Job description
Head of WASH
Abuja, Nigeria
Deadline: April 27, 2023
Contract type: 2 years (fixed term)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
WaterAid Nigeria has recently completed its 2023-2028 country programme strategy which sets a 5-year building block towards delivering a more influencing led programme over a 10-year horizon. This new country strategy rather than reflect a progression from previous country programme strategies, outlines key shifts in focus required to catalyze change and achieve maximum impact for our work in Nigeria.
The Programme Directorate under which the Head of WASH works will be expected to play a central role in designing and overseeing delivery of quality programmes that enhance WANG’s leadership role within the WASH /development sector in Nigeria and more specifically, achieve clear and measurable contributions that result in improved WASH and broader poverty reduction/development indices in Nigeria. The Head of WASH role will work towards further enhancing WaterAid’s internal capacity to engage and network at the highest level of WASH in Nigeria.
The Head of WASH is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of WaterAid Nigeria and by extension part of the West Africa Regional Management Team (RMT).
Key Deliverables include;
- Lead the support to the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and its agencies to design specific activities with clear milestones, targets and indicators to translate the National Action Plan policy pronouncement to action
- Support with appropriate information on Technical aspects of WASH to enhance advocacy, influencing and communications
- Lead the design and operationalization all WANG programme and ensure coordination with HQ/Regional based technical units
- Initiate research, develop publications and learning products for sharing with wider WASH sector audiences and contributing to increasing knowledge on sector building blocks
- Lead on support to the FMWR and donor coordination arrangements to develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation indicators to track progress against national WASH action plan/ state of emergency
- Ensure implementation of WASH programmes in focal states align with WaterAid quality and technical standards and best practices expected of the sector.
- Ensure WANG is able to attract competent WASH technical experts and provide effective support for optimum performance; develop team members in order to maximise their contribution to the team and organisation.
To be successful in the Head of WASH role, you must meet the following requirements:
- Strong academic background (preferably at Master’s degree level) in Geology, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental sciences, Public Health or other related Social Sciences field
- Minimum twelve (12) years’ experience of development programme management and at least 3 of which must be in a senior level position focusing on delivering in WASH services.
- Prior experience working with high level government officials to influence and direct policy reform agenda
- Demonstrate sound understanding of WASH, Integrated Water Resource management issues and broader development and poverty reduction themes
- Previous experience managing programs financed particularly by USAID, FCDO, EU and others like; UN, Foundations and Private Donor
- Sound knowledge of advanced project management approaches, experience with conducting formative research and using research outcomes to make programme decisions.
- Experience with building capacity of implementing partner organizations especially CSO’s and government
- Experience in developing strategic & operational plans. Able to effectively organise self and others, plan and prioritise in line with such plans.
- Excellent relationship building skills. Able to build and maintain trusting relationships, negotiate, influence and resolve conflicts.
- Ability to network and maintain effective relationships with multi-level stakeholders including donor representatives, government officials, private sector leaders and community level actors.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills
- Strong communication skills, including active listening and ability to effectively convey information and ideas verbally and in writing
- Experience of leading, managing teams, motivating others and driving change
- Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these
- Strongly embedded and with existing links and networks within the WASH sector
- Membership of key relevant professional bodies driving knowledge management, learning and innovation within the WASH sector
We started because no NGO like us existed. We’ll end when no organisation like us is needed. In the meantime, we’re making great progress – since 1981, we have reached 25 million people with clean water and, since 2004, 24 million people with sanitation.
We’re looking for people who share a commitment to our vision. We’re looking for people with an appreciation and respect for different people and ideas, and the energy and expertise to help tackle the most important challenges.
In return, you can expect to get inspiration from the change you help make happen, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being part of a global community. You will also experience stimulation and fulfilment, the chance to grow, and space to be yourself at your best. This is our pledge to you.
If you are interested in the position and have the right skills and attributes, kindly apply by sending your CV and cover letter to hrnig@wateraid.org
Previous applicants need not re-apply.
Please note: to apply for this role you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in Nigeria.
WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We particularly encourage applications from women who are underrepresented at this level in the organisation.
WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct.
Only candidates shortlisted for interviewing will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date for applications.
No recruitment agencies please.
