WASH Specialist (Beirut – Tripoli with frequent visits to Beqa)

1. Purpose

CARE established its presence in Lebanon in 2006 and has been responding to the Syrian Crisis since late 2012. Among CARE’s key imperatives is putting people it serves first through implementing cutting edge programming in areas it operates. CARE currently carries out activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Akkar, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. CARE implements both emergency and development projects contributing to livelihood, food security, protection, gender, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene. It targets the most vulnerable people and populations, both host communities and refugees. Over the course of 7 years, it has supported over than half a million beneficiaries.

In Lebanon, CARE’s program strategy for the upcoming years will focus on strengthening and expanding its emergency response and capacity to provide basic assistance services while pursuing development projects in areas of food security and livelihood support, gender and protection, WASH and Shelter. CARE intends to maintain its presence in all areas of Lebanon.

CARE Lebanon has scaled up rapidly over the past few years and today it has about 90 staff members, with more than 15 different local/international partner organizations. 90% of the team is composed of national staff, with a symbolic number of international members.

The WASH Specialist will be responsible for providing expertise in the rehabilitation of sewage and water networks and/or overseeing their expansion as needed. The specialist will collaborate with the project manager to update and refine existing WASH strategies, ensuring they align with current project needs and best practices. Additionally, the WASH Specialist will attend working groups, meetings, and other relevant forums to offer insights, contribute to decision-making, and stay informed on the latest developments within the sector.

2. Reporting Lines

Project Manager

3. Organizational Relationship

The WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Specialist will oversee the management and implementation of sewage and water infrastructure projects in various regions across Lebanon. This role involves coordinating and supervising construction activities to ensure the successful execution of projects. The WASH Specialist will work closely with local authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that all activities are carried out effectively, on time, and in compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

4. Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Program Design and Implementation:

• Develop and implement WASH programs and projects based on needs assessments and strategic objectives.
• Design and oversee the construction and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, including networks, wells, latrines, drainage canals and water purification systems.
• Integrate hygiene promotion activities into WASH programs to encourage healthy practices and behaviors.
• Oversee the construction of drainage canals and box culverts to manage and redirect excess water, and coordinate cleaning services for canal basins and irrigation canals to maintain effective drainage.

Assessment and Planning:

• Conduct needs assessments and surveys to identify WASH-related challenges and opportunities in target communities.
• Analyze data to inform the development of effective and sustainable WASH solutions and infrastructure improvements.
• Prepare detailed project proposals, budgets, and implementation plans, incorporating recommendations from assessments.

Project Management:

• Coordinate with local authorities, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project implementation and secure necessary permits.
• Manage and supervise field staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in WASH activities and infrastructure projects.

• Monitor and evaluate project progress, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Oversee the supervision of contractors during the construction and cleaning activities, ensuring adherence to project specifications.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training and capacity-building workshops for local staff, community members, and partners on WASH best practices, technologies, and flood management.
• Develop educational materials and resources to support community engagement and behavior change related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure that WASH activities comply with national and international standards, regulations, and guidelines.
• Prepare regular progress reports, impact assessments, and documentation for donors and stakeholders.
• Conduct quality control and assurance checks on WASH infrastructure and services to maintain high standards.

Emergency Response:

• Support emergency response efforts related to water and sanitation in crisis situations, including natural disasters and conflicts.
• Coordinate with humanitarian agencies and partners to provide timely and effective WASH interventions and flood management solutions

5. Qualifications / special skills or knowledge

• Education: Degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Hydrology, or a related field.
• Experience: Proven experience in infrastructure projects mainly in sewage and water networks, or WASH-related activities, with a strong background in project management and coordination.
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, and proficiency in project management tools.
• Knowledge: Understanding of sewage and water networks, construction practices, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis techniques.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software

b. Experience:

At least   1-3  years of relevant experience, especially at NGOs, academic organizations, standard-setting bodies, public agencies focused on Water and sewage networks 

c. Academic background:

Master’s degree in one or several of the following areas: Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Hydrology, or a related field.

d. Languages: English and/ or Arabic are the working language of CARE International in Lebanon.

Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

6. Other contract elements

Benefits: Social security/Health Insurance & Transport allowance.

The direct supervisor reserves the right to adapt this job description at any time during employment according to needs.

Any extension of this contract is dependent on performance review and funding availability

PSEA and Save Guarding Child policy

CARE International in Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

CARE International in Lebanon and its employees and stakeholders abide by the CARE International Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Safeguarding Policies