I. Background on ACTED

ACTED is a French humanitarian NGO, founded in 1993, which supports vulnerable populations, affected by humanitarian crises worldwide. ACTED provides continued support to vulnerable communities by ensuring the sustainability of post-crisis interventions and engaging long-term challenges facing our target populations, in order to break the poverty cycle, foster development and reduce vulnerability to disasters. Our interventions seek to cover the multiple aspects of humanitarian and development crises through a multidisciplinary approach which is both global and local, and adapted to each context. Our 4000 staff is committed in to responding to emergencies worldwide, to supporting recovery and rehabilitation, towards sustainable development.

Our teams in the field implement some 380 projects in 35 countries covering the following sectors emergency relief, food security, access to health, education and training, economic development, microfinance, advocacy, institutional support, and regional dialogue, cultural promotion.

Based on considerable experience addressing the needs and situations of vulnerable communities, ACTED contributes to the international agenda towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals, through a wide range of partnerships, innovative initiatives, and campaigns.

1. Position Profile

The Whole of Syria (WoS) coordination structure was established in January 2015 by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis.  The purpose is to facilitate and ensure coherence across the hubs (Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and also Iraq and Lebanon) in the areas of: sector / cluster coordination, information management, needs identification and analysis and response at the WoS level, as well as to refine and harmonise guidance for strategic planning processes where coherence across Hubs is critical.  The WoS coordination architecture includes a Strategic Steering Group (SSG), the Inter Sector/Cluster Coordination Group (ISCCG), the WoS Clusters/Sectors, and the Syria Information Management and Assessment Working Group (SIMAWG).

This position is to be the WOS Co-Focal Point for the WASH Sector, with UNICEF as the other Co-Focal Point. Collaboratively the position work towards the achievement of sector / cluster responsibilities. The position is intended to support with information sharing to/from the WASH hubs, the WoS ISCCG, and the SIMAWG.  The position will include attendance at WoS ISCCG and, on at hoc basis, SIMAWG and WASH hubs sector/cluster meetings, are expected. The position would be based in Amman, and would require travel to the hubs (travel to Damascus preferred but not essential) and in the region.

The coordination architecture has the intent and expectations that full cluster responsibilities (as prescribed by IASC guidelines) are vested in the sectors/clusters at the hub level.  The role of WOS focal point/coordinator is to complement the hub-level sectors/clusters by ensuring the representation of WASH hubs at the WOS Strategic Steering Group (SSG).  Moreover the WoS will support each of the WASH sectors/clusters in the hubs to coordinate WOS planning, analysis and reporting and to also to ensure coherence and harmonization of standards across sectors/clusters and across hubs.

The position, is hosted by ACTED and will report for operational matters to ACTED Regional Director, while all work related tasks for both Co-Focal Points will be developed throughout the WoS WASH Cluster/Sector.

Responsibilities

• Co-Coordination: The position is a full time coordination position with UNICEF as the other co-coordinator. The position is expected to engage with NGOs, United Nations, Government, Donors, and other key stakeholders as required. This position is not expected to represent NGOs in the WASH sector/cluster, but to represent the WASH sector/cluster.
• Effective and efficient sectorial/cluster input into the WOS coordination architecture: Representation of WASH sector/cluster in the ISCCG of the WOS coordination architecture.  Close consultation with WASH sectors/clusters at the hub level and synthesizing communication and flow of information to the WOS SSG.
• WOS planning and strategy development: Coordinate with WASH sector/clusters at the hub level to solicit input and engagement in managing all aspects of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (including planning, periodic reporting, and strategic development of the Syria Response Plan) in support of the WOS approach.
• Needs assessment and analysis: In collaboration with sectors/clusters at the hub level synthesize inputs to assess from a WOS perspective overall needs and ensure comprehensive analysis of response, gaps and priorities. Together, through the ISCCG, develop and implement a vulnerability framework for the WOS approach.
• Development and application of standards in support of the WOS approach: As appropriate work with the sector/cluster operating at the hub level to develop common standards in support of the WOS approach.  Supporting the monitoring of minimum standards for operational programs with the hubs would be anticipated.
• Advocacy and resource mobilization: Support WASH sector/cluster (including and via the SSG and ISCCG) efforts to advocate and mobilise resources to support WASH interventions at the hub level.
• WOS monitoring and reporting: In collaboration with sector/clusters at the hub level collate information from a WOS perspective on sectoral response to guide and inform decision making of the WOS SSG.
• Information Management: Together with the WoS sector IM focal point, ensure harmonization of sector IM across the hubs and adherence to standards agreed to by the WoS approach.  Moreover, ensure monthly response data through a standardized WoS sector 4W at the level of granularity recommended by the SSG.
• Technical support: Providing WASH hubs with support, training and capacity building to strengthen coordination. This may include coordination, stakeholder engagement, information management, organization of meetings, communications, monitoring / evaluation, or other identified gaps.

In addition, it is expected:

• Be committed to putting aside any organizational interest and work on behalf of all sector  members equally;
• Provide support to all of the above cluster core functions
• Demonstrate personal and professional integrity in all interactions;
• Maintain good relationships with all relevant stakeholder counterparts;
• Be able to work with diverse stakeholders to develop consensus;
• Be able to chair meetings, prepare minutes, and facilitate discussion as appropriate.
• Know how to present ideas effectively and clearly while listening and acknowledging others’ perspectives and views;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the international humanitarian response and coordination mechanisms, and humanitarian reform;
• Have an understanding of humanitarian funding mechanisms (CAP, CERF, CHF and Flash Appeals processes);
• Have an understanding of humanitarian principles and how to apply these.
• Able to develop a cluster strategy and to clarify complex strategies for operational implementation;
• Understand the links between emergency response, recovery, and the transition to development.
• Commitment to accountability to affected communities is essential.

III. Qualifications:

• Higher Degree in water, sanitation, hygiene, health, international development / humanitarian, or related courses;
• At least 5 years of experience in project implementation, in humanitarian contexts;
• Experience in water supply, water quality, sanitation, hygiene, or related WASH fields preferred;
• Experience in coordination with NGOs, United Nations, Government and associated stakeholders required.
• Documented proficient attendance to WCC (WASH Cluster Coordinator), or WiE-SBP (WASH in Emergency for Stand by Partners) training is an asset
• Knowledge and or experience in the Syrian crisis a benefit.
• Fluent English skills required
• Arabic language preferred.

1. Conditions:

• Salary defined by the ACTED salary grid; educational level, expertise, hardship, security, and performance are considered for pay bonus
• Additional monthly living allowance
• Free food and lodging provided at the organisation’s guesthouse/or housing allowance (depending on contract length and country of assignment)
• Transportation costs covered, including additional return ticket + luggage allowance
• Provision of medical, life, and repatriation insurance + retirement package
• Accompanied post may be considered for this position.

1. Submission of applications:

Please send, in English, your cover letter, CV, and three references to [email protected]

Ref : WASHWOSCO/JOR/SA

For more information, visit us at http://www.acted.org