Job offer for the position of - Programme Associate (WASH, Shelter & Settlements)
Description of the organisation
The Directorate-General for European Civil protection and Humanitarian aid Operations (ECHO), funds relief operations for victims of natural disasters and conflicts outside the European Union. For humanitarian aid, the Commission works with about 200 operational partners, including United Nation agencies, the Red Cross/Crescent movement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Aid is channelled impartially, straight to victims, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation
Job description
The jobholder carries out activities to contribute to the delivery of an effective humanitarian response in their area of expertise. The jobholder contributes to assessments, monitoring and evaluations of projects, as well as to the analysis of the humanitarian context in the area of coverage and s/he will be responsible for the following tasks, among others:
· Contributes to the appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of projects, including financial assessment of proposals.
· Critically studies and comments upon partners’ reports and field operations and reports to line manager.
· Assists the HoO/ТА (Technical Assistant) in the preparation of fiche-ops (e-documents completed by DG ECHO staff for assessing and monitoring projects), as appropriate.
· Assists with, participates in, and reports on meetings, as appropriate.
· Advises on the operational capacity of implementing partners.
· Drafts reports on the humanitarian situation, including any political, economic and security events relevant to the analysis of the humanitarian situation in the country/region.
· Produces and circulates information of common interest (humanitarian situation reports, background information, etc.).
· Accompany the TA on field visits as requested and may act as an interpreter if necessary.
· Assists the HoO/TA in the event of an emergency response.
· Prepare maps, when appropriate.
· Provides backstopping and surge support capacity in case of need.
· Undertakes any additional reasonable tasks as assigned by the TA, HoO) and/or Headquarters.
Working with partners:
· Maintains contact with DG ECHO’s partners, advising the TA of any major issues arising.
· Acts as a point of contact between the activities of the Thematic Unit responsible at HQ and the partners involved in these programmes.
· Works closely with other employees to coordinate the activities of the responsible thematic unit at HQ in the field, including other ECHO staff from other units.
· Represents DG ECHO in relations to all partners.
· Contributes to improving partner relations by maintaining professional, user-oriented communication.
· Listens to partners' requests and provides support and solutions.
· Maintains contracts/grants database.
Coordination:
· Participate in meetings, as requested and appropriate.
· Liaises with local authorities and institutions, in coordination with the HoO/TA, as delegated and appropriate.
· Helps to increase the visibility and communication of DG ECHO’s overall assistance.
Additional information
DG ECHO applies a policy of equal opportunities. Our recruitment policy is based on respect for diversity and on maintaining the gender balance. Our human resources management provides for balance between professional and private life, and support for training and developments opportunities.
DG ECHO’s employees are bound by the National Staff code of conduct which is available on the link: https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2019-09/code_of_conduct_for_national_staff.pdf
Only the short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing, soliciting, or influencing will be treated as grounds for disqualification.
Shortlisted candidates who are successful in the written test and who make it to the oral interview phase but are not to the final selection, could be included (depending on the results of the oral interview) in a reserve list and can be considered if a new procedure takes place for a similar post within the next 12 months.
“Any processing of your personal data will be done in accordance with the applicable EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons regarding the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies and on the free movement of such data. The privacy statement can be found on ECHO website https://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/about/jobs/field/privacy_statement_recruitment_ns_final_version_en.pdf”
Education
A relevant first level university degree, preferably in water engineering or a corresponding scientific discipline related to technical water and sanitation, or equivalent professional experience.
Knowledge and experiences
· Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in WASH, Shelter & Settlements, at national or international level in supporting programme/ project operations, including at least 2 years of experience with an NGO, UN, donor, or national/international organisation.
· Good knowledge of the EU humanitarian aid system.
· Good knowledge of International NGOs in the field of humanitarian aid/development, UN Aid Agencies and Red Cross Movement.
· Good understanding of Humanitarian Aid principles, policies and standards.
· Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, MS Excel, etc).
Language
· An excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) is required.
· Knowledge of French is an asset.
Additional requirements
How to apply: A CV using the Europass CV template (also available at: https://europa.eu/europass/eportfolio/screen/cv-editor?lang=en), a cover letter, copy of education certificate/ diploma/ degree, and copies of relevant past employment certificates (all in PDF).
This position is open to nationals and other residents of Kenya with valid permanent residence permit.
Recruitment contact email address
echo-vacancy.eastafrica@echofield.eu