Position: Watsan Program Support Officer (Supported Volunteer)
Location: Karamoja, Uganda
Duration: Initial six month contract (renewable)
Start: Immediate
Background:
Visions in Action is an international NGO based in Washington DC, working in relief and development in Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Liberia in the areas of education, HIV/AIDS and food security. During the past 20 years over 700 volunteers and staff have served for periods of 6-12 months in the areas of food security, education, human rights, communications, public health, microenterprise, social work and community development.
VIA is currently implementing a three-year PEPFAR project in Northern Uganda with the goal of decreasing HIV/AIDS rates among war-affected youth. Beginning in late 2009, VIA-Uganda will launch a USAID-funded water, sanitation, and hygiene project based in Karamoja.
Responsibilities:
• Assist Watsan Program Manager with all aspects of construction of micro-dams, boreholes, water storage tanks, and EcoSan latrines
• Coordinate aspects of training community, including a sensitization campaign on sanitation and hygiene, proper conservation, and maintenance of all the facilities.
• Liaise with local stakeholders and coordinate relationships with local NGO partners, local authorities, and contractors.
• Travel frequently to Moroto, Nakapiripirit and other districts
• Complete frequent financial and programmatic reports to Uganda Country Director and VIA Director.
• Ensure that project implementation complies with donor standards
• Assist Program Manager in ensuring logistics and procurement processes are monitored closely, including creating and implementing logistics plan and tracking system
Qualifications:
• University degree in public health, engineering or relevant field required; Masters degree preferred.
• At least 2 years experience in a water/sanitation projects; international context highly preferred
• Familiarity with program management including budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, and logistics highly preferred.
• Willing to live and work in a remote insecure environment
• Willing to work independently and simultaneously function as part of a team
• Experience managing local and international staff with diplomacy and tact.
Terms and Conditions:
Supported Volunteers (SV) receive accommodation, a small monthly stipend (US$350), international health insurance, and visa/permits. SV’s are responsible for their own airfare and pre-departure medical costs.
