Access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene is the basic human rights. Unfortunately, Afghans still have a long way to go and get access to this right. Over 31% of the population don’t have access to at least basic water supply services (MICS 2023). Under 5 child mortality stands at 50/1,000 live birth (NHS 2017). Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development along with its sector partner has put all its efforts to attain the SDGs for WASH by provision of WASH services, coordination, policy development and implementation of the WASH projects. UNICEF as one of the main technical and financial partners for the WASH sector has remained the core partner to MRRD, MoPH MoE and other sector stakeholders. UNICEF has been backing up the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation programme of MRRD to continue service delivery under any circumstances.  

UNICEF WASH support water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion projects in different provinces. Provincial WASH Officers are responsible for assessment, design, implementation, monitoring and handing over of all WASH projects in that specific province. 

Provincial WASH Officers are responsible for coordinating all WASH activities in that province. He/she will be ensuring elimination of duplication, sharing planning with UNICEF relevant ZO, prioritization, and all aspect of UNICEF funded WASH programme. 

The WASH Officer gained tremendous experience in WASH in the past couple of years. He was key in delivering WASH services in his areas of responsibility. WASH officer will be working with the CDCs which are implementing partners of MRRD at provincial level. To ensure quality of work, a technical WASH expert is required at sub-national level. 

The extender (WASH Officer) will be managing, supporting, and implementing UNICEF supported projects. He will be reporting to relevant UNICEF ZO and will be dealing with daily work at that area. 

Objective: 

Timely and quality implementation of WASH activities at field level. 

Reference to the RWP: 

1. Relevant government ministries at national and sub-national levels have increased capacity and commitment to manage equitable and sustainable WASH programmes

Role objectives

• Specific Tasks/Activities 

   Conduct detailed needs assessment in terms of “missing” or “not operational” WASH in community (rural and urban) and prioritize the projects considering UNICEF/MRRD Criteria. Provide a list of prioritized projects to the implementing partners for inclusion in the annual plan.

   Support UNICEF WASH in Emergency response including water, sanitation, hygiene, and supply distribution. 

   Conduct Survey (technical and economic) for all WASH activities including community (rural and urban), school, health center and WASH in emergency. 

   Prepare detailed design and drawing for all kind of WASH projects in community, school, health centers, and emergency camps/locations. 

   Prepare and draw up contracts and tendering document with implementing entity (mainly CDCs).

   Regular supervision and monitoring of all WASH activities in the provinces/ region.

   Work closely with engineers of implementing organizations to make sure the projects are implemented and completed on timely manner, ensuring quality and requirements as per the approved designs (BoQ and Drawings)

   Keep a close liaison with UNICEF zonal office and undertake all important functions in close collaboration with UNICEF. 

   Manage all the construction related issues/ concerns in close collaboration with implementing organizations and UNICEF Zonal WASH program officers.

   Prepare monitoring reports/ mission reports of the visited project sites.

   Facilitate Training and orientation of CDCs, DDAs, RRDs and DoEs on using of the water supply and sanitation facilities and delivery system and hygiene promotion practices leading to behavior changes for controlling diarrhea and other communicable diseases. 

   Support community O&M systems, including provision on the job training to mechanics and O&M committee members,    

   Establish Water Safety Plans for all water supply projects. 

   And any other tasks assigned by UNICEF zonal offices. \