Technical Officer Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) Officer

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Qualifications

1.      Background and Justification

Purpose of the Position

The Technical Officer Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) Officer P3 position at WHO South Sudan is designed to support the organization’s public health initiatives by developing, implementing, and managing water, sanitation, and hygiene programs across the region. This role involves assessing WASH needs, coordinating with local and international partners, ensuring the integration of WASH services with other public health efforts, and contributing to policy development and strategic planning. The officer will also play a crucial role in capacity building, providing technical support and training to local staff and partners to enhance WASH practices, thereby aiming to improve overall public health outcomes and reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in South Sudan.

2.      Job Description

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

The WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Programme in South Sudan aims to enhance the capacity of the health system to effectively prepare for, detect, and respond to health emergencies. Key objectives include improving surveillance and early warning systems, strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing coordination among health stakeholders, building local capacities, and promoting community engagement in emergency response efforts. The immediate strategic objective of the EPR Programme focuses on reducing health-related mortality and morbidity by ensuring rapid, coordinated, and effective response activities during emergencies. This involves not only immediate relief and disease prevention efforts but also a strategic enhancement of the overall emergency response mechanisms to establish a more proactive and resilient health response system.

3.      Organizational context

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, the guidance of the EPR Team Lead, and the WHO Head of Country Office, and in collaboration with counterparts at the regional office, HQ, other WHO staff, and partners, the incumbent serves as a specialist in assessing the national water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) situation. This role requires maintaining continuous communication with a wide range of WHO personnel and responders, as well as various officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH). The incumbent provides expert advice on prioritized actions and plays a key role in the design and implementation of water and sanitation action plans within the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) framework. This includes identifying needs, resources, and gaps, and negotiating access to common logistics facilities at the country level.

4.      Summary of Assigned Duties:

The following terms outline the responsibilities and expected contributions of the Technical Officer in advancing WHO's mission to improve water, sanitation, and health standards in South Sudan, ensuring that programs are effective, sustainable, and aligned with both national needs and international health objectives.

·         Assessment and Monitoring:

o    Conduct regular assessments of the water, sanitation, and hygiene needs throughout South Sudan.

o    Monitor ongoing WASH projects and initiatives to ensure they meet WHO standards and local needs.

·         Program Development and Implementation:

o    Develop and implement comprehensive WASH programs and strategies in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners.

o    Design action plans that effectively address identified needs, resource gaps, and logistical challenges in the delivery of WASH services.

·         Capacity Building:

o    Provide technical training and support to local health workers and partners in WASH practices.

o    Enhance the capabilities of local communities and health workers to manage and sustain WASH initiatives.

·         Policy and Advice:

o    Offer expert advice and guidance to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders on best practices and innovations in WASH.

o    Contribute to the development of national policies and guidelines related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

·         Coordination and Collaboration:

o    Collaborate closely with WHO regional offices, headquarters, and other stakeholders to align WASH initiatives with global health standards and practices.

o    Ensure effective coordination among various health actors and stakeholders involved in WASH projects.

·         Emergency Preparedness and Response:

o    Integrate WASH services with emergency preparedness and response activities to ensure rapid deployment during health crises.

o    Participate in emergency response teams and provide WASH expertise in outbreak situations.

·         Reporting and Documentation:

o    Prepare detailed reports on the status of WASH initiatives, outcomes, and challenges for WHO management and external donors.

o    Document lessons learned and best practices for future reference and improvement of WASH services.

·         Advocacy and Representation:

o    Represent WHO at national and international forums related to WASH.

o    Advocate for increased awareness, funding, and support for WASH programs from stakeholders and donors.

5.      Recruitment Profile

Competencies:

·         Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

·         Ensuring the effective use of resources.

·         Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.

·         Communication.