WASH/ Shelter Coordinator Full-Time

Solidarites International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, since more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI’s interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in some twenty countries, the SI teams – 2500 people in total, made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at HQ, and a few volunteers – intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms.

About the Mission

Solidarités International intervened in Mozambique in March 2019 for a few months following the passage of Cyclone Idai, which hit the Province of Sofala and the city of Beira hard. Operations were suspended after the emergency phase and the mission closed. The evolution of the situation in Cabo Delgado province, hit by several cyclones and severely affected by the violent actions of armed groups claiming to be IS, which caused the displacement of nearly 700 000 people, led to an assessment in May 2021 and to the reopening of the mission. The assessment carried out in the most affected district highlighted needs, particularly in the WASH sector, and the lack of emergency actors. The mission has opened in a complex security and administrative environment, where access is a major issue.

Solidarités International was one of the first INGO actors to respond to the growing crisis in Cabo Delgado, leading emergency response and distributions in hard-to-reach areas.

Solidarités International (SI) is an international non-profit organization that responds globally to natural or man-made disasters with the aim of providing meaningful aid to people in life-threatening situations. In Northern Mozambique SI is at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, providing crucial assistance to populations affected by conflicts, violence, epidemics, natural or climate-related disasters, and economic collapse. Committed to safeguarding lives, SI’s dedicated teams address the most vital needs of communities facing threats by delivering essential services such as food, water, sanitation, hygiene, outbreak prevention/control and camp management. As a key actor in emergency response, SI not only distributes immediate aid on the ground but also seeks sustainable, longer-term solutions. This multifaceted approach ensures that affected populations regain access to critical resources in a dignified manner. SI’s overarching objectives lie in safeguarding the dignity, and autonomy of the communities it serves. By blending rapid response capabilities with a commitment to build resilience, SI exemplifies its mission to make a positive impact on the challenges brought by crises in Northern Mozambique

About the Job

General objective:

The WaSH & Shelter Coordinator, as technical advisor of the mission, contributes to the development of Solidarités International strategy by supporting identification of uncovered needs, proposing a sector-based strategy and overseeing the quality of the WaSH and Shelter programs implemented by the mission. He/she specifically guarantees the quality and suitability of proposed technical approaches and ensures the appropriateness of the WaSH and Shelter related activities and general SI objectives to the needs of the local populations. He/she coordinates the project cycle and more particularly the operational monitoring of WaSH and Shelter programs implemented in Mozambique. He/She ensures SI representation to the shelter and WaSH clusters as well as the technical and sectorial working groups and reporting on SI interventions. Additionally, he/she might be required to take an active role for the coordination of the WASH cluster if needed. He/She contributes to the process of capitalization and the improvement of Solidarités International methods and techniques in the field of WaSH and Shelter. He/She builds up the technical skills of the program team in the field of WaSH and Shelter.

Strategic orientation

• Propose and develop a sector-based strategy in accordance with SI’s policies and priorities for the intervention country.
• Support diagnostic missions in his/her field of responsibilities.
• Support the Deputy Country Director in the monitoring and analysis of donor’s strategies of WaSH and Shelter sectors.
• Participate actively in programming work.

Relevance and quality of projects

• Support the program managers in setting up a technical approach and assessing the financial, human, and logistical elements of the programs to be implemented.

Coordination, technical support and operational monitoring

• With the coordination team, take part in the monthly review of programs (budgetary, operational, logistical…).
• Provide support and advice to the logistical service for the purchase of specific materials for WaSH and Shelter activities.

Capitalization

• Participate in the centralization and dissemination of procedures, guides and tools linked to WaSH and Shelter activities.
• Form a network of WaSH and Shelter experts, develop technical partnerships with others actors in these sectors of the intervention zone and regularly keep the program managers up to date.
• In coordination with the technical unit, capitalize on the intervention methods and techniques, and on the experiences acquired by Solidarités International and others actors in this activity field.

Reporting/ communication/ representation

• Support the Deputy Country Director with fundraising and the negotiation and examination of project proposals relating to his/her activities.
  Consolidate WaSH and Shelter activity reports and supervise the preparation annexes linked to those activities for donors’ reports and/or proposals.
• Ensure that all activity reports are delivered on time and in the correct format.
• In conjunction with the Deputy Country Director, establish and maintain a communication network and good relations with local/government authorities, donors representatives, UN agencies and other international agencies in relation to the WASH and Shelter sectors.

Your Profile

Education/ academic background:

• Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering or Public Health or International Development or other relevant domain.
• 5 years or more in the humanitarian sector.
• 5 years or more on a similar position.

Specific skills and experience:

• WASH Technical Expertise: Knowledge of water quality testing, sanitation infrastructure design, and hygiene promotion strategies. This includes understanding of the technical aspects of water supply systems, waste management, and the promotion of hygiene practices among communities.
• Construction and Infrastructure Development: Understanding the principles of constructing durable and safe shelters, including knowledge of materials, construction methods, and the ability to adapt to the varied needs of a disaster-stricken area or a community in need.
• Project Management: The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects efficiently, including budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation. This is essential for ensuring that WASH and shelter initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the intended objectives.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The capacity to adapt to rapidly changing situations and find innovative solutions to complex challenges. This is crucial in emergency response and development projects where unexpected issues and challenges frequently arise.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Proficiency in communicating effectively across different cultures and languages, which is vital in international WASH and shelter programs. This skill ensures respectful, efficient, and effective engagement with local communities, stakeholders, and team members from diverse backgrounds.
• Leadership and Team Management: The ability to inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team of professionals and volunteers. This includes motivating team members, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative working environment.

Language:

• English.
• Spanish or Portuguese will be an asset.

SI Will Offer You

A salaried position:

• According to experience, starting from EUR 2860 gross per month (2600 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 750.
• SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate’s country of origin and the place of assignment.
• Breaks: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of 7 working days every three months (with a USD 850 break allowance, allocated by Sl). To these breaks periods, SI grants one (1) additional rest day per month worked.
• Insurance package: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which refunds all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

Living conditions

• Individual, comfortable room in the guesthouse, with electricity 24/7.
• Internet and Phone network available.
• Restaurants and international food are available.

Living conditions in Pemba are very good with an easy access to a wide range of restaurants, cafes…

Security risks are low, and restrictions are very limited.

However, when going on the field bases, living conditions are more basic, with fewer opportunities for socialization, as well as some individual movements’ restrictions. Security levels vary according to the different geographical locations and changes of context.