VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

E-Zone HRM Limited is a management consulting group providing one-stop solutions to clients who seek improved and sustainable profitability through the effective use of their people and resources. We specialize in delivering innovative and value added services that promote revenue growth and cost containment.
E-Zone HRM Limited has a formal agreement with one of the United Nations Agency to provide outsourcing services under a third party contract.
E-Zone HRM Limited is now accepting applications from Bangladeshi Nationals for the following vacancies under third party outsourcing contract modality.

National Consultant (WASH in School)

Duty Station:  DPE Dhaka Base with frequent visit to UNICEF BCO
Contract Duration:  154 working days spread over 7 months
Number of Vacancies: 01
Contract Type: Contract with E-Zone.
Contract Start Date:  Immediate
Reporting to: WASH Specialist, WASH section at UNICEF

Purpose

To provide technical support to Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) for strengthening WASH in school activities, system strengthening for improve planning, monitoring and coordination of WASH activities, capacity development of national and sub-national DPE staff, Teachers, SMC for sustain positive hygiene behaviours, improve O&M for equitable and sustainable climate-resilient WASH service.

Background

Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME) is implementing the Fourth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP4). Following a (sub)sector-wide approach (SWAp), the program combines various development efforts to improve the primary education sub-sector, aiming to “Provide quality primary education for all children of the country from pre-primary up to grade 5 through an inclusive and equitable education system”. The activities of PEDP4 are organized into 3 components and 21 sub-components. ‘Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)’ in one of the sub- components under the component ‘Access and Participation’, in which UNICEF is providing technical assistance (TA) as per its’ commitment to the government.

The objective of the Sub-component 2.4: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene is “to ensure that each school has a full complement of functioning, accessible (including for those with disability) and clean WASH facilities and its students and staff practice good sanitary hygiene”. The expected outcome is that Schools, teachers, and students have the facilities and capacities to drink potable water and practice sanitary hygiene.

There remains a significant room to improve water sanitation and hygiene condition in the schools. According to the finding of the Bangladesh National Hygiene Survey 2018, 87% schools have improved water sources means 13% schools are still lacking safe water to use. The quality of water is still a concern due to the absence of a systematic monitoring and surveillance mechanism for the schools. In the same survey it is found that even arsenic has not been tested in 50% schools, let alone other parameters of water quality. Furthermore, while 99% schools have at least one functional improved toilet the ratio of toilet to students is very high at   1:115 [Bangladesh National Hygiene Survey, 2018] as compared to the national standard 1:75 and Global Standard 1:35.  Additionally the survey reported that only 32% of schools have both soap and running water available which indicates a lack of poor hygiene practices. The issue of gender sensitivity in relation to WASH is hardly addressed in the schools.  In 32 % of schools have separate toilets for the boys and girls. The distance of the water points, the location of the toilets the division of labour regarding cleaning the classroom, premises and playground disfavour the girls. Lack of effective operation and maintenance system in schools is a great concern. Schools are lacking the facilities for menstrual hygiene management which results the loss of the school-days for the girls. There is a gap of knowledge about menstrual hygiene management among the girls. The national Hygiene Survey 2018 further identified that only 36% schools conducted sessions on menstrual hygiene education.

As part of approved DPP on Climate Resilient Sustainable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Project in Bangladesh and GOB-UNICEF WASH 2024-2025 Rolling work plan includes provision of technical assistance to DPE for WASH in school activities viz. Improved access and use of WASH Facilities, resource mobilization of WASH in school O&M, capacity building of stakeholders for increasing hygiene knowledge and practices including handwashing and technical support for enhancing capacity and systems for sustainable O&M, improving school learning environment. In this connection UNICEF WASH Section needs to recruit one national consultant with requisite technical background to offer support to the WASH and Education Sections in Dhaka level to develop appropriate IEC materials, manuals, guidelines and advocacy kits and provide TOT and orientation to DPE, DPHE officials, SMC and teachers.

Objectives and Expected Results

The objective of this assignment is:

a)   Support DPE for review/development/ IEC materials, manuals, guidelines and advocacy kits for improved access and use of WASH facilities, systematic and sustained hygiene promotion sessions in  schools,  Knowledge  and  practices  including  handwashing  for  improving  school  learning environment.

b)   Strengthen  WASH  component  to  EMIS  and  integration  with  Primary  Education  Management Information System (IPEMIS)

c)    Systems Strengthening for sustainable O&M, advocacy for resource mobilization and incorporation of WASH topics into strengthened School Level Implementation Plan (SLIP) funds under WASH in school programme.

The expected results of the assignment are:

• Capacity development of national and sub-national DPE officials on quality hygiene practices in a sustainable manner.
• To harnessing the required political will, generating technical and policy level stakeholder buy in sustainable WASH in school O&M, incorporation of O&M in routine monitoring system and resource mobilization etc.
• Finalizing and approved WASH in School Operation and Maintenance manual for Primary Education.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Under this assignment, some of the expected tasks include:

• Develop IEC materials, manuals, guidelines and advocacy kits to improve   access and use of WASH facilities, systematic and sustained hygiene promotion sessions in schools, Knowledge and practices including handwashing for improving school learning environment.
• Strengthening WASH component to EMIS and integration with Primary Education Management Information System (IPEMIS)
• Systems strengthening for sustainable O&M, advocacy for resource mobilization and incorporation of WASH topics into strengthened School Level Implementation Plan (SLIP) funds under WASH in school programme.
• Review and revise WASH operation & maintenance guideline through sector consultations
• Provide TOT to create a trained group in DPE, DPHE staff sub-national level orientation for the local officials on improved access and use of WASH Facilities, resource mobilization of WASH in school O&M systematic and sustained hygiene promotion sessions in schools, knowledge and practices including handwashing, sustainable O&M, cleanliness of school surroundings etc.
• Monitoring school level WASH in School activities and support to prepare the monitoring report.
• Strengthen government capacity on WASH component to EMIS, hygiene promotion, sustainable O&M, around WASH systems.

Deliverables

Payment

• The consultant will get BDT 2,079,000 for 154 days of consultancy with DSA & TA

Administrative Issues

• Payment will be made upon completion of each deliverable according to the certification of
• WASH Specialist, UNICEF as well as in consultation with education section. Stationery and other office equipment (Laptop) will be borne by consultant
• The consultant will be based in Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) with frequent visit to UNICEF
• Dhaka office, when needed.
• The consultant will be responsible for paying all taxes as per government rules

Qualification Requirement

• Advanced university degree in one of the following areas: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, MPH, Education, social science or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance
• At least 10 years working experience in development field, preferably in the water and sanitation sector, WASH in schools (UN or development agency, donor, government regulatory body, academic institution or the private sector).
• Well conversant with development of ICE, BCC materials, training manuals, advocacy tools etc of the water supply and sanitation sector in Bangladesh.
• Extensive experience in organizing and facilitating meetings/workshops/TOT
• Good experience on training and capacity building to stakeholders.
• Experience in monitoring and MIS system
• Well conversant with programme monitoring and reporting of water supply and sanitation, WASH in schools’ aspects;
• Working experience with donors funded Government projects/ organization/ international NGOs.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Computer skills especially in word processing, spread sheet and PowerPoint presentation are preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and support unexpected tasks.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in Bangla and excellent communication in English are required.

This position is open for Bangladeshi Nationals only. All candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds can apply for the vacancies.

The UN Agency prides itself as fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected consultants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Candidates with the required profile and proven experience, who meet these qualifications, are invited to submit their application in English clearly mentioning the Job Title along with a meaningful cover letter, updated CV, recent PP size photographby email to:

Apply Procedures

https://forms.gle/jSxsbwou9DcjPBoK6

Last Date of Application:  June 12 , 2024