The Water and Sanitation Program Manager is responsible for promoting good practices, knowledge management and institutional learning around water, sanitation and hygiene promotion approaches, including support to construction management ensuring that American Red Cross programs are implemented in accordance with sector specific industry standards.
S/he is expected to play and active role in collaborating on the implementation of the fully integrated program, coordinating with technical delegate counterparts, including in particular those supporting the Shelter and Livelihoods components of the program.
This is a full time position for a minimum of 6 months and with the possibility of extension.
The position will be based in Katmandu, Nepal and will report to the Head of Programs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Water & Sanitation Program Manager’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead the technical support to NRC for the implementation of a comprehensive, integrated water and sanitation program; this includes both hardware (repair and construction) and software at both household, community and school levels.
- Contribute to the development of NRC program management capacity, systems, procedures, tools and associated methodologies to ensure successful management and implementation of sector-specific and integrated projects.
- Support the NRC project team to ensure effective implementation and monitoring and evaluation of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities, including community infrastructure management according to approved plans and budgets of projects implemented by Red Cross and non-Red Cross partners.
- Support NRC in the preparation of RFAs, Invitation to Bid (ITB), and BoQ’s to support the reconstruction process through contractors, partners and local government units.
- Contribute to analysis of the technical quality, cost, implementation method, feasibility and context appropriateness of proposals and bids made by prospective partners, consultants and contractors.
- Provide project management support and oversight when required to any of the water and sanitation, housing and infrastructure components of the NRC/ARC recovery program.
- Support NRC to ensure industry best practice are used in the design, implementation, monitoring and management of software programs at household, community and school levels. Support the application and innovation of NRC tools in PHAST and CHAST and their integration with other NRC software approaches (such as disaster risk reduction and community health).
- Document and promote good practices, knowledge management and institutional learning around water and sanitation approaches and incorporate lessons learned, best practices and technical innovation in plans and project designs.
- Contribute to the production of materials such as presentations, annual reports, training materials, position papers, and proposals that are relevant to the incumbent’s area of expertise.
- Ensure that field activities are supported technically, logistically, financially and operationally with all necessary resources.
- Represent the American Red Cross and develop and maintain relationships with Red Cross and Red Crescent Network partners regarding water, sanitation, and health interventions.
- Coordinate and ensure timely data collection, analysis and submission of project reports.
- Work with other American Red Cross program departments to ensure programs are integrated, complimentary and standardized, particularly with shelter and settlements.
- Program Implementation, partnership coordination, monitoring and evaluation:
Support the NRC project team to:
- Develop and oversee project budgets.
- Perform monitoring and evaluation of programs.
- Contributes technically in the review of program reports with project teams.
- Support in the successful exit strategy and/or handover of sector-specific activities.
The Water and Sanitation Program Manager will also:
- Provide project management support and oversight when required.
- Closely monitors and communicates technical program performance, tracks and advises Senior Leadership on technical issues that could adversely impact the NRC/ARC TTL program.
- Document and promotes good practices, knowledge management and institutional learning around better rebuilding and construction approaches and incorporates lessons learned, best practices and technical innovation in plans and project designs.
- Supports in the development of program reviews, technical management response to program reviews and evaluations.
- Contributes in the production of materials such as presentations, annual reports, training materials, positions papers, proposals, etc. relevant to the incumbent’s area of expertise.
- In the event of an emergency, provides technical support to the response lead.
- Backstops for other team members when required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Because the American Red Cross’ Water, Sanitation, Shelter, Settlements and Infrastructure programming in Nepal requires a high level of management skills (i.e. logistical, financial, human resource, planning) but includes a robust social component, engineering and architectural skills are the foundation but not the only skills required for this position.
The structural aspects of the integrated program in Nepal have a set of commonalities, regardless of whether considering; infrastructure repairs or the rebuilding of a school; a barangay hall; a day care center; improving access to community markets, water points, communal latrines, or a core house. In order to optimize resources, build on flexibility, and maximize efficiency activities should be managed in close collaboration with the Shelter counterparts.
- Bachelor’s degree required; MA/MS in Architecture/Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
- Civil Engineering or proven experience in related field required.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in emergency response and recovery operations and working on Water and Sanitation programs in rural and urban settings.
- Demonstrated experience in humanitarian water and sanitation and infrastructure relief and recovery setting is essential and previous work experience in Nepal is desirable.
- Strong financial management and planning skills, including flexibility and adaptability to accommodate the complexities of costs covering staffing, resources, programmatic cash grants, and facilities.
- Significant experience managing procurement processes, including supply chain management in a recovery context comparable to Nepal (i.e. transport shortages, rainy seasons, etc.).
- Strong monitoring and evaluation skills preferred.Demonstrated ability to adapt and work effectively in dynamic and demanding operational environments.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, negotiate, and manage partners, consultants and contractors.
- Demonstrated ability to form, mentor, manage and lead a team of technical staff and volunteers to achieve common objectives, required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and in a collegial fashion with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and achieve results through collaboration.
- Excellent written/verbal communication skills.
- Computer proficiency, particularly in MS Office, required.
- Familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Network highly desirable.
- Fluency in English and Nepalese required.