WASH Review Specialist (Retainer)

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-11 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-11 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Strengthening Humanitarian Preparedness and Response (SHPR) program is an FCDO fund, managed and administered by the UNOPS, which is tasked with contracting implementing partners and providing program, budget and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) oversight. The SHPR started in 2017 and will run until March 2021. Since inception the program has provided grant management support to 27 organizations who are implementing 65 projects under three pillars as follows;

Pillar 1: Augment disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction including for large‐scale catastrophic emergencies and recurrent, predictable events; Pillar 2: Respond to the impact of disaster events through the provision of predictable, timely and high-quality humanitarian support; Pillar 3: Deliver urgent humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and needy host communities as well as creating an enabling environment for Rohingya related relief agencies.

At the onset of the program, all the pillars had almost equal weight but since the August 2017 Rohingya refugees influx, pillar 3 expanded. This was a major shift in the program with a refocus of human and financial resources on pillar 3 and a relatively lower focus on the other pillars.

Since 2017, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has allocated close to £40 million for implementation of WASH activities for the host and Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar. The funding has been allocated through UN agencies and NGOs which include UNICEF, IOM, ACF, CAID, HelpAge, and IFRC and implemented partners that include Shushilan, SI, DPHE, CARE Bangladesh, BRAC, NGO Forum, VERC, IDE, TBD, AAN, DSK, WVB, YPSA, RIC, IOM, SHED, BDRCS, IFRC, BRC, ICRC. FCDO plans to shift its funding modality from a single year approach to multi-year funding that will allow partners to plan for the medium to longer term. This review is expected to inform this transition and inform FCDO on how best to allocate resources where they will yield more results.

Functional Responsibilities

Consultancy objective and scope The purpose is to conduct a review of the SHPR WASH projects to assess the quality, relevance and value for money (VFM-economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity) of the investments, and the extent to which they align with the Intersector Coordination Group (ISCG) WASH sector strategy and the Global WASH Cluster Commitments for the safety and dignity of affected people. The review should provide an estimate on the SHPR indicator “percentage (%) of WASH partners with FCDO support respecting the five minimum commitments regarding safety and dignity of affected population in WASH programming”. The review will also provide key lessons learnt to FCDO and recommend key actions to be taken in order to improve the performance of the overall SHPR WASH portfolio. - Evaluate the relevance, connectedness, timeliness, sustainability and quality of SHPR WASH portfolio. Provide a view on the appropriateness of FCDO’s WASH investment and the overall VFM of the investments. - Review the coherence of the SHPR WASH portfolio with the ISCG WASH Sector strategy, key ISCG WASH policy approaches, WASH Master Plan, lead UN agency WASH Areas of Responsibility (AORs), UN Rohingya Joint Response Plans and global WASH Cluster guidance ; - Assess the extent to which the host and refugees were engaged in the delivery of WASH interventions. - Assess strategies implemented by WASH partner to minimise conflict related to the use of water by host communities and refugees. - Assess the extent to which the SHPR WASH partners collaborated with other sectors within the response. - Provide an analysis of the effect of camp fencing on access to WASH facilities and the overall impact on the refugees and host communities. - Assess the extent to which the SHPR WASH partners and the broader WASH sector are prepared for a major disaster in the camp. - Provide recommendations on i. rationalization and consolidation of FCDO’s WASH portfolio and ii) how the FCDO-funded partners can improve performance. - Advise on the coherence of the ISCG WASH Sector and the UN agency strategies above. - Review the WASH portfolios of FCDO funded NGO partners and advise on how this can be rationalised and consolidated into the overall programme approach. - Analyse the capacity of local NGOs delivering WASH (many are already downstream partners) including SWOT analysis of LNGO capacity to deliver WASH in the event that INGOs were no longer able to operate in the Cox’s Bazaar area. - In view of the above advice on issues and criteria for FCDO to consider when making future WASH funding allocations. This should pay specific attention to Value for Money and sustainability. - Analyse the role and capacity of the government in dispensing the WASH activities and how this can be enhanced. - Advise FCDO on what additional role it might play in supporting the development of the ISCG WASH Sector and wider performance delivery. - Harness lessons learnt and best practices for the projects implemented by FCDO-funded partners;

Key questions to be answered - To what extent is the SHPR portfolio aligned with the ISCG WASH sector strategy? What can be How well are SHPR WASH projects performing against VFM indicators, including alignment to the ISCG sector strategy?To what extent is the SHPR portfolio aligned with the ISCG WASH sector strategy? What can be done to ensure that the portfolio has improved VFM and is more aligned to this strategy? - How relevant, connected, timely,sustainable and quality of SHPR WASH portfolio? - What is the performance of the WASH portfolio against the Global WASH Cluster Commitments for the safety and dignity of affected people? To what extent are the partners respecting these commitments? - What actions can SHPR take to harmonise and consolidate its current portfolio to improve the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and VFM of the WASH interventions? - How did the WASH partners engage the host and refugees in their interventions? What initiatives did the partners implement to reduce conflict around WASH facilities? How can conflict be reduced? - What is the effect of camp fencing on access to WASH facilities? What can be done to ensure continued access to the WASH services? - What has been the role of the government in delivering WASH services? Did the government have the capacity to provide support to the WASH partners? How can the role of the government be enhanced? - What can SHPR do to ensure better performance of its WASH sector? How best can the WASH interventions be rationalised? What will be the best partnership arrangement to be put in place? - What lessons can be learned from the implementation experience and how could these inform future programmes?

Deliverables - Inception report detailing the methodology, data collection tools and methods. - Fieldwork to collect data using the above methodology. - Feedback sessions are conducted with the partners and relevant stakeholders. - Draft and final reports are submitted as per the agreed format and length. - Compile a 30 page (maximum) report with an executive summary outlining key findings and recommendations written in plain English

Please note that the methodology for this assignment should take into consideration COVID 19 prevention measures.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - Master’s degree in Engineering, Public Health, Social Science, Environmental Health. - A Bachelor’s degree with 7 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a master’s

Experience: - Minimum 7 years of experience in international development or humanitarian disaster response is required. - Experience of WASH in large refugee camps is required. - At least 5years of proven experience in conducting similar reviews required. - Experience working in Cox Bazar will be an asset - Computer literacy, including demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel is required. - Proven skills in facilitating online workshops and designing/conducting training are required. - Excellent skills in both written and spoken English are essential.

Language requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is essential

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: ICS 10 Contract duration: Up to 30 consultancy days

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.