Water And Hygiene Specialist

The main purpose of the position is to ensure, under the guidance of the WASH/Shelter Programme Manager and the WASH Project Manager, the quality of water supplied to informal settlements, small shelter units (SSUs) and other types of housing units within Concern’s programme of implementation. This role also includes direct support to both the Hygiene Promotion and the Technical team in the WASH department. As such, this role includes regular and systematic testing of water samples; dissemination of advice on water treatment to programme teams, communities and refugees; collecting, analysing, ensuring proper organisation of abundant amounts of information and data; review of Hygiene Promotion materials and investigate innovations and studies for WASH interventions. The role also requires that early warning mechanisms are provided once potential water contamination has been reported. The role also involves monitoring water deliveries by truck, as well as field monitoring of water quality at source, truck, tank, and household level.

Under the direction of the WASH/Shelter Programme Manager and the WASH Project Manager, the Water and hygiene specialist will actively coordinate with all staff in consultation with ITS Team Leader(s) and other programme staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Implementation

• To monitor the quality of drinking water in areas of Concern’s interventions, through regular and systematic water testing and managing the water testing database of the results,  abnormalities and analysis

• To use expert Knowledge of water quality standards and testing procedures
• To manage a water quality lab (materials, procurement, safety, procedures etc.)
• To manage the implementation of the water trucking system and payment processes.
• To collect samples of drinking water at source and point of consumption
• To analyse results of tests as per procedures and against agreed standards
• To document results of testing and refer abnormalities to the WASH project manager
• Where necessary, to recommend options for water treatment, assist the WASH project manager in designing  such treatment.
• To work with other programme staff to trace sources of disease or contaminations in order to prevent further outbreaks

• To make site assessments in coordination with the Community support and Technical teams in order to specify the amount of water to be distributed and in order to realise the most suitable sustainable strategy.
• To maintain and regularly update the database of water testing results, and provide reports on water quality as required
• To coordinate and assist Logs in the procurement of items and formulation of contracts necessary for achieving the project objectives
• To coordinate with the Community support team for making trainings for wash committees about water safety and other water related themes.
• To ensure project documents are properly filed and kept secure
• To implement early warning mechanisms where potential water contamination is being reported for a quick intervention
• To monitor water deliveries by truck, as well as field monitoring of water quality at source, truck, tank, and household level.
• To organise training to water trucking contractors and evaluate their performance
• To participate in the selection of water contractors as per Concern’s procedure
• To take part in regular reporting to CWW management and to the donors, in the Weekly and Monthly report, and other requested reports.

Researches

• To review the current WASH intervention strategy in ISs in terms of Water and Hygiene Promotion, and propose developing of new tools and approaches
• To organise field tests for newly created Hygiene promotion tools and approaches
• To participate in the development of an MHM study involving creation of a cleaning/laundry facilities and collection system of used materials, as well as MHM promotion to women and teenagers.
• To support the technical team in designing a water reuse technology at ITS level (link to the existing wash facilities)
• To liaise with Universities for engaging students on various researches  and/or field work with the WASH team
• To support the team in documenting all researches.

Logistic and financial management

• Aligned with CWW logistic procedure, initiate requisitions for procurement of materials, tools and equipment in a timely manner;
• To liaise with the store keeper to ensure that an up to date stock inventory is kept for the WASH team items

Representation:

• Represent Concern at meetings with stakeholders, contractors and other relevant actors where applicable.

Staff Management

• • Train another staff member in water analysis and in safe and secure collection of samples
  • Manage and train designated staff members in the implementation of the water trucking system and payment processes.
  • Support staff in fulfilment of their tasks in relation to proper water analysis

Other:

• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.
• Support and promote the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

• Train WASH and DRR staff and support them in the fulfilment of their tasks
• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct
• Support the promotion of the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to the team and to the beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment
• Contribute to the establishment of preventive measures to reduce the potential for abuse in Concern programme (as per P4 section 6)
• Support Concern’s work in Lebanon by undertaking other tasks as appropriate and required

Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Attitude Required

• Certificate in Public Health, Biochemistry or related technical qualification.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar domain, including experience overseeing or managing water analysis for an NGO in a humanitarian context.
• Familiarity with Lebanese and WHO water quality standards
• Experience with laboratory work, e.g. water testing
• Experience in community based approaches
• Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills in English & Arabic
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills and ability to work independently
• Report writing skills and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets
• Experience in conducting surveys, managing data and statistics is desirable
• Willingness to stay in the camps and travel to construction sites all the time.
• Commitment to ensuring the protection of refugees.
• Strong sense of security management and willingness to follow security guidelines and regulations
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values
• Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices