Emergency WASH Advisor

Overview about Global Communities

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community. We work with government, non-government, private sector, and community stakeholders to promote transparency, foster accountability, and access the channels they need to make their voices heard, promote change, and realize their full potential.  

In Ethiopia, Global Communities’ current main project is the Resilience in Pastoral Areas (RIPA) South - a five-year project funded by USAID Feed the Future and implemented by Global Communities. RIPA South is designed to improve the resilience capacities of households, markets, and governance institutions across 16 target Woredas of Oromia (Borana and East Borana), Somali (Dawa and Liben) and South Ethiopia (South Omo Zone) regions, collectively contributing to enhanced food security and inclusive economic growth.

Job Summary

The Emergency WASH Advisor will be responsible to develop and guide the implementation of Global Communities Ethiopia’s water resource management and emergency WASH strategies and provide technical backstopping in all activities related to Water scheme rehabilitations, Hygiene and sanitation, and water harvesting technology, including environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures. She/he guides the design the implementation, monitors their installation and provides guidance on the development of maintenance plans. She/he will also develop and strengthen partnerships among sector stakeholders, government counterparts and NGOs involved in emergency WASH activities in order to foster mutual learning and identify innovations that would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of water related intervention in the operational areas.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in water, sanitation, and hygiene for emergency response and recovery.
• Contribute to the development and updating of WASH program objectives and strategies, with a focus on implementation plans.
• Manage the preparation and submission of assessment plans and requisitions for necessary supplies.
• Collaborate with global and regional WASH teams for strategic alignment and sharing lessons learned.
• Offer technical advice on new interventions and internal capacity building.
• Supervise WASH activities from design to evaluation.
• Review and approve tender documents and relevant experience for guidance.
• Ensure alignment with government policies and propose improvements.
• Develop monitoring checklists and adopt environmental guidelines.
• Create guidelines for field implementation of water-related activities.
• Assess water and sanitation infrastructure and technology in the field.
• Provide technical support, training, and awareness sessions based on field needs.
• Represent GC Ethiopia in Emergency WASH Taskforces and workshops.
• Prepare and share timely reports on WASH interventions and successes.
• Coordinate baseline and end-line evaluations efficiently.
• Identify and engage potential donors for water-related activities.
• Network with NGOs for potential partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Contribute to proposal development for water-related interventions.
• Stay updated on sector developments and contribute to organizational learning.
• Produce high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Document and disseminate information to staff and partners.
• Collaborate with other program managers and technical specialists.
• Support GC's innovation efforts and initiatives.
• Fulfill other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Stakeholder Engagement & Networking

• The incumbent is expected to collaborate with the local communities, government counterparts, and other partners.
• She/he is also required to work closely with the RIPA South CoP and component leaders and other technical, operations and administration staff of the project.
• The position is based in Addis Ababa, with at least 50% of the time spent in the operational Regions and Woredas of RIPA South. Frequent field trips to Woredas are required. 

Department: Program 

Reports to: Emergency Response Program Manager

Duty Station: Addis Ababa with 50% field travel

Contract Duration: Three months with possible extension depending on donor approval and performance

Education and Experience:

• MSc. or BSc. in Water Resource Management, Water Engineering and related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Minimum of 8 years of experience for MSc holders and 10 years of experience for BSc holders working in WASH and related water resource management projects including water construction projects.
• Experience working with NGOs in WASH and/or a water engineering position.
• Proven track record managing USAID funded water construction projects and/or a demonstrated understanding quality assurance procedures.
• Possessing senior management experience in an emergency response setting in leading major water construction program is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of programming in chronically vulnerable environments.

Skills Required:

• Strong facilitation skills with project staff and community members
• Interpersonal communication and report writing
• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, participatory approach and sustainable development
• Technical ability and sound judgment to work effectively with others at all levels