Water Quality Officer Job Opportunity at GOAL

Job Title:      Water Quality Officer

Organisation: GOAL

Duty Station: Bugiri, Uganda

Reports to:  Senior Project Manager

About US:

Founded in 1977, GOAL works to promote the realization of the fundamental rights of the poor, the vulnerable, and those affected by humanitarian crisis. GOAL currently works in 16 countries, with our head office in Dublin, Ireland. GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. GOAL is committed to the safety and protection of children in our care from intentional and unintentional harm. Candidates will therefore be expected to comply with GOAL Uganda’s child protection policy.

About Country Programme:

First operational in Uganda in the late 70’s, the current country programme focuses on two of GOAL’s three strategic sectors, namely: Health (including WASH and Health Accountability programming); and a market based approach to improving agricultural livelihoods and WASH. GOAL Uganda mainstreams HIV, gender, child protection and the resilience strategies across all programming. GOAL works on a district focused approach, and uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with national and international civil society organizations, local government, the private sector and communities to give effect to our mission. GOAL is currently operational in the North, South, East and West of Uganda with six established offices in Kampala, Bugiri, Abim, Kaabong, Lira and Agago Districts. We are funded by a number of donors who include DfID, Charity: water, Irish Aid, Master Card Foundation, GOAL and a number of small foundations.

Job Summary:  The Water Quality Officer will support our country program. Under the general direction of the WASH technical Programme manager, the incumbent plans, organizes, directs, and controls the functions of the Water Quality section. He/she is responsible for undertaking water quality testing and analysis, coordinating water quality data collection and reporting and implementing water quality monitoring and reporting programs in the fields of domestic water and sanitation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Planning and reporting

• Develop, review and revise project workplans, budgets and procurement plans as requested by the line manager
• Contribute towards strategic development of the overall WASH programme
• Undertake budget forecast and initiate procurement processes for water quality reagents and equipment
• Keep a log of required water quality analysis consumables and arrange the timely ordering of the same through the procurement process. Ensure that consumables are ordered in a timely manner to ensure that MEAL monitoring regimes are conducted as planned
• Analyse and interpret statistical data on water quality and prepare monthly, quarterly and annual water quality reports

Technical role

• Develop, maintain and coordinate the water quality monitoring programs including implementing special studies related to water quality
• Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality sampling, testing and analysis to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
• Undertake water quality surveillance and monitoring for all water sources constructed/rehabilitated by GOAL
• Keep track and maintain a record of the water quality stock through documentation.
• Ensure routine maintenance of test equipment, instruments, reagents and other laboratory or field equipment. Ensure equipment comply with applicable protocols, standards and guidelines
• Undertake WASH need and technical assessments, designs and supervision of works.

Monitoring and Learning

• Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for water quality and programmatic action based on data and identified needs.
• Maintain accurate and up to date records of sampling, tests, investigations, procedures and corrective actions
• Collaboration with MEAL Officers, undertake WASH surveys.
• Support the field teams in the implementation and monitoring ensuring that activities reflect the commitments made to the donor and community with regard to quality controls.
• Carry out quality assurance of water quality tests as may be required. Monitor and review water quality testing processes and provide recommendations for improvement
• Identify and participate in undertaking  project research, documentation and learning

Representation and Advocacy

• Contribute towards project proposals writing, reports, development of informational brochures, or other documents on water purification, water supply and water quality in general.
• Participate in professional associations, workgroups and committees working on water quality issues
• Represent GOAL to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required.
• Assist in organizing donor site visits

Compliance

• Adhere to GOAL policies, practices and procedures as explained by the line  Manager and Deputy Programme Director (DPD)
• Promotion of organizational safeguards (mainstreaming) and inclusion

Note: the JD is a guide and the incumbent will be expected to undertake any other duties as requested by the WASH Project Manager or the Deputy Programme Director (DPD).

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The ideal candidate for the GOAL International Water Quality Officer job placement must hold a Diploma in water Engineering/Civil Engineering/Public Health/ or laboratory technology and a minimum of 3 years’ experience carrying out water quality tests OR a Bachelor’s degree in Water and Sanitation Engineering/Civil Engineering/Public Health Engineering/or a related field with a minimum of two year’s experience in  water quality sampling, testing and analysis
• Must have a demonstrated experience carrying out water quality tests and implementing remedial actions
• Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge and understanding of WHO and National (GOU) Water quality standards
• Demonstrated understanding of social behaviour change and how to respond effectively to water quality issues at source and at point of use
• Ability to read and write to a high standard in English and demonstrated writing of technical reports.
• Computer literate, with good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Desirable:

• Experience in rural development Programs and activities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to beneficiary accountability and humanitarian ethics
• Ability to live and work in a remote environment
• Fluency in Kiswahili, Lusamya, Lusoga is an added advantage

How to Apply:

Interested applicants who meet the requirements should submit their applications which must include at least 4 reference contacts (2 professional, 2 character references, including your supervisor and the most recent/previous employer), and daytime contact number to; The Human Resource Manager, GOAL Uganda on the email: recruitment@ug.goal.ie. Please do not attach certificates and indicate the job title in the subject line.

NB: Female candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Deadline: 11^th August 2019