BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation and development support to vulnerable people and communities over 40 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refugees in six regions in Ethiopia, implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

Job overview: 

The Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion (SHP) Officer reports to the Senior Sanitation and hygiene promotion officer (SHPO) and is responsible for ensuring smooth implementation of sanitation and hygiene promotion sub program under Shire field office and surrounding Woredas. The program focuses on maintaining to ensure adequate environmental health conditions are met in IDPs and host communities around where the IRC is mandated to implement projects.

The principal role of the SHP Officer is to ensure that quality hygiene promotion activities are well integrated into the overall IRC Environmental Health/WASH projects and responsible for planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of sanitation and hygiene promotion component under Shire field office and surrounding Woredas. The position also requires proper management of the financial, material, and other resources under the program.

This position technically reports to the Senior SHP officer and organizes and send formal and informal report to the ERR and Senior EH/WASH managers.

Major Responsibilities:

• With support from Senior SHP officer, ERR manager and Senor EH Manager, design, and undertake/take part in quantitative/qualitative assessments to identify key risky hygiene behaviors, to set baseline and measure project achievements.

• Recruit, train, manage and supervise Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Assistants, and Environmental Health Agents on basics of participatory hygiene promotion/education, methods/approaches, and communication and facilitation skills.

• Work with client representatives to identify volunteers/incentive workers for hygiene promotion/education.

• Prepare detail work plan for hygiene promotion/education activities and ensure proper implementation.

• Work with clients to select site and design to build latrines, water points and other WASH facilities for vulnerable groups, and ensure needs of most vulnerable are taken in to account at all stages of hygiene promotion intervention/s.

• Work with Senior SHP officer and ERR Manager on development, testing, printing, and positioning of culturally appropriate IEC materials, and monitoring tools and ensure proper use of the same.

• Prepare updates and monthly progress and other reports.

• Initiate procurement to ensure adequate supplies for hygiene and sanitation promotion activities.

• Works in collaboration with other IRC staff including protection, Health and nutrition and education programs within IRC and implementing partners and government partners in harmonizing hygiene promotion/education interventions.

• Document and share lessons learned and success stories in relation to hygiene to inform future programming.

• Serve as the focal point person for all activities related to IRC sanitation and hygiene promotion program.

·         Identify needs and items of NFIs in IDP and host community across the implementing area and controls actual delivery of goods to community and household level.

·         Timely share warehouse update of NFI items by category, by donor/grant name with supervisor

·         Timely submit weekly progress update and 5W matrix, ITT on monthly basis, distribution report.

·         Regular spot checks on actual usage of the distributed items at household level and support MEAL program in conducting post distribution monitoring.

• Any additional responsibility as requested of his/her supervisor.

• Capable of working under pressure.

• Able to work in a team.

• Flexible, diplomatic and can live and work in a challenging and potentially insecure environment.

• Good communication and knowledge of local language Tigrigna advantageous.

• Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Educational Requirements:

University Degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Nursing, Community Development, Health Education, or any other related field from recognized university.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Relevant work experience on sanitation and hygiene promotion with relevant experience of at least 2 years for degree and 5 years for diploma holders with I/NGO in development, emergency, or refugee settings – Preferable

• Previous experience of implementing participatory hygiene promotion and sanitation methods (e.g., PHAST, CLTS/H, CHC, CHAST) and organizing campaigns on key hygiene themes - Preferable

• Previous experience of implementing institutional (schools & health facilities) hygiene promotions/educations; - Preferable

• NGO experience is a plus.                                                                           

• An applicant with an experience on emergency projects will be advantageous.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time.

• Very good at computer- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, and e-mail)

Language Skills: 

·         Proficient in English writing and speaking skills.

·         Knowing the local language is advantageous.

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website:  CLICK HERE

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted                                      

 Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply!

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.