WASH - Public Health / Hygiene Promotion Officer

Job Overview


The Public Health/Hygiene Promotion Officer will be tasked with ensuring the high-quality implementation of Public Health Promotion and Non-Food Items distribution in IDP Camps and communities under the BHA Project in Sokoto. This individual will be primarily responsible for executing approved technical approaches to hygiene promotion, upholding program quality, and meeting all hygiene objectives within the specified timeframe and budget constraints.


Key Job Functions


Project Execution and Oversight: Guarantee that hygiene promotion activities are carried out promptly and professionally, adhering to SPHERE and COOPI standards. Ensure alignment with beneficiary needs, BHA project objectives, and overall project strategy and design.


Project / Programme:


Comprehensive emergency response for displaced populations in Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States, Northwest Nigeria
Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA)


Core Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Sector Lead and indirect oversight of the Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager, collaborating with the WASH officer, WASH/Public Health Promotion Assistants, and other project and Base personnel, the officer will:


Oversee daily implementation of Public Health Promotion activities and progress at designated work sites;
Formulate action plans for project execution, including technical specifications, in collaboration with the WASH Sector lead and Program Manager;
Adapt hygiene promotion training materials to suit local context and target groups, in coordination with the Program Manager;
Work closely with the WASH Sector Lead and Deputy project manager throughout all stages of WASH Public Health Promotion activities;
Act as organizational representative at local WASH meetings and technical working groups related to Public Health Promotion and NFI distribution, as directed by the line manager;
Ensure Public Health Promotion team members fully understand the hygiene promotion strategy and align all activities accordingly;
Develop training tools on relevant technical topics and conduct training for internal staff and external stakeholders;
Coordinate beneficiary selection and registration, and spearhead NFI kit distribution with the field assistant team;
Establish and maintain effective communication channels and relationships with local authorities and communities;
Maintain high awareness of the security situation in the project area and implement appropriate measures to ensure staff and equipment safety;
Adhere to all organizational protocols and regulations as directed by the immediate supervisor;
Conduct oneself professionally and personally in a manner that upholds the organization's humanitarian mission;
Provide regular reports, document outcomes, and maintain detailed records;
Foster close collaboration with other WASH teams and sectors, including Health, Nutrition, Protection, and MPCA teams throughout the project, offering support when needed;
Cultivate open and professional relationships with team members, fostering a strong team spirit and providing guidance to enable work teams to successfully complete tasks on time and within budget;
Assist in managing the COOPI Water Laboratory and conducting water quality tests focusing on biological parameters, including Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, and Free Residual Chlorine (FRC).


Information Management / Reporting:


Deliver periodic reports on field site work and challenges to the team lead;
Ensure accurate management and representation of all construction/infrastructure data within the staff's portfolio of sites;
Submit regular progress reports to the WASH Sector Lead.


Security Management Duties:


Handle day-to-day security management related to program implementation;
Comply with organizational security procedures and policies, reporting any breaches;
Undertake other relevant tasks as assigned.


Qualifications

Preferred Skills and Experience:


Bachelor's Degree / HND in Public Health, Sociology, Geology, Environmental Biology, Hygiene, or a Sanitation-related field with extensive field experience;
Minimum three years of experience in WASH emergency response, hygiene promotion/NFIs distribution, particularly in IDP camps;
Experience in establishing and training Hygiene Promoters and WASH committees in IDP camps;
Strong communication skills, effective representation, and liaison abilities with community members and leaders, community engagement, and mobilization;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook Access);
Strong English language skills (verbal and written);
Willingness and ability to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where network access may be limited;
Fluency in Hausa and English.


Desired Experience:


At least 3 years of relevant work experience in INGO/NGO settings. Experience working in hygiene promotion, WASH emergency response, particularly in IDP camps.