Wash Field Engineer (Baalbeck & Zahle)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps is responding to the effects of the Syrian crisis in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, with interventions reaching over 750,000 Syrians in need.  As the humanitarian crisis continues to lengthen and deepen, Mercy Corps is positioning itself to respond to the longer ‐ term needs of refugee populations, building resilience in refugee communities as they move into an extended period of displacement, while remaining responsive to the immediate humanitarian needs of new arrivals. Mercy Corps has worked in Lebanon since 1993, leveraging a thriving network of local development organizations to implement programs focused on youth participation and education, national policy reform toward better governance, reconciliation across faiths and factions, and the social inclusion of marginalized people and communities.  In all programs, Mercy Corps works in close collaboration with Lebanese government counterparts, local NGOs, and relevant technical and academic institutions. Since the start of the Syrian crisis, the focus of Mercy Corps shifted to respond to emergency needs. Working across multiple sectors, Mercy Corps strives to build comprehensive and holistic humanitarian and development programs that support both refugee and host community needs.  GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The WASH Field Engineer will ensure day-to-day field management, supervision and coordination of all the activities taking place during the lifetime of the project. The project will provide access to improved WASH services for vulnerable Syrian Refugees and host communities. The WASH Field Engineer will maintain impartiality and neutrality in dealing with all stakeholders. He/she will be responsible for the day to day Project implementation that focus on increasing access to safe water and sanitation services/facilities to Syrian refugees and host communities. This will also include government engagement, scale up & sustainability, promotion of Syrian and Lebanese participation in project activities, strengthening the role of women in decision making in regards to hygiene practices. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Lead field activities related to construction / rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure undertaken by Mercy Corps in program target areas, and ensure effective and timely completion of the interventions. Closely supervise the implementation of technical components of the project contracted out to private contractors and/or partners ensuring full compliance with required standards. Provide technical support and advice to private contractors and Mercy Corps partners engaged in the implementation of water and sanitation interventions. Under the guidance of WASH Program Manager and Regional WASH Advisor, coordinate field activities with Water Establishment and relevant municipalities. Support in carrying out community mobilization and hygiene promotion sessions among the refugees and host communities, implemented by Mercy Corps local partners. Conduct WASH facilities assessment to determine scope of work, resource requirement and estimated cost. Provide support including on-the-job training, supervision and monitoring of assistant Program Officers. Monitor the WASH project progress as per Mercy Corps regulations and standards. Prepare weekly field reports to be submitted to WASH Program Manager and Area Manager; Support in facilitating agency and donor monitoring visits; Jointly with WASH team, conduct emergency assessments and, in coordination with others, design and organize the implementation of appropriate responses. Support in establishing and maintaining proper project documentation and records, including but not limited to: needs assessments questionnaires, monitoring questionnaires, certificates of vouchers receipts, consolidated list of beneficiaries, photos etc. Identify equipment and material needs by developing detailed bill of quantities, and in co-operation with the local logistics team assess what is available in the local market. Participate and represent the organization in field coordination meetings Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Familiarity with the issues of urban and village water systems and networks, Demonstrate good expertise in emergency response program management Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation. Demonstrated capacity to collaborate closely with INGOs and national NGOs and CBOs. Good organizational and basic project management skills Experience working with refugees or other vulnerable population required, implementing a WASH project and conducting training is preferred. Proven understanding of Do No Harm principles and methodology with applied experience implementing projects with/for women and girls.  Must be computer-literate, particularly in programs such as MS Word and MS Excel.  Strong organizational and collaboration skills required, with the ability to work independently and be self-directed, as necessary.  Must work well as a member of a team, with willingness to travel throughout Lebanon, sometimes staying overnight, as the job requires.  Understanding of appropriate technologies & experience of working on different approaches for excreta disposal, solid waste management and drainage disposal. SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful WASH Field Engineer will be bright, energetic, hard-working and eager to learn.  S/he will take a deep personal interest in supporting the Syrian refugees’ situation in Lebanon and in learning about the work of Mercy Corps and the humanitarian/development community.  S/he will be attentive to detail and able to carry out assigned tasks in high pressure circumstances in a timely manner and according to a very high standard of quality.  S/he will be creative and flexible, but at the same time will adhering to all organizational systems, procedures and policies.  S/he will strictly follow all protocols related to safety and security. S/he will have a strong collaborative spirit with the ability to work independently and with a team, while maintaining a sense of humor.