Oxfam recruits 01 WASH OFFICER
Oxfam in Algeria – Sahrawi Refugee Camps
Oxfam in Algeria has been active in the Saharawi refugee camps since 1975. Its humanitarian programme in the camps has been focusing on food security until 2016. The programme has transitioned from emergency aid to a combination of humanitarian (focusing on WASH and Food Security) and resilience interventions with policy and influencing work locally and globally.
Given the challenging funding environment, the costs and quality of services in the camps, particularly Water supply, overall programmatic approaches in the camp are going through key revisions. In this context, UNHCR commissioned Oxfam to develop a five-year strategy for extending the water-supply networks in the camps, with associated developments in the areas of systems operation, governance and capacity building, and community engagement. This strategy was completed in late 2019 and is meant to inform the overall water supply work over the coming 5 years.
Oxfam in Algeria has recently developed a series of projects contributing to the improvement of WaSH services and infrastructure for Sahrawi refugees living in the five camps of Tindouf, including the delivery of detailed design and bills of quantities for the improvement of water-supply infrastructure. Oxfam is also working on strengthening the capacity of the different actors in the WaSH sector through the development of a capacity strengthening strategy, implementation plan and the delivery of training. Additionally, Oxfam will be working on various projects contributing to improved water storage at household and production levels.
Oxfam in Algeria is seeking an experienced WASH Officer to support its programmes aiming at improving access to safe water and overall WASH services. The WASH Officer will be working as part of the response team in the Sahrawi camps and will be based in Rabouni with regular travels to the different camps in the governorate of Tindouf. S/He will act as technical focal point for Oxfam and work closely with the local and international WASH actors in the camps.
Job Purpose
To coordinate and support a team of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Experts, ensuring that WASH activities implemented by Oxfam in the Sahrawi Refugee Camps are delivered to the agreed standard and timelines.
Job Responsibilities
Technical
• Support the preparation and implementation of the capacity needs assessment, including, but not limited to design of assessments, data collection (KII, FGDs, etc) and data analysis related to water, sanitation and hygiene procedures within the WASH Sector.
• Supervise development and implementation of training and other capacity-strengthening activities in the WASH sector
• Organize with the logistics team materials, procurement documents and support needed for all activities related to infrastructure design, implementation and closure
• Coordinate activities with procurement, logistics and finance / accounting teams
• Ensure that all activities are inclusive. This embraces the introduction of mechanisms to enable everyone despite gender, age or status to participate in decision making around WASH related topics.
• Provide specialist technical advice to management and colleagues in Algeria.
Coordination
• Represent Oxfam and network with key local authorities, NGOs, and in WASH technical co-ordination meetings.
• Coordinate with project technical experts and consultants in charge of WASH activities.
Programme Development
• Support in the development of new programme design.
• Support the development of WASH and Water Governance strategy in Algeria and participate in Oxfam Country Strategy (OCS) development, review and revision processes;
Project Management and Reporting
• Monitor programme expenditure to ensure budgets are appropriately managed
• Contribute to day-to-day management, monitoring and reporting of the WASH activities
• Get acquainted on compliance with donor contractual obligations
• Plan and manage the project’s WASH component in consultation and coordination with the project team
• Provide regular verbal and written reports to the Programme Manager and Programme Quality & Funding Coordinator.
• Keep a log of all ‘lessons learnt” during the project.
Other
• Work flexibly and take on additional tasks as may be delegated to meet programmatic objectives.
• Participate in team and internal coordination meetings and in workshops organized at country level.
• Take necessary actions to ensure that WASH activities adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women’s rights.
• Ensure that WASH activities adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.
Job Requirements
Education & Experience
• University Degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Health or other relevant field(s).
• A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in implementation of WASH programming.
• Experience in information management, including assessments, KII, FGDs and data analysis
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Experience and ability to work in remote and isolated environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic are essential.
• French and/or Spanish would be an asset.
• Good computer skills and command of Microsoft Office software (Excel and Word). • Previous working experience, particularly at field implementation level, with Oxfam, other INGO or relevant agency is a plus.
Key Attributes
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.
• A proven ability to be a team player, and to provide technical leadership.
• Analytical skills and ability to think to think beyond the existing local frames.
• Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
• Ability to travel to and work flexibly.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot issues on site in a timely and effective manner.
Organisational Values
• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.
Oxfam offers
Annual Salary and Benefits – Based on skills and experience
Internal Job Grade – D
Contract type – 6 Month – Renewable
Reporting to – Programme Manager (Head of Base)
Staff reporting directly to this post – None
Key relationships/interactions – UNHCR, Oxfam Technical advisors, Senior Consultants, MEAL officer, Local Authorities, other INGOs
Location – Rabouni and the five Sahrawi Refugee Camps, Tindouf – Algeria
How to apply
If you believe your qualifications meet the requirements, please send a CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile to jobs.algeria@oxfam.org by the 29 February 2020.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, regrettably, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted- usually within 3 weeks of the closing date.
Oxfam cares about equal opportunities. Candidates are selected on the basis of their qualities and skills, irrespective of their age, background or gender.
Oxfam is committed to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through shared values and a code of conduct (more ‘infos: https://www.oxfam.org/en/explore/how-oxfam-fights-poverty).