WASH Project Manager

[Ramadi,Iraq ]

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works in places of transition, where conflict, disaster, political upheaval, or economic collapse
present opportunities to build more secure, productive, and just communities. Providing emergency relief in
times of crisis, we move quickly to help communities recover and build resilience to future shocks, and
promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives. Recognizing both
the great potential and the complex challenges faced by the Middle East, since 1989 Mercy Corps has been
implementing a range of humanitarian assistance and development programs tailored to the specific needs
of the region and of those communities where we work.
Mercy Corps has worked across Iraq’s 18 governorates since 2003, implementing relief and development
programming, more than a third of which has focused on the specific needs of refugees and displaced
persons. Mercy Corps Iraq focuses on (1) a relief-to-resilience pathway to meet the needs of conflictaffected
communities leveraging agency expertise in conflict management and civil society development (2)
a humanitarian response that empowers conflict-affected populations to meet their own needs (3) partnering
with conflict-affected adolescents to address their diverse needs, promoting leadership
and linkages with civil society.
Mercy Corps’ current WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Program supports displaced, conflict-affected
populations by enabling access to urgently needed WASH services as part of a first-line response and
supports host communities and families who have returned home and required improved WASH services.
Mercy Corps’ WASH program is expanding into new areas where gaps exist while reinforcing operational
presence in locations that continue to host vulnerable populations. Program interventions include campbased
and out-of-camp settings, infrastructure installation and rehabilitation, and hygiene awareness raising,
alongside distribution of hygiene-related non-food items. The WASH Project Manager will oversee the
implementation of all-WASH project activities, lead in all coordination with humanitarian actors and local
authorities, and lead in strategic planning and positioning for response to new population displacement from
western Anbar and subsequent needs for water and sanitation services and hygiene promotion intervention.
The WASH Project Manager will guide the WASH team regarding all engagement with stakeholders
including contractors, local leaders, and relevant government authorities. The WASH Project Manager will
be principally responsible for all program outputs and overall progress against WASH technical indicators.
Program / Department Summary
Mercy Corps’ current WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Program supports displaced, conflict-affected
populations by enabling access to urgently needed WASH services as part of a first-line response and
supports host communities and families who have returned home and required improved WASH services.
Mercy Corps’ WASH program is expanding into new areas where gaps exist while reinforcing operational
presence in locations that continue to host vulnerable populations. Program interventions include campbased
and out-of-camp settings, infrastructure installation and rehabilitation, and hygiene awareness-raising,
alongside distribution of hygiene-related non-food items.
General Position Summary
The WASH Project Manager manages all aspects of the WASH project in target locations in Anbar, including
supervisory of all WASH team members in Anbar, responsibility for budget management, and focal point for
all strategy and planning related to new and evolving humanitarian needs in Anbar. Reporting to the Senior
WASH Program Manager, s/he will oversee and develop high quality design and implementation of
emergency response projects to effectively address the humanitarian gaps and needs while building a base
for later activities of early recovery. S/he is responsible for ensuring that projects run smoothly by providing
technical leadership, supervising, training and mentoring the WASH project staff, and coordinating the
implementation of WASH activities. S/he will work alongside the MEL department to ensure consistent,
streamlined, and accurate reporting of WASH program activities to key coordination bodies and external
reporting structures and will support coordination with all relevant actors to avoid duplication and encourage
complementarity. S/he is responsible for budget management including forecasting and tracking
expenditures, approving purchase requests for large scale, high cost projects, and ensuring compliance with
all donor regulations and Mercy Corps policies and procedures. The WASH Project Manager plays key roles
in the implementation of the safety and security procedures, project development, proposal development,
and providing input into the overall country project strategy.
Essential Job Responsibilities
STRATEGY & VISION
• Oversee the successful implementation of all WASH project activities, ensuring that all team
members follow work plans, that activities are on schedule, and that project deliverables are
completed as obligated;
• Conduct regular monitoring of project activities and project impact, per Mercy Corps Monitoring,
Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and in accordance with existing related guidelines; (HAP, SPHERE
and donor regulations)
• Manage implementation according to donor and Mercy Corps policy and procedures for all WASH
activities, including water and sanitation infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency WASH services,
and hygiene promotion along with hygiene kit distribution;
• Develop strategy to identify opportunities for WASH project support through strong coordination with
humanitarian actors, relevant authorities, local leaders, and other key stakeholders, based on
needs, gaps, and on reliable quantitative and qualitative assessment data;
• Identify priorities in term of location- and area- specific interventions based on needs identified
through humanitarian coordination, consultation with local authorities, and through Mercy Corps’
technical infrastructure assessments;
• Provide guidance in designing and overseeing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) and other
surveys;
• Conduct field assessments with WASH Engineers, makes recommendations about the needs and
vulnerabilities of the target populations with regards to water, sanitation and hygiene issues, and
develop appropriate WASH response in line with grant obligations with feasible yet sound technical
solutions;
• Actively oversee preparation of technical tender documents (e.g., Bills of Quantity, drawings
,designs and Scopes of Work) and coordination with the Procurement Department on contracts and
relevant documentation, including all technical specifications of works to be performed by
contractors;
• Write periodic reports, monthly reports and other donor based reports or organizational based notes
for Emergency Programs Team Leader to review and submit;
• Represent Mercy Corps at the WASH technical working groups as the lead WASH partner in Anbar
that’s include hold monthly or/and ad hoc meetings with high level of coordination with providing
technical gaudiness if needed.
• Work closely with vendors and contractors, as well as participate in vendor assessment and
selection;
• Assist in proposal / concept note development and report writing as necessary;
• Budget management including forecasting and tracking expenditures, approving purchase requests
for large scale, high cost projects, and ensuring compliance with all donor regulations and Mercy
Corps policies and procedures;
• Ensure that communities are informed about Mercy Corps’ projects and coordinate with MEL
Department to set-up feedback mechanisms to identify issues related to infrastructure efficacy
and/or protection issues, and to improve the overall quality of projects;
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
• Represent Mercy Corps at relevant coordination meetings including WASH Cluster, NFI/Shelter
Cluster, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and general area coordination for Anbar.
• Liaise with local officials including the Directorate of Water, Directorate of Education, and the
Ministry of Migration and Displacement;
• Coordinate with humanitarian actors including international and local NGOs and project partners,
local religious leaders and other community members to ensure support for and acceptance of
Mercy Corps projects;
• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local
agencies active in the water and sanitation sector of an emergency response, including donors,
other humanitarian and human rights organizations, local authorities and local partners,
• Examine and pursue funding opportunities from donors and partners, in coordination with senior
management (including developing and submitting concept papers, proposals, etc.)
TEAM MANAGEMENT
• Provide technical direction and advice in emergency response in insecure environment, and
develop work plans in collaboration with the team;
• Hire, Supervise, train and mentor the national staff and local partners;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive staff and local partner training series to build team
capacity in the area of WASH and MEL;
• Strengthen linkages with other humanitarian actors to enhance organizational learning which
directly impacts staff performance and productivity;
FINANCE & COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to emergency programming.
• Draft and/or review scope of work to hire and manage any technical consultants, including review
for technical efficacy and contract budget.
INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION
• Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;
• Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental affects on vulnerable
communities;
• Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to
Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.
SECURITY
• 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.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that
learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we
expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps
as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES
• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work,
while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and
evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local
laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Supervisory Responsibility
WASH Engineers, WASH Assistant and Hygiene Promotion Officer.
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Senior WASH Program Manager
Works directly with: Senior WASH Program Manager, Roving WASH Program managers, WASH
coordinator, peer WASH project managers, MEL team, distribution officer, Mercy Corps administration
departments and local partners, (if any)

Knowledge and Experience
• BSc or Master’s Degree in Water Resources Engineering, Water Treatment Technologies, or Civil
Engineering with WASH-related experience ideal but not required.
• Experience of solar designs and implementation will be assist, Demonstrated expertise with at least
five years of relevant project management experience, including implementation of Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in emergency response project management in highly insecure
environments.
• Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design
and implementation.
• Demonstrated capacity to collaborate closely with INGOs and national NGOs. Familiarity with
international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies,
and other NGOs.
• Good organizational, project management skills, and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with colleagues of other departments in a team environment,
and to lead a diverse group of national and international staff.
• Understanding of participatory methodologies for project design, implementation and evaluation.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes, including SPHERE and HAP.
• Working understanding of procurement, administration and finance systems.
• Must be able to strategically manage and guide staff on project and office activities and security
issues.
• Fluent English and Arabic essential.
• Must be willing to be based in Anbar with frequent travel to field sites
Success Factors
The successful candidate will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with host
country government and other authorities, NGO, and CBO representatives, and will have effective verbal
and written communication as well as multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills. S/he will
have demonstrated attention to detail while keeping a strategic view, ability to follow procedures, meet
deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members, and will have an interest and
ability to travel and work in insecure environments. Sensitivity to multi-cultural international development
work and ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill
sets and working styles are all-critical, as is a commitment to working with community members to make
concrete improvements to their livelihoods and living conditions. An ability to creatively problem-solve, to
juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected
and sudden events impacting project operations are also essential, as is patience, tenacity, and a good
sense of humor. Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment.
The most successful Mercy Corps staff member has a strong commitment to teamwork and
accountability and makes effective communication a priority in all situations. Flexibility about work
assignments and processes is necessary in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, coupled with
the ability to respond to many new and unpredictable challenges in a demanding program.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES:
Successful candidates should meet the education and experience requirements in the position
descriptions for the vacant positions. S/he must be self- motivated, creative, tolerant, and able to work in
challenging, stressful environments and follow Mercy Corps procedures. S/he must respect diversity and
gender equality at the workplace.
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability and transparency
to its beneficiaries and to international standards guiding relief and development work.
Interested candidates should submit their CVs, references, and application letter to the email address:
[email protected] Any Resume will be sent without mentioning the job applied for in the
subject line will not be considered. Submission should include a copy of Iraqi national ID card and
education certificates.
For full position description for the noted posts please visit websites NCCI, E- Wadifa ,and Kodo jobs
websites.
ALL APPLICATIONS/ CVs SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY October 14th ,2021 at 16:00.
Mercy Corps will review CV’s and applications on a rolling basis (i.e., as applications are submitted).
Potential Candidates for the post will be contacted for an interview and processed according to Mercy
Corps Human Resources policies and procedures. As soon as qualified candidates are identified the
positions will be closed automatically. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for
potential interview. Any documents submitted will remain with Mercy Corps and will not be returned to
candidates.
Female Candidates are encouraged to apply for the position of Program Officer. Mercy Corps is an equal
opportunity employer. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we
can be .collectively stronger and have sustained global Impact.
Mercy Corps Iraq offers a variety of arrangements that enable women to excel in their careers. Mercy
Corps Iraq ensures a safe and inclusive working environment for women and men through field security
training and measures to provide secure working arrangements on-site and in the office.