Environmental Health Specialist

About ANERA American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) advances the well-being of people in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan.   Through partnership and close consultation with local groups and communities, ANERA responds to economic, health and educational needs with sustainable solutions and also delivers humanitarian aid during emergencies. Incorporated in 1968 to help ease the suffering of Palestinian refugees after the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, ANERA is non-political and non-religious and is one of the largest American non-profits working solely in the Middle East for 40 years. ANERA helps local institutions become more self-sufficient and effective in serving their communities.  Every project is planned in consultation with the communities that ultimately benefit – an approach that ensures relevancy and commitment, and secures the long-term viability of the projects.   The position:   Position Title   :           Environmental Health Specialist   Reports to       :           Program Manager Location          :           North Lebanon Work hours    :           From 8:30AM till 4:00PM Period             :           30-40 working days; spread over 6 months   Position Summary: This is a call for applications for a solid waste management pilot project that would serve as a targeted response to the urgent problem of the waste crisis and the potential health threats that face communities throughout Lebanon. The Environmental Health Expert or team of experts will inspect and evaluate the environment, equipment and collection processes in the working areas to assess compliance with safety regulations and standards. The expert/s in cooperation with local municipalities and duty bearers, will analyze and identify potential public health and environmental risks and recommend simple solutions and improvements to be made to the existing structures (namely routing, collection points and establishing sorting facilities)  that will ultimately improve overall environmental health and decrease health risks to the community.   Responsibilities The Environmental Health Expert will be responsible for carrying out the following: Conduct a full field assessment in cooperation with municipalities and duty bearers on the capacities of solid waste management structures, in addition to the identification and quantification of waste produced in the two targeted locations. Submit a full report on assessment results complete with recommendations and proposal for a simple solid waste management plan that includes feasible, practical and integrated measures that will improve the environmental health of the targeted communities (plan to include recommendations for the establishment of sorting facilities, required equipment, rehabilitation needs, types/quantity of collection bins the number of collection points, and mapping of collection routes). Provide technical oversight of related activities. Ensure technical and procedural harmonization. Conduct feasibility study in cooperation with municipalities and duty bearers demonstrating effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of recommended solid waste plan. Conduct trainings for relevant stakeholders and solid waste workers on recommended plan (including waste collection and sorting skills and techniques). Ensure that program activities adhere the minimum standards of humanitarian relief are maintained.   Skills Knowledge of modern Solid Waste Management principles and practices. Strong technical, analytical, and problem solving skills. Dynamic and pro-active with creative problem solving skills, particularly in challenging situations. Good interpersonal and networking skills. Strong oral and written communications skills. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Familiarity with the area of operation (North Lebanon/Akkar). Flexible mobility within the North Lebanon/Akkar area (including Palestinian Camps). Computer literate, including Internet applications, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook software. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.