Country: Solomon Islands
Closing date: 09 Mar 2016
Consultancy Opportunity:
WASH Program Officer
• 4 month Project, with immediate deployment
• Based in Solomon Islands (Honiara), with travel to other provinces
TERMS OF REFERENCE
CONSULTANCY - (Short term WASH Program Officer): To provide short term assistance in implementing the WASH program under the Emergency Response Preparedness Plan (ERIP) of Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Office. The consultant will be reporting to HPA Program Manager, Save the Children, Solomon Islands program.
1: BACKGROUND
Save the Children has been working in Solomon Islands since 1986. Save the Children works closely with children, communities, government and local organisations in Solomon Islands. During last 40 years, Save the Children has focussed on a range of issues affecting young people in Solomon Islands including Youth /Livelihoods, Child Rights Governance, Child Protection, Emergency & DRR/ WASH as well as Education.
Recently Save the Children has been asked to deliver an ERIP in Solomon Islands by DFAT. One of the key objectives of the ERIP includes “Increased numbers of children and families in the targeted areas have access to sufficient and safe water; and adopt improved hygiene practices”. The role of ERIP is also to support communities in building resilience against the effects of El Nino which is increasing becoming impacting the pacific island nations particularly Solomon Islands.
2: PURPOSE
The WASH Program Officer will design the water, sanitation and hygiene activities of Save the Children’s project on enhancing the resilience of communities to the effects of El Nino and draught in 2 provinces in the Solomon Islands. After the assessment and design, the WASH Program Officer will coordinate and oversee the initial phases of the intervention and progressively step back and transfer oversight to national officers. The WASH Officer will ensure activities are designed and implemented effectively, professionally, and in line with the project workplan and budget, as well as in accordance with the needs and cultural practices of targeted communities. He/she will also ensure that capacity of local staff is strengthened in a sustainable manner and that relations with the Solomon Islands Government (especially the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services) are fostered. Based on his/her experience and background, the WASH Program Officer may also be involved in other components of the Project, including nutrition and livelihoods (this is preferable).
3: KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Oversight and Implementation
• Coordinate and conduct a field assessment in order to determine the situation on the ground, identify target communities and inform the development of a WASH intervention which is relevant to the targeted communities and focuses on improving community resilience
• Design the WASH intervention, ensuring it is in line with government policies and standards, as well as international best practice
• Kick-start and oversee the initial phase of implementation of the WASH intervention across two provinces, with the aim to progressively step back and transfer technical oversight to national officers
• Develop a detailed work-plan and budget for the intervention, and ensure that activities are delivered accordingly
• In coordination with the PQE Unit, develop a monitoring system to ensure activities progress in a timely and efficient manner and issues are addressed as they arise
• In coordination with the Logistics Unit, identify procurement needs and develop a relevant phased procurement plan
• Prepare detailed activity reports for the WASH component of the Project and contribute to the development of financial reports
Capacity Development
• Mentor and support staff to implement and monitor WASH activities, as well as provide technical guidance as required
• Identify gaps in staff capacity and provide coaching and relevant capacity development opportunities, with the aim to create a pool of skilled national WASH staff who are able to ultimately assume oversight of the project and lead future WASH interventions
Representation and Coordination
• Ensure that Save the Children's WASH work is coordinated with the efforts of other agencies and Government, by participating in and supporting interagency coordination forums and working groups, and advocating for the specific needs of children
• Represent Save the Children in relevant WASH and project meetings with donors, communities, government and other stakeholders
Partnership
• Work closely with the partner organisation, providing relevant support/advice in planning, monitoring and oversight, as well as offering technical assistance when required
• Maintain a positive and constructive relation with the partner, promoting a spirit of full collaboration and fostering a long-term relationship
4: QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
• Advanced degree in International Development, Community Development, Human Rights, Social Sciences or related field of study
• Sound knowledge on the situation in Melanesian Countries preferably Solomon Islands and the Pacific region in General
• Prior experience in conducting research studies and program evaluations as well as demonstrated experience in leading research teams including quantitative survey and qualitative methods is essential
• Previous research/work experience in relation to community development in the pacific region
• Previous research/work experience in relation to youth and development
• Previous research/work experience in relation to livelihoods and development
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent writing skills (examples to be provided in interview process)
• Experience in community engagement methodology
5: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Health and safety requirements
• Act in a safe manner at all times, including complying with all safety instructions and training given at the workplace
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements
• Comply with emergency evacuation procedures
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner
Child protection and safeguarding requirements
• Safeguard children’s rights and act in the best interests of children at all times
• Comply with child safeguarding and protection policies and standards
• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace
• Demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour towards children in both your private and professional life
• Not abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family
Insurance
Any external consultants involved in this study will be required to have in place insurance arrangements appropriate to provision of the requirements in this Terms of Reference including public liability, professional indemnity and travel insurance.
How to apply:
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will have to undergo child safe recruitment procedures, including training and signing up to Save the Children Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. They will also be provided with information on the child protection reporting process on what to do if a child discloses abuse during an interview and possible referral options.
The process also includes a reference check and a National/International Criminal Record check prior to the engagement as required by Save the Children independent consultant’s policy.
HOW TO APPLY
CVs and letters of application including proposed monthly fee should be submitted by email to adrian.degiovanni@savethechildren.org.sb and CC to hrofficer@savethechildren.org.sb. Budgeted monthly rate is 4,000 AUD. Negotiable based on qualification and experience.
Closing date for application is 5 PM Honiara time 9th March 2016. No applications will be reviewed after this time.