Application Deadline: May 31, 2022

Purpose of the Position:

The main purpose of the job is to facilitate programme planning, agreements, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation with the local communities and the government that are related to the Watershed management and restoration to improve water supply and livelihoods in a degraded watershed in the Tana Sub-basin project. The role is entrusted with ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations of watershed management and restoration to improve water supply and livelihoods in the project area.

The post holder is responsible for the overall provision of technical support and implementation of activities regarding sustainable community-based integrated watershed management interventions in the project area(s). S/he will coordinate participatory mapping of integrated watershed management (IWRM) practices and manage innovation and learning in watershed management and restoration. 

Project Description:

The project will be implemented in sub basin, North Mecha Woreda, Amhara Region. The overall objective of the project is to implement watershed management, and restoration to improve water supply and livelihoods in degraded watershed in the Tana Sub-basin while also ensuring the integration of activities and outputs into other projects in the area and promoting best practice documentation and sharing.

The project has three major components:

• Watershed management,
• Promotion of land use practice,
• Capacity building of key actors and community groups in watershed management and natural resource management.

Job Description

Technical:

• Facilitate planning, coordination, and control activities of the project jointly with the Program team and relevant Woreda sector in line with the direction that will be given to him/her by the line manager.
• Take part in developing proposal in line with WASH development strategy of the country.
• Provides technical support for field staff, partners, and government offices regarding sustainable community-based watershed management and restoration interventions in project areas.
• Lead baseline data collection for all watershed related activities necessary for soil and water conservation and design of watershed projects.
• Facilitate community action planning and support implementation of the plan of action to minimize land degradation and depletion of water.
• Coordinate participatory mapping of indigenous land and water management practice.
• Technically guide the skilled and unskilled labours in soil and water conservation activities including reforestation, gully treatment, riparian buffers, check dams, contour bonding, terracing, gully check, water harvesting, spring development etc.
• Provides relevant technical assistance to pertinent offices, IWRM, government line offices, and other partner organizations working in project sites.
• Regularly communicates with impact areas and site offices on the progress of planned IWRM activities and provide them with appropriate information and feedbacks accordingly.
• Plan and implement livelihood diversification activities in the target communities.
• Develop ideas for policy influencing guidelines and agendas at local level that will feed in the regional and national level.
• Guide and supervise the implementation of activities.
• Involve in WASH program development of the Woreda as part of the program development team.

Research and Evaluation:

• Conduct community assessment and make recommendations about the needs and vulnerabilities of targeted populations regarding IWRM issues
• Conduct data collection, study, and design of watershed development projects

Systems and procedures:

• Develop internal guidelines and procedures for IWRM project and program implementation.
• Administer cash, property and personnel of the projects as assigned by the line manager and WaterAid Ethiopia.
• Develop budgeting system that can be used to monitor and control expenditures.
• Ensure implementation of planned IWRM activities as per the proposal and donor requirements.
• Facilitate preparation of business plan and operation manual.
• Establish a system to monitor and evaluate program activities and impact, in accordance with existing monitoring and evaluation guidelines.

Learning and development:

• Document and share the impact of watershed management to climate resilient water supply, and related water safety and security.
• Facilitate development of learning objectives along with the program team with the leadership of the Program Coordinator.
• Share information with relevant institutions and participate in the documentation, learning and dissemination of lessons learned.
• Ensure that the project engages local stakeholders and develop local capacity for long term sustainability.
• Participate and play key role to conduct baseline assessment, midterm evaluation and final evaluation.

Networking:

• Establish smooth working relationship with communities, local administration, and other development partners in the Woreda and beyond.
• Establish contacts and relationships at different level to exchange information.
• Identify policy issues and discuss with policy team.

Teamwork and Managerial Role:

• Work closely with the project team and get direction and support as required.
• Plan, direct and control the operation of activities assigned.

Reporting:

• Prepare reports for programs/project and budgets on monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and annually.
• Prepare periodic physical and financial reports and submit to the program coordinator.
• Provide regular reports on program status.

Safeguarding & Safety & Security:

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding, Child Protection and Gender policies and Code of Conduct (CoC)
• Adheres to any local security protocols that have been put in place when working in the office, travelling to the field or undertaking project / programme activities
• Immediately reports any health, safety and security incidents or near-misses that occur on WaterAid duty to their line manager, Security Focal Point or CD
• Behaves and acts in a manner that does not put colleagues or anyone that interacts with WaterAid in immediate danger or harm’s way.

Other:

Undertake any other activities as requested by the program coordinator and WaterAid Ethiopia.

Job Requirements

Required Qualification:

Education and year of experience:

• MSc or BSc degree in Water Resources Engineering, Watershed Management, Hydrology, Soil and Water Conservation, Agriculture, and related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant, proven, and progressive work experience, preferably in NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations).

Knowledge, Technical Skills, and Abilities:

• Track record of successful work experience and results in IWRM, preferably in NGOs.
• Demonstrated technical and managerial ability, sound judgment, and ability to work effectively with others at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, e.g., government offices at various levels, partners, other NGOs, and networks.
• Firm belief in teamwork, equity and inclusion like gender equality, sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, participatory approach, and sustainable development.
• Commitment to values and working styles of WAE.
• Proficient in computer skills (MS word, Excel, Power Point).
• Internet browsing skills.
• Good written and spoken English language.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate information accurately.

Personal Characteristics / Skills:

The Watershed Officer should demonstrate competence in some or all the following:

• Building partnership.
• Stress tolerance.
• Commitment.
• Collaboration.
• People focus
• Fluent in local language both in spoken and written

How to Apply

Qualified applicants can send their CV and motivational letter via THIS LINK

WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. WaterAid Ethiopia does not discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, race, tribe, religion, culture, disability, age, HIV/AIDS status, or any other factor. WaterAid Ethiopia encourages female candidates to apply.

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behavior, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct. We will conduct the most appropriate pre-employment references and checks to ensure high standards are maintained.