Global Wash Cluster Rapid Assessment Coordinator

Global Wash Cluster Rapid Assessment Coordinator £35,400 - £44,460 per annum (18-month contract) Oxford

The WASH response to recent large emergencies has been hampered by a lack of reliable assessment information. The number, location and condition of a significant proportion of the affected populations have remained undetermined until many weeks (in some cases months) after the initial disaster. While the timely and accurate enumeration of numbers of people affected and the magnitude of their needs is fundamental to a sound humanitarian response, this is rarely undertaken in any comprehensive manner.

An 18 month project funded by OFDA is being implemented to test the feasibility of the concept of a WASH Rapid Assessment Team (RAT) performing WASH assessments on behalf of the entire Cluster. Oxfam will be one of the leads on this.

The role

You will represent Oxfam as a member of a three person RAT which will be deployed individually or together to ensure that assessment data is collected, recorded, reported and communicated to support the effective coordination of WASH emergencies.

You will participate in the planning and implementation of about six anticipated initial assessments of emergencies over the course of 18 months and will assist with capacity building for multi-agency comprehensive and coordinated assessments. You must be available for deployment at short notice and should expect to deploy 4 times per year (or 6 times over 18 months) for a duration of approximately 32 days per deployment.

Dimensions

Problems faced are diverse - relating to management of people, budgets and processes (which can relate to issues within own technical specialism).

The position requires high level of problem solving competency in which the post holder has to understand known/unknown and variable challenges and come up with solutions and recommendations including specific technical recommendations.

Problem-solving complexity includes people management and strategic management related to team specialism.

Establishment and maintenance of base data for risk-prone countries (population numbers and sub-national distribution, maps, administrative divisions, agency contacts, transportation systems, and water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion capacity).

An understanding of the wider issues of the team members' professional work, the international humanitarian context, Oxfam’s ways of working, the priorities of other stakeholders.

Works to set team priorities within the context of the RAT work plan .

Line manages specialist and other staff that will take part in the assessment.

Ability to analyse and interpret external and internal information and influences on the business environment and influence strategy and business direction in light of this information.

Key Activities While on deployment: Work in collaboration with two RAT team colleagues to ensure a consistent and coherent approach to emergency WASH assessments. Liaise with the Wash Cluster Coordinator, national authorities, national and international NGOs and Oxfam International field teams to ensure that assessments are effectively coordinated. Carry out WASH assessments and ensure that findings are analysed, recorded, reported and communicated to key stakeholders to facilitate the coordination of the WASH response. If appropriate, contribute to follow up assessments to consolidate data from the initial assessment. Recruit, train and supervise local staff to assist with the assessments. Manage and report on budgets required for the assessments.

Ensure that communities are consulted and in particular, that the needs and opinions of the most vulnerable are taken in to account in the assessment recommendations. Ensure that cross cutting issues (gender, protection, HIV mainstreaming, disaster risk reduction and accountability to beneficiaries) are addressed as part of the assessment. While not on deployment Build capacity of WASH sector staff and host governments where appropriate to carry out assessments. Establish and maintain a data base for risk prone countries of demographic information, national geographical, administrative and logistical infrastructure, national WASH capacity and key contacts. Work with Rapid Response Team members to refine assessment protocols and tools to improve information management. Maintain up to date understanding of cost effective technology and remote sensing options which could enhance the efficiency of WASH assessments. Capture the learning from emergency assessments and response and incorporate in future initiatives. Contribute to improving assessments in challenging contexts e.g. urban emergencies, chronic drought scenarios, contexts where access to communities is limited. Undertake tasks as assigned by supervisor, including those included in the global WASH Cluster Strategic Plan for 2011- 2013. Provide narrative and financial reports as appropriate on deployments and proactive tasks. Skills And Competence:

Degree or Diploma in Water/Sanitation, Civil Engineering, Public Health, or in a Community/Social Development field. Strong leadership and coordination skills. Strong analytical and problem solving skills. Experience of collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. Good communication skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions, meet deadlines and travel extensively at short notice to support field operations or capacity building. Extensive and recent experience of working with disaster-related WASH interventions, including at field level. Fluency in spoken and written English. High degree of computer literacy and data analysis. Familiarity with international standards and the Red Cross Code of Conduct and a commitment to adhere to Oxfam’s protocols and Code of Conduct • Desired Skills Post graduate degree in relevant discipline. Capacity building skills. Knowledge of French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic.

How to apply:

How to apply To find out more about this role and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs and quote ref: INT4970. Closing date: 10th November 2011.