Chemonics International, Inc., is a US-based international development consulting company, operating in over 95 countries, that is implementing the USAID funded Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Activity in Ethiopia. 

Chemonics seeks a WASH Services Specialist for the USAID Urban WASH Activity, to support accelerated access to safe, adequate, inclusive, and resilient WASH services targeting urban and peri-urban areas. The Activity will work to achieve this through four complementary objectives: 1) Enable and professionalize WASH service providers; 2) Foster markets for pro-poor and inclusive WASH services; 3) Strengthen WASH planning, budgeting, and service delivery oversight; and 4) Strengthen accountability among urban WASH sector actors.

The WASH Services Specialist will closely work with the regional government offices, utilities, municipalities, and city administrations. Based on utility and municipality assessments, they will access targeted technical assistance and organizational support from the technical WASH teams and assist in the design and implementation of targeted activities to strengthen the capacity of utilities and municipalities.

This position will report to Regional Service WASH Lead and will be based in Hawassa Ethiopia with frequent travel to Shashemene for the project activities execution in Sidama Region. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world as well as demonstrated capacity building expertise; experience supporting projects to achieve scale and objectives; and experience building relationships. 

Responsibilities:  

• Oversee technical design and implementation of WASH services activities in Hawassa and Shashemene.

• Support capacity building interventions for utilities by working with the Senior Water Engineer and Senior Hygiene and Sanitation Expert to expand WASH services, citizen access and citizen satisfaction.

• Provide side by side capacity development and coaching to Water Service providers as defined in the capacity building plan.

• Work with the WASH Governance Advisor to integrate city wide inclusive sanitation into municipality planning and management.

• Work with the WASH Governance Advisor to support improved coordination and integration of relevant stakeholders to improve municipality planning and management, as well as to reinforce roles and responsibilities:

• Support the MEL Director with data collection and use of M&E systems for improved accountability by relevant water service providers.

• In consultation with the Regional Team Director and the technical team, provide program leadership, strategy development, management, and oversight, and support technical direction for programming in Hawassa/Shashemene.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with regional government counterparts, project stakeholders, community, private sector, and civil society.

• Ensure the use of appropriate management tools to plan, organize, and monitor costs and resources to achieve project objectives.  

• In consultation with the Regional WASH Service lead, support the utilities and municipalities in work planning, budget, performance management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communications to ensure that all project assistance is technically sound and appropriate.   

• Identify and mitigate potential issues and risks related to project implementation in a timely manner and drive appropriate programmatic adjustments. 

• Other duties as assigned by the Regional WASH Service lead. 

Job Requirements

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as water supply engineering, sanitary engineering, r an equivalent combination of education and work experience in a relevant field.

•  Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in WASH sector either with government and/or international development on donor funded programs.

• Working with utilities and / or capacity building activities for the government sectors bureaus is highly preferable.

Skills:

• Strong ability to collaborate and build partnerships with host country governments, U.S. government agencies, donor agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.  

• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.  

• Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office Suite.  

• Fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills required; proficiency in Amharic, Sidamegna and Afan Oromo highly preferred.    

How to Apply

• Application Instructions  

• Please apply by using THIS LINK

• Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on December 8, 2023. Early applications are strongly encouraged and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No telephone inquiries, please.

EEO Statement  

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.