WASH Officer

About the Organization

Action Against Hunger works to eliminate hunger worldwide by developing practical solutions, advocating for change, and reaching millions of people each year through hunger prevention and treatment programs. Operating in 50 countries with thousands of staff, the organization collaborates with communities to tackle the underlying drivers of hunger such as climate change, conflict, inequality, and emergencies.

Action Against Hunger USA is part of the wider international network and functions as an independent NGO. It currently supports programs in eight countries, including Zambia, with major operational hubs in New York City, Washington D.C., Nairobi, and country offices across its areas of work.

Role Summary

The WASH Officer will support water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention activities in health facilities and communities. The position focuses on infrastructure rehabilitation, hygiene promotion, waste management, capacity building, coordination, and ensuring that WASH systems remain functional and sustainable in humanitarian settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Upgrade and repair water supply systems in health facilities so that key service areas such as outpatient departments, maternity, pediatric wards, laboratories, and immunization points have reliable running water.
• Assist with solar-powered water systems, network extensions, storage reservoir installation, water quality checks, treatment, and the creation of water point committees.
• Support the construction and improvement of sanitation facilities, including gender-sensitive and disability-accessible latrines, while also promoting safe household sanitation and reducing open defecation through community action.
• Strengthen infection prevention and control by ensuring handwashing stations are working, supporting soap and alcohol-based hand rub availability, and improving IPC compliance in health and stabilization centers.
• Set up and improve healthcare waste management systems covering segregation, storage, transport, and final disposal, including incinerators, sharps pits, waste stores, PPE, colour-coded bins, and SOPs.
• Deliver hygiene promotion activities such as KAP surveys, IEC material development, volunteer and staff training, and sessions on handwashing, safe water use, and sanitation practices.
• Build the skills of health staff and local stakeholders through training, mentoring, supportive supervision, and measures that strengthen long-term system maintenance capacity.
• Implement community-level WASH initiatives, encourage safer hygiene and water-handling behaviors, reinforce community structures, and support risk communication efforts.
• Apply environmental screening measures, ensure compliance with environmental safeguards, and help reduce public health risks.
• Work with the Ministry of Health, partners, and other sectors to align WASH with health and nutrition programs and participate in joint planning.
• Track WASH supplies, support procurement and distribution processes, and monitor stock use and replenishment.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in water resource engineering, civil and environmental engineering, public health, natural resources management, environmental science, social sciences, or another closely related discipline is required.
• At least 3 years of continuous experience delivering humanitarian WASH programming is required.
• A postgraduate diploma in project management, management, monitoring and evaluation, or a similar field will be considered an advantage.
• Applicants should have hands-on experience with water supply construction and community mobilization in humanitarian contexts.
• Strong report writing, oral communication, presentation, analytical, assessment, and planning abilities are expected.
• The role requires diplomacy, tact, interpersonal strength, teamwork, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively with local communities, managers, and government stakeholders.
• Candidates must be able to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Proficiency in common office tools such as PowerPoint, Excel, and MS Word is needed.
• Practical familiarity with engineering and mapping software such as GIS, AutoCAD, EPANET, and WaterGEMS is required.
• Applicants should demonstrate sound judgment, independence in decision-making, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to humanitarian, equality, and gender principles.
• Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• The ability to ride a motorcycle and hold a valid riding permit is required.

Additional Information

Action Against Hunger USA offers an attractive salary and benefits package. The organization provides equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or veteran status, in line with applicable employment laws.