing countries dealing with large scale WASH activities;
- Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common objective in the area
of WASH is essential;
- Expertise in area of WASH assessment including surveys, programme implementation, monitoring and
evaluation, and coordination is required;
- Knowledge and experience of working with local partner agencies with a capacity to provide formal
and informal training;
- Proficiency in basic computer software such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word as well as GIS;
- Excellent knowledge of English (written/oral /comprehension);
- Knowledge of local language and institutions.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station
and working knowledge of English.)

*** For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies
- Knowledge of WASH related computer software/packages;
- Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles.

Submission of Applications
This vacancy is open for qualified Kenyans ONLY. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
IMPORTANT
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should send their application letter to:
The Human Resources Section, Nairobi and attach Personal History Form (P.11). Please quote
Reference IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/14/007. Late applications will not be considered.
Please remember to submit photocopy/scanned copies of all supporting documents. Documents
submitted shall not be returned to the applicants. Due to the volume of applications only short
listed candidates will be invited for interview.
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES
Candidates should also complete a Personal History form (P.11) available on the following link -
http://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc and attach it to their application for the position. Applications
should be sent to postal address, P.O. Box 43801, 00100 or hand delivered to UNHCR Branch Office
for Kenya, Lynwood House, Waiyaki Way (opposite Lions Place). Please quote Reference:
IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/14/007.
Candidates should also submit copies of academic Certificates from the relevant institutions

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