WASH Assistant

About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  In disaster and hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we collaborate to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Enhancing resilience is at the heart of what Mercy Corps does and how we work. Resilience means that people and systems can protect and improve wellbeing in the face of shocks and stresses. Mercy Corps strengthens sources of resilience to enhance the capacities of people, markets, and institutions to handle shocks, reduce risk, build more equitable and responsive systems, and improve well-being. Through our programs, partnerships, and influence, we support communities to cope, adapt, and ultimately thrive.

Since 1986, Mercy Corps Afghanistan has supported communities to recover and build resilience to future shocks and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives, with a focus on the most marginalized. Our objectives include meeting immediate food and nutrition needs through cash, voucher, and WASH assistance, strengthening capacities for crisis preparedness and response, and in so doing, contribute to resilience through inclusive, climate-smart water systems, enhanced livelihoods opportunities, food security, and social cohesion. 

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis. As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

General Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Officer, the WASH Assistant plays a key role in the implementation of daily WASH activities. They will be actively involved in field operations, ensuring effective execution of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions across project sites.

Essential Job Responsibilities

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work

·       Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members

·       Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

·       Responsible for implementing the day-to-day WASH activities.

·       Work closely with all WASH projects stakeholders.

·       Assist the WASH team in all tasks that facilitate the achievement of project deliverables, ensure that all activities are implemented smoothly and effectively, and make the best use of project resources for program participants.

·       Conduct Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) assessments, develop BoQ, the scope of work, work plans for all rehabilitation of WASH facilities in schools and health facilities, and hygiene promotion activities.

·       Provide written and oral translation for technical documents, including Bills of Quantity, Completion of Service Notes, government facilitation letters and permission documents, etc.

·       Initiate and track procurement processes for purchase requests, purchase orders, and payment requests for infrastructure projects, hygiene materials, and emergency WASH services, in coordination with the Procurement Department.

·       Support the WASH Officers to document daily monitoring of WASH infrastructure work and track progress towards project targets, keeping all team members apprised of achievements, delays, and issues.

·       Coordinate with the MEL Department to collect beneficiary data and technical project output data (e.g., FRC test results), conduct project implementation data entry, and maintain project data bases.

·       Work with the project admin and reporting assistant to manage the project filing system for all activities and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the project. Ensure required levels of confidentiality.

·       Keeping on track recording of training data and project documents.

·       Work closely with the WASH Officers to ensure internal weekly and monthly reports are submitted on time to the Project Manager and are of an acceptable standard.

·       Coordinate closely with the WASH Officers, relevant to administrative and finance to ensure proper logistics, administration, and, human resources of the project are conducted within MC policy and with the maximum benefit to the project.

·       Maintain strong understanding of the security, political, cultural, and overall contextual situation in areas of project implementation and potential project expansion, specifically regarding movements of populations and areas of settlement in camps or outside of camps.

·       Collect and share with the WASH Officers any and all relevant external reports regarding humanitarian needs in Herat province.

·       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.

·       Actively participate in developing appropriate community mobilization and Hygiene promotion (training) tools and methods for data collection.

·       In coordination with the WASH team, assist with field work for survey with measurable indicators in line with the objectives and results outlined in the grant agreement and work plan.

·       Travel to all areas of WASH in respective area of responsibility to work and carry out survey and conduct both training and distribution of hygiene kits in target areas of work.

·       Perform participants’ data compilation, storing, and updating on a regular basis. And share the data with the supervisor to be incorporated into reports and assessments as required.

·       Prepare progress reports for all targeted locations on the assessment and monitoring activities related to the implementation of the tasks assigned by the supervisor.

·       Assess the needs related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in the targeted communities, and participate in implementing different need response interventions.

·       Work with the hygiene promotion officer to develop a community mobilization and hygiene promotion response plan.

·       Support the WASH Officers to document all the daily monitoring activities as per Mercy Corps’ requirements. 

·       Follow the standard procedures and standards when monitoring all service provision activities, including but not limited to hygiene promotion, community mobilization, and distribution.

·       Support the WASH capacity building for the Community Hygiene Workers (CHWs) and Water Management Committees (WMC).

·       Produce reports on weekly/monthly as well as on a required basis.

·       Performs any other duty assigned by the supervisor. 

Project Coordination and Management

·       Ensure timely and accurate reporting and documentation in coordination with the WASH Officer, and other team members.

Representation

·       Represent Mercy Corps in community meetings and stakeholder engagements within the project areas.

Security

·       Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·       Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

·       Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our project participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

·       Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility: N/A 

Accountability

Reports Directly To: WASH Officer 

Works Directly With: WASH Officers, Community Engagement Facilitator, Project Admin and Reporting Assistant, Project Manager and support functions

Knowledge and Experience

·       Bachelors in community health, public health, social science, engineering, or related degree.

·       1-2 years of relevant experience in implementing emergency WASH response.

·       Familiar with Afghanistan water and sanitation standards and international WASH SPHERE standards.

·       Extensive knowledge and work experience in Afghanistan, and preferably in the Western Provinces including Herat.

·       Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to achieve cooperation and agreement amongst diverse groups with competing priorities.

·       Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently and with a calm attitude.

·       Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail.

·       Ability to engage with local communities and government authorities.

·       Strong organizational skills.

·       Honest and committed to compliance with all policies and procedures in all aspects of work.

·       Good strategic thinking and planning skills with eagerness for innovation. 

·       Good knowledge of spoken and written English and Dari are required, Pashto is desired.

·       Good computer skills in basic, office programs, and engineering program such as AutoCAD.

Ongoing Learning

·       In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

·        ·       Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

·       Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

·       We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

·        ·       Equal Employment Opportunity

·       Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

·       Safeguarding & Ethics

·       Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the  Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

     As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org). 

ساتنه او اخلاق

مرسي کورپس ژمن دی چې ډاډ ترلاسه کړي چې ټول هغه کسان چې موږ د خپل کار له لارې اړیکه ونیسو، که د ټیم غړي، د ټولنې غړي، د پروګرام ګډون کوونکي یا نور، د درناوي او وقار سره چلند کیږي. موږ د جنسي استحصال او ناوړه ګټه اخیستنې د مخنیوي اصلي اصولو ته ژمن یو چې د ملګرو ملتونو د عمومي منشي او IASC لخوا ترتیب شوي او د اداري فساد افشا کولو سکیم ته یې لاسلیک کړی. د دې رول لپاره غوښتنلیک ورکولو سره یو غوښتونکی تاییدوي چې دوی دمخه د ګمارونکي جنسي ناوړه چلند، جنسي استحصال او ناوړه ګټه اخیستنې، د ماشومانو د ساتنې یا قاچاق کولو پالیسي څخه سرغړونه نه ده کړې. موږ به د خپل ټیم غړو یا د ماشومانو ناوړه ګټه اخیستنه، جنسي استحصال، ناوړه ګټه اخیستنه، یا ځورونې ونه زغمو. د خوندي او ټول شموله کاري چاپیریال لپاره زموږ د ژمنې د یوې برخې په توګه، د ټیم غړو څخه تمه کیږي چې خپل ځان په مسلکي ډول ترسره کړي، د سیمه ایزو قوانینو او دودونو درناوی وکړي، او هر وخت د مرسي کورپس د چلند پالیسیو او ارزښتونو پیروي وکړي. د ټیم غړي اړ دي چې د اجباري چلند کوډ د بریښنایی زده کړې کورسونه په کرایه او کلني اساس بشپړ کړي. د یو غوښتونکي په توګه، که تاسو د استخدام پروسې په جریان کې د کوم ډول جنسي ناوړه چلند شاهد یاست یا تجربه کوئ، مهرباني وکړئ دا د (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org) ته راپور کړئ.

حفاظت و اخلاق

مرسی کورپس متعهد است که اطمینان حاصل کند که با تمام افرادی که از طریق کار خود با آنها در تماس هستیم، اعم از اعضای تیم، اعضای جامعه، شرکت کنندگان برنامه یا سایرین، با احترام و وقار رفتار می شود. ما به اصول اصلی مربوط به پیشگیری از بهره کشی و سوء استفاده جنسی که توسط دبیرکل سازمان ملل متحد و IASC ارائه شده است متعهد هستیم و طرح افشای سوء رفتار بین سازمانی را امضا کرده ایم. با درخواست برای این نقش، متقاضی تأیید می کند که قبلاً تخلفات جنسی، استثمار و سوء استفاده جنسی، سیاست محافظت از کودک یا قاچاق کارفرما را نقض نکرده است. ما کودک آزاری، استثمار جنسی، سوء استفاده یا آزار و اذیت توسط یا اعضای تیم خود را تحمل نخواهیم کرد. به عنوان بخشی از تعهد ما به یک محیط کار ایمن و فراگیر، از اعضای تیم انتظار می رود که به شیوه ای حرفه ای رفتار کنند، به قوانین و آداب و رسوم محلی احترام بگذارند و همیشه به خط مشی ها و ارزش های کد رفتار مرسی کورپ پاپند باشند. اعضای تیم ملزم به تکمیل دوره های آموزش الکترونیکی آیین نامه رفتار اجباری پس از استخدام و به صورت سالانه هستند. به عنوان یک متقاضی، اگر در طول فرآیند استخدام شاهد یا تجربه هرگونه سوءرفتار جنسی بودید، لطفاً این موضوع را به خط تلفن جامع مرسی کورپس (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org) گزارش دهید