To fulfill the strategic objectives of the organization, this position serves as a critical component in driving operational success and fostering innovation. By overseeing key initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with company goals, the role plays a pivotal part in enhancing overall performance and achieving long-term growth. The individual in this role will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
Responsibilities for this role include leading the design, execution, monitoring, and assessment of WASH and infrastructure development and rehabilitation initiatives in communities identified by Save the Children within the Larissa/Major regions of Kenya. This position is primarily focused on emergency WASH response as part of the Horn of Africa Drought Crisis response, with a strong emphasis on integrating WASH interventions across key sectors such as nutrition, food security, health, education, and child protection.
The position encompasses a comprehensive range of responsibilities aimed at driving organizational success through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Key duties involve overseeing departmental functions, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The role requires a proven track record in [specific industry/function], exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage cross-functional teams effectively. Additionally, the successful candidate must demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in [relevant software/tools], and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role serves as a pivotal link between executive leadership and frontline operations, ensuring seamless execution of initiatives while maintaining high standards of performance and accountability.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Conducting a thorough evaluation of organizational needs is essential to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. This involves analyzing current processes, systems, and workflows to determine areas that require enhancement or innovation. By engaging with stakeholders across various departments, the assessment aims to gather insights into operational challenges, resource constraints, and strategic priorities. The findings will serve as the foundation for developing targeted solutions and actionable recommendations to drive efficiency, productivity, and overall performance.
You will oversee the technical aspects of WASH needs assessments and collaborate in identifying and selecting target communities and WASH facilities for rehabilitation or construction through comprehensive technical feasibility studies, household-level questionnaires, focus group discussions, facility and site visits, and interviews with key community stakeholders.
Ensure the design, development, and implementation of work specifications and cost estimates, while overseeing the follow-up and assessment of activities associated with the construction of WASH infrastructure in public institutions and communities.
The development or restoration of water supply infrastructure within communities is required.
Construction or rehabilitation of drinking water infrastructure, including hand-dug wells, boreholes, pipe networks, reservoirs, and drinking water treatment facilities.
Delivering technical training sessions to community volunteers, members of WASH committees, and governmental staff forms a core component of this role.
Our role encompasses promoting hygiene within the community, with a primary focus on overseeing the distribution of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Non-Food Items (NFL).
The role involves designing and implementing programs, ensuring they are developed and executed effectively with precision and attention to detail. This includes creating comprehensive plans, setting clear objectives, and overseeing the entire process from initiation to completion to achieve desired outcomes.
The professional will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing community mobilization efforts in designated areas, focusing on key topics such as the construction, operation, and upkeep of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. This role requires meticulous planning, efficient organization, and consistent follow-up to ensure successful engagement and sustainable outcomes.
Prepare technical specifications for the internal purchase orders and tender documents associated with the construction and rehabilitation of WASH facilities.
Oversee the quality assurance of materials procured by Save the Children and its subcontractors during the WASH program implementation.
The role involves overseeing contractors and Save the Children staff, ensuring construction sites are maintained safely while fostering community engagement.
Ensure the contractors’ work progress and quality meet established standards while facilitating coordination with administration and supply chain teams to guarantee timely payment processing.
Design, develop, and manage training programs focused on the construction of small-scale water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities for household use, including handwashing stations and sand filters.
Logistics follow-up, budget oversight, and site supervision are required in instances where Save the Children directly intervenes for minor projects, such as the rehabilitation of water points or latrines.
Oversee the progress of local partners of Save the Children—including NGOs and governmental bodies—engaged in constructing WASH facilities, while contributing to their skill enhancement initiatives.
Monitor the progress, evaluate the outcomes, ensure accountability, and facilitate learning processes throughout project implementation.
Ensure that all construction and rehabilitation activities related to WASH infrastructure, executed by partners and contractors, strictly adhere to the quality benchmarks and standards prescribed by Save the Children, utilizing the designated quality checklists for verification.
Prepare and oversee the weekly reporting of data to track progress against established project and strategic indicators, such as the number of beneficiaries reached and the total as well as the classification of activities completed.
Compose and submit weekly reports to the direct supervisor while also providing verbal updates as situations demand.
Ensure the integration of all WASH activities with hygiene promotion and community participation components, thereby guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of the constructed infrastructure.
Coordinate WISH and construction initiatives in collaboration with other Save the Children sectors to align activities within shared geographical zones and ensure they effectively reach the same beneficiary groups.
Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to synchronize WASH initiatives.
Integrate gender, child protection, HIV, environmental, and other crosscutting considerations into the planning, execution, and advancement of WASH initiatives, while ensuring activities address the unique requirements of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this role entails providing strategic financial insights and ensuring accurate, timely reporting of financial data to support executive decision-making. The position requires liaising with senior leadership to interpret complex financial information, preparing comprehensive financial statements, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the role involves overseeing the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, analyzing variances, and presenting findings to stakeholders to drive operational efficiency and financial transparency.
Compose weekly written reports for submission to the line manager, and provide verbal updates as required.
Integration, coordinations et traversal aspects:
Ensure that all WASH activities are integrated with hygiene promotion and community participation component, to ensure sustainability of the infrastructure built.
Coordinate WASH and construction activities with other sectors of Save the Children, in order to integrate activities in the same geographical area and for the same beneficiaries.
Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to align WASH initiatives.
Integrate gender, child protection, HIV, environmental, and other cross-cutting considerations into the planning, execution, and advancement of WASH initiatives, while prioritizing the unique needs of diverse groups, particularly children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
SKILLS AND Behaviors (Our Values in Practice)
Demonstrates proficiency in aligning actions with organizational values to foster a cohesive work environment. Exhibits strong interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring clarity and respect in all interactions. Adapts readily to changing priorities while maintaining a solution-oriented mindset. Upholds professional standards with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Collaborates effectively across teams, contributing to shared goals with enthusiasm and reliability. Embodies adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges, reinforcing a culture of excellence.
Accountable for ensuring all tasks and projects are completed accurately and on time, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and reliability in all work deliverables. Responsible for tracking progress, meeting deadlines, and addressing any issues promptly to uphold operational efficiency and team performance. Required to adhere to company policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines while fostering a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement.
Holds themselves personally responsible for making informed decisions, optimizing resource utilization, and consistently demonstrating and upholding SCI’s core values in all actions and interactions.
Ensures partners fulfill their obligations by fostering an environment where they can determine the most effective methods of delivery. Offers targeted development opportunities to enhance performance and implements fair consequences when objectives remain unmet.
With a strong drive for achievement, we seek individuals who thrive on setting and exceeding ambitious goals. Candidates must demonstrate a proactive approach to personal and professional development, consistently seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. Ideal applicants will possess a clear vision for their career path, coupled with the determination and resilience to overcome obstacles and drive impactful results.
Strives to establish bold and demanding objectives, assumes accountability for their continuous growth, and motivates peers to pursue their own professional advancement.
They articulate and champion their forward-thinking vision for SCI, fostering enthusiasm and driving collective inspiration among team members.
Strategically minded professional with a forward-thinking approach, capable of envisioning long-term objectives and aligning actions to achieve them.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and design, to deliver cohesive solutions and meet project objectives. Engage in regular communication to ensure alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables, fostering a culture of transparency and shared accountability. Participate in brainstorming sessions, code reviews, and sprint planning to contribute to innovative ideas and continuous improvement. Build strong relationships with stakeholders to gather feedback, address concerns, and maintain a unified approach throughout the project lifecycle.
Develops and sustains productive relationships with team members, colleagues, Members, and external partners and supporters.
A commitment to diversity is upheld, recognizing it as a pivotal driver of competitive advantage.
Personable and empathetic, with strong interpersonal skills and an approachable demeanor, readily fostering open communication and active listening.
We seek a highly creative professional capable of generating innovative ideas and solutions. The ideal candidate will bring fresh perspectives to projects, enabling impactful and engaging outcomes. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside conventional boundaries are essential. Proficiency in brainstorming, conceptualizing, and executing original concepts is required. Experience in collaborative environments where creativity is valued and nurtured is preferred.
Creates and fosters groundbreaking, inventive approaches to address challenges and drive progress.
Proactively embraces calculated risks with a disciplined approach.
We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and honesty in all our actions, ensuring transparency and accountability in every decision and interaction.
Demonstrates integrity, fosters an environment of open communication, and upholds transparency in all interactions.
Demonstrates unwavering dedication to upholding the core principles and mission of Save the Children.
We seek a candidate with a strong academic background in a relevant field, complemented by at least [X] years of professional experience in [specific industry/role]. Proficiency in [specific software/tools/technologies] is essential, along with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a track record of [specific achievement or skill], ensuring they can contribute effectively to [team/project/department]. Additionally, familiarity with [industry standards/regulations] and a commitment to continuous learning are highly valued.
Required:
Minimum of four years of relevant work experience is required, with at least two years dedicated to the construction of WASH infrastructure within humanitarian or development settings.
Essential:
Seasoned professionals with a strong track record in leadership roles within high-stakes emergency response environments or unstable regions are encouraged to apply.
A degree in Civil, Water and Sanitation Engineering or Public Health Engineering is required.
Essential is registration with the Engineering Board of Kenya.
Applicants must possess prior experience in overseeing integrated Health and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives within a public health framework.
With a proven background in project management, particularly in the planning and execution of integrated Health and WASH initiatives, you have successfully completed projects within predetermined timelines and budget constraints.
Demonstrated expertise and dedication to implementing community engagement and accountability systems within integrated emergency health and WASH frameworks are essential for this role.
Proficient in monitoring and evaluation methodologies is required, with a strong understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms to track program performance and outcomes effectively.
Professional candidates will demonstrate prior experience in advocacy or public representation and the capacity to effectively advocate for Save the Children in external engagements. They must align closely with the organization’s mission and core values, with a deep comprehension of its mandate and unwavering dedication to child-centered approaches in all initiatives. This commitment should be evident in their ability to uphold and advance these principles in their work.
Proven capability to produce concise, logically structured assessment reports and project documentation, characterized by compelling arguments and clarity of expression.
Able to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are required to engage with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders across various levels. Proficiency in active listening and the ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences are also critical.
Skilled at persuasively engaging and motivating others to embrace new ideas or initiatives through compelling communication and strategic alignment of interests.
Politically and culturally aware, with strong capabilities in patience, tact, and diplomacy.
A proficient command of both written and verbal English is essential.
The ability to adapt readily and remain accommodating amidst challenging and occasionally uncertain working conditions is essential.
Demonstrates a steadfast dedication to the mission and core values of Save the Children, with particular emphasis on a comprehensive grasp of the organization’s mandate and unwavering commitment to prioritizing the needs and rights of children. Capable of integrating this child-centered approach into all areas of support to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Proficient in English, Kiswahili, and Somali, with strong verbal and written communication skills across all three languages.
Desirable:
Accomplished professionals with prior involvement in Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) initiatives are encouraged to apply.
With a background in resolving challenges related to small-scale water supply systems, the ideal candidate will bring a wealth of practical experience to the role. Demonstrated proficiency in identifying and addressing operational, maintenance, or infrastructure-related issues specific to smaller water systems will be required. The position demands the ability to analyze problems efficiently and implement effective solutions tailored to the unique constraints of these systems.
Familiarity with Save the Children’s systems and operational frameworks is essential.
Proven expertise in collaborating with subcontractors is required.
Hands-on experience working within the operational regions where Save the Children is actively engaged.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
4 years
