POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: WASH Manager
Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Position Category: Full-time
Part-time
AND
Regular
Temporary
Salary Level: Management, Technical Specialists I – Level 5
Current Employee: New position
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
On April 25, 2015, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter Scale struck Nepal, causing
significant loss of life and injuries as well as extensive damage to infrastructure including roads, markets, buildings
and water systems. An estimated 8 million people have been directly affected by the earthquake with a death toll
reported over 6,000 and many more are injured and displaced. As a result, Mercy Corps is launching a significant
response in areas of shelter, food/non-food, water and sanitation programming.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The WASH Program Manager (PM) will coordinate and lead implementation of Mercy Corps Nepal’s WASH
program which aims to provide safe drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities and services, and to improve the
hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices for those affected by the earthquake. The PM will develop an effective
implementation plan and alternative project delivery methods that meets very tight schedules. S/he will be a strong
team leader, be able to develop and mentor team members and work with internal and external stakeholders
specifically the local implementing partner/s to achieve common objectives. S/he will supervise, develop and mentor
MC Nepal WASH team, and coordinate and oversee the work of the local implementing partner/s to achieve program
objectives. Reporting directly to the Emergency Response Team Leader, the WASH PM will work closely with MC
operations/support teams (including finance, administration and programs) based in Kathmandu. S/he will assist the
Team Leader in outlining a strategic plan for the implementation of this program including identifying target
areas/projects, methods of operation for effective programming and maximum results.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
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Provide leadership and direction to all field aspects of the program and lead the design and management of
future programs.
Communicate program goals and objectives with team members and implementing partners, beneficiaries,
local and central government and the international community.
Develop an overall and specific district plans for project implementation. This should include planned
delegation of responsibilities to implementing partner and appropriate MC staff, plans for material and cash
needs over the course of the project, and work schedules (timelines) for the various phases of the project.
Work closely with the Global WASH Specialist on program planning and design and quality aspects.
Prior to commencement of project implementation, ensure that standard Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with community representatives and local authorities have been signed for each community identified
for project activities. Ensure that all elements of MoU are adhered to. Report any problems relating to the
MoU to the Emergency Program Team Leader.
Ensure that all interventions are implemented as planned, according to developed technical standards,
schedules and timelines.
Liaise with relevant government officials in the Centre and in the Districts (CDOs, DDRCs), local NGOs and
civil society organizations, local leaders and other community members to ensure support for and acceptance
of Mercy Corps’ WASH sector emergency response initiatives in Nepal.
Convey information and ideas and effectively coordinate to ensure overall project targets and donor
obligations are met.
Develop collaborative relationships among Mercy Corps, communities, local partners and local government.
Ensures timely preparation and submission of program reports to Emergency Response Team Leader, and
donor/s as requested by the Team Leader.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Coordinate with program, finance and administrative staff to ensure systems are in compliance with donor and
Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
Ensure program implementation is on time, target and within budget.
Ensure community involvement in all phases of the project cycle through transparent and participatory
approaches.
In close coordination with national staff and the staff of implementing partners, and WASH Cluster, help to
adapt selected hygiene promotion and behavior change messages and practices and water preservation
materials for the local conditions and culture.
In close collaboration with logistic and procurement department, participate in the process of local
procurement of program related materials and equipment, and distribution of WASH NFI items.
Collaborate with procurement department and ensure competitive and transparent bidding process in
adherence with donor and organizational polices.
Ensure full adherence to Mercy Corps’ security plans and protocols.
Understand and follow Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards.
Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy and Do No Harm principles.
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback via regular performance
reviews.
Contribute to country team-building efforts, help team members identify problem solving options and ensure
the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
Maintain close relationship with other humanitarian and development organizations, human right
organizations, and local partners.
Participate in local coordination mechanisms in the Centre and in target Districts and ensure effective
collaboration with the WASH Cluster member NGOs and other peer humanitarian agencies active in the
WASH sector.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps
and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned by the Team Leader.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: WASH Staff
ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Emergency Response Team Leader
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Global WASH Specialist, Program, Operations, Administration, and
Finance teams
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
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A Bsc or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, Water Treatment
Technologies or related field;
5-7 years of management of WASH and community infrastructure/development programs;
Experience overseeing work of local implementing partners is an asset.
Experience managing emergency-funded projects is essential.
Familiarity with SPHERE standards, Do No Harm and other such humanitarian guides and principles
Demonstrated ability to implement a complex program, and manage a range of staff with strong emphasis on
developing their capacities.
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and constructively with local partners, including community
committees and host government.
Commitment to the principles of participatory team management and participatory, community-oriented
development.
Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational skills.
Possess administrative capacity and planning skills;
Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written;
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Effective coordination with district authorities, partners and communities. Regular travel to program areas is
required;
High computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful WASH Manager will recognize that Mercy Corps’ ability to function safely and successfully in Nepal
depends on the ability of staff to understand the context in which programs operate. The successful WASH Manager
will apply a strong combination of team leadership, program development and implementation skills and will be able
to maintain calm under stressful conditions. S/he will have an excellent understanding of emergency and transitional
issues and programmatic approaches and will be able to work across a wide range of stakeholders, working with local
community members, governmental authorities, NGO partners, and donors. S/he will bring a positive approach to the
job, embracing challenges as opportunities to innovate. S/he will write well and communicate in a manner that is
confident and clear, yet diplomatic, enabling him/her to forge positive working relationships with donors and other
stakeholders. Finally, the successful WASH Manager will work well under pressure in a fluid operating and security
environment
SIGNATURES:
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