About Mercy Corps

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

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the four outcome areas: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently, we operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good. 

General Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the WASH Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the hygiene promotion and sanitation components of the HACAP Program in Kelafo Woreda, Shebele Zone, Somali region. S/he will ensure that all WASH activities are delivered to a high standard, on time, and within budget, in accordance with Mercy Corps, donor, and government regulations. Specifically, the role will lead and support beneficiary selection for emergency WASH supports, timely distribution of WASH kits and proper documentation. The WASH Officer will identify emerging needs and recommend strategies for program expansion and improvement. S/he will ensure that WASH interventions comply with recognized global standards (including SPHERE, WHO, and national WASH Cluster guidelines). The position also requires active representation of Mercy Corps in WASH clusters and related coordination forums at the woreda and zonal levels, and the establishment of strong working relationships with local authorities, community representatives, and other stakeholders.

Position Title: WASH Officer

Location: Gode/Kelafo, Shebele Zone, Somali Region

Position Status: Full-time

Salary Level: Based on the organization scale

Current Team Member: New

Safeguarding Risk Level: High

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment where alternative viewpoints are welcomed.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions & resources to achieve objectives and contribute to countrywide strategy development.
• Develop and organize activities and convince stakeholders to provide support.

Program Management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH activities in Kelafo and other MC target Woredas, ensuring they are context-appropriate and responsive to community needs.
• Undertake assessments to identify appropriate needs, lead and coordinate beneficiary selection, and facilitate the timely procurement and distribution of emergency WASH kits with proper documentation.
• Oversee transparent identification and registration of beneficiaries for WASH interventions, ensuring the needs of the most vulnerable groups are prioritized.
• Ensure all WASH activities are implemented in line with Mercy Corps, donors, and government guidelines, and adhere to recognized standards (including Sphere, WHO, national, and sectoral cluster guidelines).
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to the WASH team, including volunteers and health extension workers, throughout activity implementation.
• Conduct community-based needs assessments, baseline surveys, KAP surveys, and other relevant assessments to inform program design and targeting.
• Facilitate community mobilization sessions, meetings, and participatory discussions to deliver key hygiene and sanitation messages.
• Identify, train, and support community volunteers, health extension workers, and other resource persons on hygiene promotion approaches, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Strengthening community capacity to manage and sustain WASH facilities through continuous follow-up, mentorship, and feedback.
• Actively participate in woreda and zonal WASH cluster meetings, technical working groups, and other coordination platforms to ensure harmonized interventions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc reports covering to the Field Coordinator.

Security

• Ensure that all WASH activities are implemented with a strong focus on the safety and protection of communities, particularly vulnerable groups.

• 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Field Coordinator

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:   Mainly with MEL, Protection, Agriculture and other Humanitarian teams in MC Gode Office.

Knowledge and Experience

• BSc degree in Environmental health, Public Health, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience implementing WASH programs in humanitarian or development contexts, preferably with an INGO.
• Key programmatic knowledge includes project formulation and design, and project management
• Demonstrated experience in hygiene promotion, sanitation, SBCC, and community mobilization.
• Previous experience with WASH NFI distribution and WASH-related assessments is an asset.
• Experience working closely with local government offices, WASH clusters, and community-based structures.
• Good understanding of international humanitarian standards (SPHERE, WHO) and national WASH guidelines.
• Excellent team and interpersonal relationship skills, especially in a cross-cultural setting, required.
• Having ability to take directions, follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required.
• Organized, reliable, and good communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork capability.
• Proficiency in English (required); Understanding local language is an asset.

Success Factors:

• Hard-working, honest, dedicated, ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels – with colleagues, government and military officials, community leaders and community members
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience of working closely with HEWs, community volunteers and local authorities.
• Commitment to teamwork.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in designing, monitoring, and evaluating our field projects.

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.

Merit Based Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal-opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek solid backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can collectively become stronger and have a sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where merit based equal employment opportunities are available to all.

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 the 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. 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 work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.