Emergency Environmental Health Manager (Awerial)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND:

On December 16, 2013, heavy military exchanges occurred between rival SPLA factions in Juba (Central Equatoria State). The fighting and violence quickly spread to other states in South Sudan, trapping thousands of civilians in Unity, Lakes, Upper Nile, and Jonglei States in UN bases or makeshift IDP settlements. OCHA estimates that 194,000 people have been displaced across five states, Central Equatoria, Unity, Lakes, Upper Nile, and Jonglei. It is estimated that around 30,000 IDPs have sought refuge in the two UN bases in Juba; 8,000 IDPs have reportedly sought refuge in the UN base in Bentiu and 3,000 in the UN base in Pariang; an inter-agency mission to Awerial (Lakes) estimates that there are around 76,000 IDPs, mostly from Jonglei. The IRC South Sudan country program is gearing up to respond to the ongoing emergency and is looking for emergency response staff to assist with this.   

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Emergency Environmental Health/WASH  Manager is responsible for ensuring smooth implementation of the emergency Environmental Health/WASH response in South Sudan. The location for this position will be Awerial. The position reports to the Emergency Environmental Health Coordinator or the Environmental Health Coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management Conduct assessments to determine the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)  needs of the target areas;Oversee the implementation of the Environmental Health/WASH  program to ensure the program is implemented according to schedule and budgets, international standards, and that Environmental Health/WASH  program objectives are metWork closely with other IRC sectors present in the same location and integrate program components to the extent possibleParticipate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the (Emergency) Environmental Health Coordinator, DDP, Grants team, and HQ Technical UnitMonitor materials, equipment and supplies for technical workMonitor and evaluate appropriate implementation of  projects against program objectives and IRC’s Program FrameworkStaff Management Recruit national staff in conjunction with the Human Resources DepartmentMaintain updated job descriptions, conduct interviews, orient new staff to the IRC and the Environmental Health/WASH programSupervise Environmental Health/WASH  staff directly, providing ongoing leadership to the project team and overseeing implementation and coordination of activity plans to ensure targets are metProvide ongoing supervision, leadership, training and technical support and guidance to Environmental Health/WASH staff, and ensure all Environmental Health/WASH staff adhere to best-practice principles in all aspects of program implementationOverall responsibility for Environmental Health/WASH team’s timesheets, work plans, vacation schedules, and staff training/development activitiesEnsure Performance Management System documentation for all staff is in place and followed up regularlyBuild staff capacity in work plan development and reporting to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities.Recommend and implement a capacity building/development plan for project staff based on documented capacity needs assessments exercise .Ensure Environmental Health/WASH staff understands and follows IRC and donor Policies and Procedures.Grants Management and Reporting Manage and oversee all Environmental Health/WASH  grants; develop and maintain work, spending and procurement plans for all projectsParticipate in Grants Opening, Mid-Term and Closing meetingsPrepare internal and external reports within agreed deadlines using IRC and donor formats, as requiredAssure appropriate and timely spending of grants to achieve program goals, grant reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resourcesRepresentation & Coordination Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organisations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordinationEnsure that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriateAttend the WASH coordination meetings or represent the IRC in other relevant forumsAny other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programsProfessional Standards  All IRC staff are required to adhere to The IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies

REQUIREMENTS

University degree in civil/environmental engineering or related field;At least 3 years professional technical experience in Environmental Health, Civil or Sanitation engineering or equivalent, including 2 years implementing Environmental Health/WASH programs in emergency and conflict contexts;Minimum 2 years overseas experience, preferably in a conflict or post disaster setting;Solid managerial skills and experience in an international multi-cultural setting;Strong project planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills;Proven technical writing skills;Competent in Windows, MS office programs, AutoCAD (or similar computer aided design), email and database experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Security level red. The situation in Juba is calm at the moment but remains tense and unpredictable; concerns include criminality, presence of armed troops, and looting. There is active conflict in many parts of the country and a possibility for further expansion of the conflict and violence into other areas and other states.

HOUSING:

Lodging in Juba is in a private bedroom, with en suite bathroom, in a shared IRC guesthouse. In field sites sleeping accommodations range from tent to traditional hut to permanent structures. Field compounds have latrines and showers. All IRC sites have electricity and internet at least several hours per day. Food is the individual’s responsibility. 

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