WASH Project Assistant – Madaba & Karak

Company: Action Against Hunger – Action Contre La Faim (ACF)

Location: Karak · Jordan

Category: Non-profit Organization

Job Description: **Job Description**

Action Against Hunger (ACF), a prominent international humanitarian and development organization dedicated to combating hunger and malnutrition across 46 countries, seeks a qualified and experienced individual for the position of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project Assistant within its Jordan program.

**Context:**

The protracted Syrian conflict has resulted in a significant influx of refugees into Jordan, exceeding 1.3 million individuals, with 676,164 registered refugees primarily residing outside of camp settings. This influx has placed considerable strain on Jordan’s economy and resources, leading to challenges in the labor market where Syrian refugees often face unfavorable working conditions and limited employment opportunities. The unemployment rate among Syrian refugees in Jordan was a concerning 80% in 2021, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

**Position Summary:**

The WASH Project Assistant will be based in Karak and Madaba Governorates and will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of infrastructure and watershed management projects. These projects focus on erosion control, water retention structures, and Cash-for-Work (CfW) activities. Under the direct supervision of the Field Supervisor and the Project Manager, the Project Assistant will provide technical assistance, facilitate community engagement, and conduct field monitoring activities while ensuring strict adherence to engineering, safety, and environmental standards. This role also entails coordinating with various stakeholders, supporting data collection efforts, and maintaining effective communication channels between project teams and the local community.

**Key Responsibilities:**

1. **Cash for Work (CfW) Supervision and Work Safety:**
* Monitor the participation and performance of CfW beneficiaries, ensuring equitable work distribution and compliance with contractual obligations.
* Assist in communicating with beneficiaries and collecting required documentation.
* Support the CfW contracting process.
* Maintain comprehensive records of beneficiary lists and CfW documentation, in coordination with Action Against Hunger and cooperative partners.
* Assist in preparing documentation for social security registration and work permit applications, and provide support throughout the application process as needed.
* Ensure the accuracy and consistency of collected information.
* Participate in technical survey data collection to support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team, as required.
* Ensure that workers receive adequate training on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe construction practices.
* Identify and report any on-site safety concerns, ensuring that accident prevention measures are in place.
* Coordinate with the administration team to track attendance, payments, and work hours for CfW beneficiaries.
* Support the grievance and feedback mechanism for CfW workers, ensuring that their concerns are addressed professionally and in accordance with humanitarian principles.
* Participate in organizing training sessions, including securing venues, providing refreshments, and preparing training materials.
* Assist in distributing protective equipment to beneficiaries.

2. **Technical Support in the Field:**
* Review technical designs and drawings.
* Assist in supervising the construction of gabion structures and other physical interventions, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, environmental safeguards, and quality control measures.
* Oversee the daily progress of construction sites, identifying potential delays or quality concerns and reporting them to the Field Supervisor and Project Manager.
* Ensure that CfW workers adhere to approved construction techniques, proper use of materials, and OSH standards.
* Maintain on-site presence, assisting with troubleshooting construction challenges, adjusting implementation plans as needed (in coordination with the Field Supervisor), and ensuring smooth workflow.
* Document work progress, material usage, and structural integrity, and share reports with the project team.
* Oversee quality control for materials on-site.
* Assist in the preparation and implementation of the project.
* Apply standard processes, practices, and procedures to technical assignments and ensure that all workers follow safety procedures.
* Receive concerns from CfW workers related to the worksite/safety and relay them to the Field Supervisor.
* Undertake any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

3. **Stakeholder Coordination and Community Engagement:**
* Upon delegation from the Field Supervisor, provide the required explanations and updates on Action Against Hunger’s implementation strategies, objectives, and activities to local communities.
* Serve as a liaison between the project team and local communities, fostering transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with local priorities.
* Support community awareness-raising and engagement activities related to sedimentation control, water management, and flood mitigation, encouraging local participation in sustainability efforts.
* Collaborate closely with local municipalities, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and water authorities to ensure smooth collaboration and proper documentation of construction activities.
* Represent the project at community meetings, providing updates on activities, addressing inquiries, and building trust with stakeholders.

4. **Data Collection, Documentation, and Reporting:**
* Assist in technical data collection for CfW and project activities.
* Document on-site challenges, lessons learned, and best practices, ensuring detailed records for reporting and future programming.
* Support the MEAL team in conducting surveys, assessments, and evaluations to measure the project’s impact.
* Contribute to weekly and monthly progress reports, summarizing CfW participation, construction updates, and field observations.

5. **Logistics, Procurement, and Resource Management:**
* Assist in tracking construction materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring proper use and accountability.
* Support the procurement team by verifying material specifications, coordinating deliveries, and ensuring the availability of essential resources at work sites.
* Ensure proper storage and handling of materials to prevent waste and damage.
* Report any logistical challenges or shortages that may impact project timelines.

6. **General Responsibilities:**
* Actively participate in project kick-off preparations and deliver project briefs to the targeted communities.
* Proactively suggest process improvements to enhance the efficiency of program processes.
* Perform other job-related tasks as requested by the supervisor.

7. **Gender Equity and Inclusion:**
* Adhere to Action Against Hunger’s gender, age, and diversity principles and policies.
* Support the implementation and promotion of gender, age, and diversity principles through daily activities and team management.