Lebanon: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Expert Assistant (WEA) (Lebanon - National Position)

Duration: 6 to 12 months renewable

Duty Station: Beirut with frequent travels to projects areas in North, & South Lebanon

Tentative Starting Date: June/July 2018

Background information

CISP works in Lebanon to support needy host Lebanese and Syrian refugees communities. With a program mostly focusing on the stabilization of the Water Sector and funded by the European Commission (ENI, ENPI, MADAD Trust Fund), CISP is committed with the Lebanese Water Authorities to improve the water systems in the Country. Engaging actions foreseen the rehabilitation and the construction of water infrastructures as well as transferring and enhancing knowledge among communities and Water Establishments about a Water Demand Management approach, CISP’s aim is to contribute to increase the quantity and quality of drinking water for Lebanese and Syrian refugees populations. For these purposes and to improve the performance of a dynamic team, CISP is looking for a WASH Expert Assistant to be introduced in the Coordination office in Beirut.

Job purpose:

The WASH Expert Assistant (WEA) will be based in CISP’s office in Beirut, Lebanon, reporting to the WASH Expert (WE) based in Beirut. The WEA will be moving across all the implementation sites of CISP activities as well as where her/his presence will be required. S/He will work in close coordination with Project Coordinators and overall staff belonging to the CISP’s Country WASH Program. The WEA will support the WE: in the needs assessing, prioritizing, and finalizing technical studies for WASH projects; in the technical backstopping for the ongoing projects; in coordination, planning, monitoring, and management of WASH program activities. This will involve working closely with partners and stakeholders (Water Establishments, Water Sector, and Partners) to ensure effective response to WASH needs. S/He will participate in the procurement activities. S/He will ensure the quality of implementation and strategy in conformity with CISP and international standards and national policies as well.

Main responsibilities and tasks of the WEA are described below.

1.Country Strategy and Program

Under the supervision of the CISP WE, the WEA will be responsible of:

• Contributing to the definition of the CISP Country Strategy as well the positioning of CISP in the WASH sector;

• Assisting the WE in representing CISP in front of and interacting with donors, institutions, potential partners, and main stakeholders for what concerns technical WASH related issues/strategy/programs;

• Participating in National sectorial coordination and technical forums and report to the line manager;

• Supporting the WE in the identification of needs and the formulation/development/ writing of concept notes and project proposals;

• Working closely with WASH implementation team (Project Coordinators, WASH Staff) to ensure that all ongoing projects are technically compatible with actual needs and all other necessary requirements for a proper and effective response;

• Capitalizing CISP technical experience including good practices as well as dissemination and utilization of documentation for discussion and development of guidelines of intervention;

• Supporting in the development of WASH competencies throughout the National and International staff; Collaborating and coordinating with other activity sectors of CISP in Lebanon for a smooth development of the national CISP action in the Country;

2.Technical

Under the supervision of the CISP WE and in collaboration with Project Coordinators, the WEA will be responsible of:

• Supporting Project Coordinators in the implementation of the projects’ activities;

• Taking part to main technical decisions regarding operational planning and implementation of each concerned project, guaranteeing the quality and cost-effectiveness of each project;

• Participating in the identification of technical difficulties, troubleshooting and recommending credible and viable solutions;

• Contributing to the design of WASH projects ensuring these are accurate and with a understanding of priority needs and gaps in CISP’s areas of operation;

• Assisting WE and Project Coordinators in activities planning and projects prioritizing depending on assessed needs;

• Producing WASH projects BOQs, schemes, drawings, and prepare all necessary supportive documents to ensure maximum quality of provided services and activities; Dealing with Technical Consultants and Contractors.

3. M&E and Supervision

Under the supervision of the CISP WE and in collaboration with Project Coordinators, the WEA will be responsible of:

• Ensuring that technical monitoring tools are developed and used, including close follow-up of program indicators;

• Assist in program needs assessments to improve the quality of services provided through analysis and dissemination of M&E data and lessons learnt;

• Supporting in enhancing appropriate M&E and program management tools and systems as well as beneficiaries feedback mechanisms;

• Supporting WE in supervision and coordination of the technical staff;

• Travelling frequently to program locations to directly monitor WASH program activities, and assess performance activities improvements, ensure that all technical data are accurately collected, clear feedback is provided to program management, and required improvements or necessary changes are reported to ensure project activities meet stated objectives and deliver maximum benefit to targeted beneficiaries;

4. Reporting

Under the supervision of the CISP WE, the WEA will be responsible of:

• Producing WASH programs performance reports in terms of outputs against activity plans and take all necessary action, in association with the WE, to ensure the program achieves its objectives within the allotted time and budget and to quality;

• Other:

• • Assist the WE during the phase of procurement for selection of Consultants and Contractors;

  • Translation of technical documents from Arabic to English and vice versa, ensuring effective communication within the WASH team;

  • Participate to the internal project meetings;

  • Ensure that policies and guidelines as per CISP manuals are adhered to at all times;

  • Ensure adherence to CISP’s Code of Conduct;

  • Ensure compliance against all donor requirements, including timely quality reporting, as applicable to the project; Other related tasks at the request of the WASH PM.

Requirements (essential)

• Fluency in Arabic and English language skills (spoken and written);

• Degree level qualification in a discipline related to Hydraulic Engineering / Water-related Civil Works / Water & Sanitation or other related discipline;

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in related field;

• Specific & demonstrated skills / technical experience in WASH (hydraulic engineering, design, management, implementation, supervision of hydraulic works, wash facilities, water networks, pumping stations, etc.)

• Excellent level of technical knowledge of water and sanitation systems;

• Excellent understanding & experience of programme, financial and operational management processes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Experience of program design and needs assessment;

• Experience of staff management and capacity development;

• Flexible and creative approach with a proven ability to resolve issues and identify solutions;

• Very good computer skills including MS office and engineering designing programs such as AutoCAD;

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work when under pressure;

• Commitment to beneficiary accountability and humanitarian principles;

• Proven ability to build the capacity of partner/ local organizations an advantage;

• Driving License

Requirements (desired)

• Knowledge of CISP’s target areas (Governorates of North, South, Nabatiyeh, and Mount Lebanon)

• Previous experience working with public water and sanitation authorities an advantage;

• Demonstrated experience and ability in cooperation projects’ management, specifically in the field of WASH, in emergency and relief, humanitarian aid, assistance to refugees, etc.

• High level of engineering designing and mapping programs (WaterCAD, EPANET, GIS, etc.);

• Knowledge of the EU MADAD Trust Fund Program is an advantage;

Interested candidates must send their CV – including details of 3 references - to the following address:

cisp.recruitment@gmail.com