The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), in partnership with the British Red Cross (BRC), is launching the "Nature Pulse" program to enhance the resilience and well-being of coastal communities in the Sundarbans. This program will use nature-based solutions to protect the region’s vital mangrove ecosystems, which act as a "green shield" against climate impacts like cyclones, flooding, and coastal erosion. Through community consultations and engagement, practical activities will be introduced to help restore mangroves while providing alternative livelihoods for locals, reducing their dependency on natural resources, and introducing climate-resilient WASH facilities and health awareness programs. The project aims to improve living conditions and protect the environment, while also building the skills and capacity of community members, local government, and volunteers. Partnerships with national and international organizations will further support mangrove restoration and monitoring. The program will also raise awareness about Climate Justice, helping communities understand their rights and advocate for long-term, sustainable change.

The Technical Officer Health & WASH will provide essential technical support for Health & WASH activities for the Nature Pulse Program in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest area in Barguna district. The key function of this position is to utilize the post holder’s skills and experience to implement Health & WASH-related activities for communities that rely on the Sundarban Mangrove Forest for their livelihoods. The BDRCS with the support of the British Red Cross (BRC) is committed to improving the lives, livelihoods, Health and WASH conditions of vulnerable communities and contributing to becoming more resilient. The Technical Officer will ensure the successful implementation of Health and WASH-related activities in target communities, ensuring community members' appropriate engagement and participation, while linking with local authorities and other relevant stakeholders. This position will be part of the BDRCS Bangladesh team, and we are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, mature individual with sound practical judgment.

• Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for the Health and WASH program in collaboration with the program manager and team members, and implement activities in close coordination with project team.
• Undertake WASH and Health assessment to identify needs and challenges including designing assessment tools, training the enumerators, ensuring the quality of assessment, and preparing reports
• Develop necessary design, drawing, BoQs, etc. as and when required. Support field-level staff for the construction of hardware, construction site selection, and quality assurance of construction materials.
• Ensure construction activities are planned, budgeted, and designed with up-to-date technical expertise to provide quality, accessible services to target beneficiaries.
• Ensuring effective implementation and support to field-level staff to adapt and construct all construction work as per agreed design, drawing, BoQ, etc.
• Responsible for designing and implementing WASH, health and Hygiene promotion-related activities on salinity-related diseases, safe water practices, and sanitation to improve community health standards.
• Train community members and local leaders on sustainable WASH practices, disease prevention, and health and hygiene best practices.
• Provide technical guidance on water salinity management, including alternative water sourcing, filtration, and safe storage practices/rainwater harvesting.
• Work closely with local health facilities, government bodies, and NGOs to align WASH and health initiatives with national health goals and support community resilience
• Regularly monitor the progress of WASH and health activities, assess their impact on community health, and make recommendations for improvements
• Create accessible educational materials and conduct awareness campaigns on the health risks of salinity exposure and the benefits of improved sanitation
• Organize workshops, focus group discussions, and public forums to increase community awareness and encourage active participation in health and WASH programs
• Develop and implement emergency WASH strategies for disaster-affected communities to ensure continuity of safe water access and hygiene practices during crises
• Collect and analyze data on health trends, disease outbreaks, and WASH facility usage to inform program decisions and report on outcomes to the project manager.
• Act as a liaison with community leaders, local authorities, and other stakeholders to promote integrated, community-centered WASH and health solutions.
• Ensure criteria for distribution of household hygiene kits and sanitation materials are strictly followed.
• Ensuring that relevant guidelines/strategies/operational manuals are developed and available.
• Share periodical reports to line manager on health and WASH-related activities based on monitoring visits.
• Contact/liaison with relevant NGOs/INGOs, government agencies, and other public organizations at the district level as required/appropriate.
• Uphold the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and work within the Society’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager or appropriate authorities

Actively work towards the achievement of the BDRCS goals

  Required

Preferred