Terms of Reference for Temporary Appointment
WASH Specialist (Construction/Engineering) in Freetown (P4)
Location:
Freetown
Duration:
06 months
Start Date:
15th May 2014
Reporting to:
UNICEF WASH Manager
Contract managed by: UNICEF Sierra Leone
1. Background
The WASH Programme in Sierra Leone is at the stage of scaling up and requires more actions to ensure
quality and sustainability. Aligned with the national goals and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)
Commitments of the Government of Sierra Leone, UNICEF has been committed to implement
Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, hand washing with soap promotion, community water
supply, WASH in Clinics and WASH in Schools in the eight rural target districts. The WASH Programme
has embraced various stakeholders at all levels; national and district governments, NGO partners and
community-based organizations in the context of decentralization. Thus far, according to the MICS 2010
data, 57% and 13% of households have access to and use of improved water and sanitation facilities
respectively. There are district/regional disparities and disparities by wealth quintiles. Additionally, the
baseline study for the rural WASH in Schools Programme in 2008-2009 shows that only 20.0% and 4.6%
of primary schools in the six target districts meet the national standards in water supply and sanitation
respectively. Furthermore, the most recent water point mapping in 2012 has proved that only 39% of
existing improved water points are functional and in use all year round. In July 2013, the Minister of
Water Resources signed the Sustainability Compact in which the Government of Sierra Leone
guarantees quality of WASH services for at least ten years after the completion of project
implementation. This is a significant step forward to tackle the current challenges in the WASH sector in
Sierra Leone. With the scale up of the programme and the more close attention required for
sustainability, there is an urgent need to strengthen the quality of Water, sanitation and hygiene
facilities construction in communities, health facilities and schools, to ensure the quality, the standards’
harmonization and the results-based performance in the medium to long term.
2. Rationale for the assignment
In view of the emerging significance to improve technical designs and options to ensure sustainability in
the medium to long term, a staff member with a strong technical background in WASH facilities’
engineering is required. Under the direct supervision of the WASH Manager and the general guidance of
the Chief CSD, responsible for the formulation, design, planning, implementing, monitoring and
evaluation and quality assurance of the construction/engineering of the WASH programme to ensure
overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme management, delivery and accomplishment of
programme goals and objectives.
3. Scope of the Work
Under the direct supervision of WASH Manager and the general guidance of the Chief CSD, contributes
to project implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project activities and progress
reporting, including teamwork and capacity building of staff members under her/his supervision.
Participates in the formulation and development of the WASH programme goals, strategies and
approaches for the UNICEF plan of cooperation. Plans, implements and monitors assigned activities.
Participates with UNICEF/government/and other partners in the development of WASH
construction/engineering strategies, methodologies and identification of new approaches for improving
WASH construction/engineering programme delivery, with emphasis on advocacy, community
participation and social mobilization
Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of WASH
construction/engineering programmes/projects in coordination and collaboration with government and
other partners. Provides technical support to government and non-government organizations at the
national, regional and provincial levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the
WASH construction/engineering programmes/projects. Plans, organizes and conducts training and
orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building at
the central and regional levels, and expansion of coverage of services
Undertakes field visits, and surveys in order to monitor and evaluate WASH construction/engineering
project implementation. Identifies problems and proposes remedial actions. Identifies alternative
courses of action, to accelerate/improve programme delivery. Develops the work-plan for the WASH
construction/engineering sector and monitors compliance to ensure objectives and targets are met/
achieved. Guides and supervises professional staff. Ensures their training needs are met, and provides
on-the-job training.
Coordinates with Operations/Supply staff on supply and non- supply assistance activities. Approves
disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and accountability, and that activities are within
established plans of action, and the programme budget allotments. Coordinates activities and
exchanges information/ideas with other programmes, to contribute to the achievement of overall
country programme objectives. Participates in establishing effective monitoring, information and
reporting systems, and in the development of communication materials and strategies to support
advocacy and community participation. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for
management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.
4. Minimum Qualifications of the Consultancy
Education:
Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Civil Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international
WASH related development assistance.
Additional training in Health Education or Communication for Development (Programme Communication),
an asset.
Work Experience:
Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience of which at least 5 years are within
the UN or other international development organizations in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene
construction/engineering programme planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
Field work experience required. Background/familiarity with Emergency (preparedness and response) and
the IASC Cluster approach an asset.
Language:
Fluency in English required. Knowledge of another UN official language and/or the local language of the
duty station is an asset.
Technical Knowledge
a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required
Advanced Technical Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods in the following areas:
communication for behavior change, WASH in schools, water supply projects management, monitoring
and evaluation; integrated water resource management; appropriate water supply and quality
technology i.e. community based water supply.
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required
Knowledge of the latest theories, technology and practices in:
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Community based sanitation i.e.: hygiene education or latrine construction and waste management.
General knowledge of:
Methodology of programme/project management
Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for sectoral programmes
Knowledge of global human rights and gender issues, specifically relating to children and women,
and the current UNCEF position and approaches.
Knowledge of global environmental issues that pertain to sustainable development and specifically
relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
UNICEF policies and strategy to address WASH issues, including those relating to conflicts, natural
disasters, recovery, and disaster risk reduction and environment.
UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.
Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
Mid-Term Strategic Plan
UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on WASH results.
Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and
software, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.
UNICEF policies and strategies promoting gender equality and equity.
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c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced
Government development plans and policies
Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes
UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues, preparedness and the
responses, including the IASC Cluster approach.
UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
UN security operations and guidelines