World Vision International is a Christian Relief, Development and Advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

Job Summary

World Vision WAR is seeking for qualified persons willing to share in our vision to join the team in the following roles :WASH Learning Center Advisor

•   Location:  Accra
•   Grade Level:  Hay Reference 17

Purpose of the position:

The WASH LC Advisor will be responsible for overall technical leadership, guidance and coordination of the ‘For Every Child Campaign/WASH’ projects in Ghana, Mali and Niger; ensure projects are implemented according to work plans, budgets and finances are on track, data is collected, quality standards are met, appropriate personnel are hired and required reports are prepared.

The WASH LC Advisor will serve as the principal institutional liaison and key representative to external partners, governments in Ghana, Mali and Niger; facilitate relationships among project partners and collaborators, coordinate visits to the field, organize meetings, trainings and technical exchange, and lead evaluation activities. He will provide the partners with a voice and a face at the regional levels on issues related to WASH programming and communicate with regional decision makers, governments and program donors, being a source of information on progress and constraints.

The WASH LC Advisor will oversee WASH programs in West Africa region countries composed by Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Sierra Leone and Chad.  He will advise NOs and partners on the relevant WASH policies and priorities of government, multilateral and bilateral agencies  and link partners' efforts at the local level to efforts at the national and international level.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate/oversee ‘For Every Child Campaign (FEC)/WASH projects:

•   In close collaboration with WASH Project Managers in Mali, Niger and Ghana and M & E Coordinators, ensure results are tracked and reported according to performance measurement framework and according to WV M & E standards and procedures for measuring Child Wellbeing Outcomes or Every Child Campaign/WASH Programs

Technical support to FEC/WASH projects

•   Provide technical support and guidance to all FEC projects in Ghana, Mali, and Niger specifically in procurement of equipment and tools, methodologies and systems.
•   Contribute to overall program quality and impact through supporting innovative strategies and partnerships and ensure integration of key cross cutting themes by working closely with  other WV sector specialists

Regional WASH Strategy Definition & Execution

•   Lead the development of a Regional WASH strategy for delivering on the child well-being aspirations, including the definition of outcomes, strategic objectives and KPIs for the LC
•   Work with the PMU Director to allocate resources to the different projects in the region
•   Lead the Planning, organizing and support activities related to projects and programs identification, preparation, implementation management and supervision of WASH interventions in all West African countries

Define WASH standards, share best practices & assets

•   Define and provide standards, project models, methodologies, tools and knowledge repositories for the NOs in the region
•   Identify, disseminate and institutionalize common best practices and assets in the specific discipline related to combating child malnutrition
•   Speed the adoption of new solutions and assets and increase consistency and level of quality in program delivery

Build WASH skills & expertise in the region

•   Identify key resources with the relevant knowledge and skills (engage in recruitment of staff in the disciplines)
•   Develop and retain skilled domain personnel with potential to offer ‘certifications’
•   Share learning and provide capacity development for personnel (as in Learning Labs, workshops, etc.)
•   Set standards, develop tools, and provide capacity building for National programs and projects related to combating child malnutrition

Knowledge Management - Thought Leadership and Publications

•   Design & deliver operational research and cutting edge knowledge (knowledge that helps to influence policy, contributes to corporate branding and visibility, improves program quality and for building capacity)
•   Repository of knowledge of best practices in WASH
•   Establish partnerships with leading universities locally and internationally for the purposes of research and scaling up knowledge.
•   Aspire to establish and provide leadership and maintain a world class WASH LC in West Africa.
•   Promote studies cross-learning, training, best practices and sharing of experience on issues regarding the water sector development and related areas in the partnership as related to child well being

Provide technical support to all NOs

•   Provide the required technical support primarily to the National Offices (NOs) and secondarily to other organizational entities
•   Provide technical expertise to facilitate resource mobilization specifically on programs to combat child malnutrition in the region
•   Develop Service Level Agreements to define the level of technical support to be delivered and measured to NO.

Establishment of Linkages and networking

•   Establish linkages and networks with relevant WV communities of practice and experts, leading institutions, governments and other organizations
•   Establishing effective lines of communication, coordination &networking with other organizations working in the area of child malnutrition and take responsibility for releasing information on this thematic area to relevant parties

Representation

•   Representing WASH sector at key meetings and forums in West Africa as assigned by the technical supervisor.

Qualification Required & Experience

The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training:

This is a regional position that requires a person with extensive technical & thought leadership experience in nutrition program management and coordination.

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are required:

•   Advance degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, and engineering or similar filed. The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this job may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, or on-the-job training
•   Ten or more years experience in integrated WASH program implementation, management and evaluation, and at least five years working with an NGO or international agency in the field.
•   A minimum of 10 years of experience in managing community based WASH projects in developing countries
•   Excellent skills required in program design, reporting and documentation, and monitoring and evaluation, and in managing by results
•   Knowledge of World Vision operations, regional and national office programming preferable
•   Must be a creative individual with strong sense of vision, commitment and priorities
•   Must have strong organizational skills and an ability to work with diverse teams across considerable distances
•   Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and strong interpersonal skills
•   Public relations, marketing, and communications skills.
•   Ability to build trust, relationships and work productively with highly creative people across sectors and cultures.
•   Strong coordination and networking skills
•   Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing French and English
•   Proficiency in use of internet and world-wide web
•   Skills in project management, including managing resources, and financial and budget planning
•   Demonstrated commitment to World Vision’s mission statement and Core Values Working

Environment / Conditions:

•   Work environment:  Office-based with frequent travel to the field, ability to work with large diversity of individuals and groups in rural and remote areas with diverse culture and believes,
•   Travel:  30% Domestic/international travel is required.
•   On call:  Available for communication with partners and colleagues from diverse time zones

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Qualified candidates may submit their application, complete covering letter, curriculum vitae, and three references via email to:- wvmali_recruitment@wvi.org clearly indicating in the subject line the position you are applying for.

Closing Date: 28 February, 2015

•   Women qualified are strongly encouraged to apply
•   Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

As a Child focused organization, World Vision is committed to the protection of children and does not employ people whose background is not suitable for working with children.

All employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible.  WV is an equal opportunity employer.

We believe in diversity and promote opportunities for all individuals. Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply.