PROGRAM SUMMARY:

In Zimbabwe, Mercy Corps has been working hand-in-hand with local communities and partners in Manicaland Province (Eastern Zimbabwe) since 2002 to implement a range of programs including: upgrading of basic water and sanitation facilities; improving food and livelihood security; providing support to orphans and vulnerable children, and much more.

Over the past 3 years Mercy Corps? water and sanitation programming has grown to include at least 4 projects designed to increase access to water and sanitation facilities in both rural and urban environments. Activities include the rehabilitation of boreholes and wells, the construction of water catchment facilities at health clinics, the development of village water point committees, the construction of latrines at schools and health facilities, the rehabilitation of public (urban) sanitation facilities, and more. Mercy Corps also is leading the development and roll-out of nationwide monitoring and evaluation tools that will be used by the UNICEF chaired WASH Cluster and expects to further increase its level of WASH programming in the coming year(s).

In addition to a main office in Harare, Mercy Corps has a Provincial office in Mutare, Manicaland and District offices in Buhera and Chipinge, which are also in Manicaland Province. All WASH activities and personnel are based out of our Mutare office.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a new Mercy Corps position created to manage the growth of Mercy Corps? WASH programming by providing technical and strategic oversight to all Mercy Corps water and sanitation activities. The Water and Sanitation Program Manager will oversee and provide guidance to Mercy Corps field personnel, monitor existing implementation, design new programs addressing the urgent WASH needs of Zimbabwe, and represent Mercy Corps with donors at all coordination meetings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Plan, coordinate, implement and monitor appropriate and effective water and sanitation programs in multiple locations in Zimbabwe.
- Oversee day to day operations of Mercy Corps? Mutare field office and provide guidance to both programmatic and administrative staff.
- Ensure WASH grant objectives are met and control budgets and project expenditures over grant periods.
- Manage project staff and prioritize developing national staff capacity, specifically strengthening the project management skills of the national staff including WASH personnel.
- Manage WASH activities including rain water catchment, borehole rehabilitation, latrine construction, and the upgrading for household and communal wells.
- Work with other Mercy Corps team members to enable all programming activities to work as a cohesive whole.
- Oversee recruitment and support for national staff.
- Collaborate with WASH managers on technical issues.
- Take the lead in coordinating both informally and through relevant for all Mercy Corps water and sanitation activities with other implementing partners.
- Attend and actively participate in UNICEF chaired WASH working group.
- Develop and maintain collaborative, solid, inclusive working relationships with the Zimbabwe government authorities, the UN, other NGOs and donors.
- Write regular reports for a variety of audiences internal and external.
- Develop concept papers and proposals, as required, to secure funding for and expand Mercy Corps? water and sanitation programming priorities.
- Perform assessments identify programming opportunities and gaps, as well as developing appropriate water and sanitation strategies.
- Prioritize the safety and security of all staff at all times, in compliance with Mercy Corps? security guidelines and standards.
- Ensure all operations are carried out according to schedule, budget, and SPHERE standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Water and Sanitation staff and Mutare administrative personnel.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Deputy Country Director
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Manicaland based staff

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

- University degree in engineering, advanced degree/certificate preferred.
- 5+ years experience on water and sanitation activities.
- 2+ years experience with an NGO working in harsh/insecure environments
- Experience with program design, management and implementation, preferably in insecure environments.
- Understanding of the public health needs and appropriate interventions for poor rural communities.
- Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes.
- Written and spoken English language skills required.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Excel, Outlook and Word required.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Water and Sanitation Program Manager will have a strong understanding of the long-term implications of relief work and the importance of incorporating participation and the development of civil society into relief and development activities.

The successful Water and Sanitation Program Manager will effectively manage staff from differing backgrounds. The ability to work inclusively with beneficiaries is essential, as is the awareness of and sensitivity to the particular needs of women in this context. S/he should be committed to building local capacity, among beneficiaries, partners and staff. Diplomacy and tact will be required to interact effectively with a variety of actors across the community, the aid community, international agencies and government officials.

S/he will demonstrate a strong understanding of cultural, political and religious considerations in the region, and be able to live and work successfully in often changing environment.

Successful Mercy Corps staff members make communication and security a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This is an unaccompanied position but is located in a relatively safe and comfortable environment. Candidates must be able to live and work in an ever changing political and operational environment. This position is based in Mutare, a pleasant city in the mountains of eastern Zimbabwe. The town is roughly 3 hours drive from Harare and only a 10 minute drive to the Mozambique border. Housing and access to good and services is adequate and improving now that the Zimbabwe currency has been replaced by the USD and SA Rand, which has resulted in a dramatic increase in available products nationwide.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.