Hygiene & Sanitation and ES/NFI Officer Full Time

Six-month contract, renewable based on performance review and availability of funds

Self Help Africa is an international development organisation that works through agriculture and agri-enterprise development to end hunger and extreme poverty. The organisation has programmes in 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and implements projects in Brazil and Bangladesh.

In early 2023, we launched a new five-year organisation strategy, which defines shared mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community-led, market-based and enterprise-focused approaches, so that people can have access to nutritious food, clean water, decent employment and incomes, while sustaining natural resources. Our wider organisation also includes social enterprise subsidiaries: Partner Africa, which provides ethical auditing and consultancy services; TruTrade, an innovative trading platform in East Africa; and CUMO, Malawi’s largest microfinance provider.

Our three core values are:

▪ Impact: We are accountable, ambitious and committed to systemic change.

▪ Innovation: We are agile, creative and enterprising in an ever-changing

world.

▪ Community: We are inclusive, honest and have integrity in our relationships.

About the Project:

As the frequency and severity of emergencies in Ethiopia and around the world increase, the organisation is expanding its capacity to support programmes in both sudden-onset and chronic emergencies. SHA is securing funding under the EHF, which will cover primarily the Amhara region, in the Wollo cluster areas and beyond. The SHA development programmes have also been impacted by climate events, conflict, and intercommunal violence, compounded by outbreaks. In order to address such a humanitarian situation through a humanitarian-development nexus approach, the organisation is aiming to build its humanitarian staffing capacity. SHA-Ethiopia is currently seeking to recruit a Senior WASH & ES/NFI Officer, who will be primarily responsible for the organisation and implementation of the multi-sector humanitarian operation in the Amhara region, as well as country-wide. Our approach integrates emergency and development work through the Humanitarian Development Nexus approach. Self Help Africa implemented a dozen development and humanitarian projects with local and international partners across Ethiopia. At the core of our work is increasing farm production, supporting new enterprises and developing market opportunities for farmers.

Job Purpose

The Hygiene & ES/NFI Officer is responsible for the direct implementation of hygiene and sanitation promotion activities and the coordinated distribution of Emergency Shelter (ES) and Non-Food Items (NFIs). Based in Dessie/Haik and working directly with communities in IDP sites, this dual role aims to reduce public health risks and improve the dignity and living conditions of crisis-affected populations.

Reporting to the Senior WASH & ES/NFI Officer, the post-holder will mobilise communities, conduct hygiene campaigns, manage the distribution of essential kits (including WASH NFIs and Dignity Kits), and ensure all activities are implemented to a high standard of quality and accountability.

The role of the Hygiene & Sanitation and ES/NFI Officer position is to oversee and implement the hygiene & sanitation and ES/NFI activities under the humanitarian response project in line with other lifesaving interventions in South Wollo Zone; The hulederie Jari Kutir 1&2 IDP sites. The position will provide direct support and technical advice in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of hygiene & sanitation and ES/NFI components of humanitarian projects, build the capacity of SHA and its partners in technical issues pertinent to the sector and develop and strengthen partnerships among sector stakeholders, government departments and NGOs for effective collaboration and coordination in implementation woredas.

The hygiene & sanitation and ES/NFI officer will be reporting to the Senior WASH & ES/NFI Officer and work closely with the Field and Cluster/subcluster offices staff to ensure the successful implementation of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene activities throughout the region. He/she will ensure effective integration and harmonisation exercised with the livelihood, nutrition and health programming.

Key Role and Responisbilites

1. Hygiene Promotion & Community Mobilisation

• Organise and lead hygiene promotion campaigns and awareness sessions within communities, schools, and health centres using participatory methods (e.g., CLTSH, PHAST).
• Mobilise community members for all hygiene and sanitation activities, and facilitate the establishment, training, and supervision of community Water Management Committees (WASHCos).
• Develop, contextualise, and disseminate clear and appropriate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on key hygiene topics.
• Work closely with community leaders, extension workers, and volunteers to ensure effective outreach and sustained behavioural change.

2. ES/NFI Logistics & Distribution Management

• Actively participate in the planning and execution of ES/NFI distributions, including WASH NFIs, Dignity Kits, and other essential items.
• Support the coordination with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure the timely availability and movement of supplies.
• Lead field-level beneficiary targeting, registration, and verification processes in a transparent and accountable manner.
• Supervise field teams and volunteers during distributions, ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and organisational standards.
• Participate in the distribution of Multi-Purpose Cash to eligible beneficiaries where applicable.

3. Monitoring, Assessment & Reporting

• Conduct regular monitoring of hygiene and sanitation activities and infrastructure use at the community level to identify gaps and measure progress.
• Monitor post-distribution outcomes and beneficiary satisfaction, ensuring that community feedback and complaint mechanisms are functional and accessible.
• Prepare and submit timely activity reports, distribution reports, and monitoring data to the Senior Officer.
• Assist the Senior Officer in collecting data for cluster reporting (e.g., 5Ws matrix) and internal progress tracking.
• Take water samples from constructed schemes and facilitate water quality tests as required.

4. General & Support Duties

• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and other humanitarian partners at the site/kebele level to ensure smooth implementation.
• Assist the Senior Officer in following up on any minor construction or maintenance activities.
• Ensure that all activities are inclusive and adhere to protection, gender, and accountability principles.
• Comply with all SHA policies, including safeguarding, code of conduct, and health and safety.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the line manager.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Senior WASH & ES/NFI Officer, Field and Cluster Office Teams, Support Functions (Logistics, Finance, Admin).
• External: Local Government Authorities, Community Leaders, Beneficiaries, other NGO field staff

Essential:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health, Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience implementing humanitarian projects at the field level, preferably with INGOs.
• Must have direct, hands-on experience in community-based hygiene and sanitation promotion.
• Experience participating in NFI or cash distributions is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Proven knowledge and practical experience with hygiene promotion tools and methodologies (e.g., PHAST, CLTSH).
• Strong community mobilisation, facilitation, and training skills.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles, Sphere standards, and accountability to affected populations.

General Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in challenging, remote, and high-pressure environments.
• Strong data collection and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in verbal and written English. Fluency in the local language of the duty station is highly desirable.
• Computer literacy (MS Office).