WASH Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION – WASH OFFICER
Job Title: WASH Officer
Report to: WASH Manager
Location: Kigutu, Burundi
Organization Background:
Village Health Works (VHW) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. It is a social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity but a right. Founded in partnership with the communities we currently serve, VHW’s mission is to provide the neediest high quality, compassionate health care and education based on critical thinking in a dignified environment. VHW’s holistic approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music and the arts. In the context of where we currently work, this is the only way we can sustainably end extreme, multigenerational scarcity in a way that uplifts and engages communities with dignity and in their own context. We believe that the lack of access to quality healthcare and education is the biggest threat to development and world peace.
Currently VHW operates in a wide array of clinical and community programs in a catchment area of over 200,000 people within the provinces of Rumonge and Bururi, though its doors are open for every patient regardless of where that patient is coming from. Our first clinic attends over 51,000 outpatient consultations per year. From 2007 until summer 2023, our 60-bed inpatient wards have been providing basic adult and pediatric non-operative inpatient services including treatment of malnutrition, mental health, chronic and acute diseases and uncomplicated obstetrical deliveries. These services have been administered by our staff of generalist physicians under the supervision of our current Medical Director.
Village Health Works has embarked on a plan to expand our clinical services to provide comprehensive quality medical care and training. To achieve this goal, VHW has constructed and officially opened an 85,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art teaching hospital with several services that include surgery, obstetric deliveries, intensive care, pediatrics and neonatology, emergency, pathology lab, medical education and research center, etc. To provide excellent patient care and training we must expand the scope and skills of the healthcare providers through training, teaching and research, hiring through rigorous development and implementation of systems and structures, policies and procedures that are framed by high quality norms and international standards.
Additionally, VHW has established the Kigutu International Academy, a grade 9-12 boarding school to equip young minds with an education based on critical thinking to prepare them to become the leaders we wish their country and the continent to have for a better future.
Our core values are as follows:

Every member of VHW’s team must value the dignity inherent in each individual, aspire to excellence in all we do, proceed with boldness and perseverance

Compassion and justice must be at the heart of our organization

To accomplish the mission of our organization we all must be accountable to each other and to our community.

For more information, please visit: villagehealthworks.org
Job summary:
The WASH Officer is responsible for implementing and coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities in the field under the supervision of the WASH Manager.
The WASH Officer works closely with local communities, local authorities and other stakeholders to help prevent dirty hands or waterborne diseases by strengthening behavior change communication and implement all necessary strategies to improve safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities and good hygiene practices.
Main responsibilities:

Participate in needs assessments and analyses of the WASH situation in VHW intervention areas.

Train and support local communities in the use, maintenance and management of WASH infrastructure.

Carry out hygiene promotion and behaviors change activities in communities.

Carry out regular monitoring and evaluation of WASH activities, collecting and analyzing data to measure the impact of interventions.

Work with local authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to coordinate WASH efforts and ensure alignment with national and local strategies.

Contribute to develop projects, proposals and budgets related to WASH activities.

Implement and coordinate WASH school clubs in schools in the catchment area.

Carry out home supervision visits

Work closely with other VHW programs.

Represent the organization as required at coordination meetings, workshops and forums related to the WASH sector.

Perform other activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Qualifications required:

Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health or related field.

At least 3 years’ experience in implementing WASH activities in the community, preferably in a development or humanitarian context.

Demonstrated knowledge of WASH technologies, strategies and best practices.

Strong project management, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Fluency in Kirundi, French and knowledge of English is an asset.

Willingness to work in remote or difficult environments.

Have a driving license for a field motorbike

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point.

How to apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to immediately submit a CV and a thoughtful cover letter outlining why this position is of interest, exactly how their experience matches the qualifications stated and what they believe differentiates them from other candidates. Submissions without cover letters and CV will not be considered.
Submissions should be in English and sent to:
Please include “WASH Officer” in the subject line of your email.
The final deadline to apply for this position is December 22nd, 2024.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted until the position is filled. Village Health Works considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status

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