Job Context:

The Project “Access to and Utilization of Lifesaving Services by Access to and Utilization of Lifesaving Services by Marginalized Communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh” seeks to restore and scale up essential nutrition, WASH and livelihood services in the three hill districts — Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari. The project focuses on enhancing community resilience, ensuring that marginalized ethnic and rural populations have equitable access to lifesaving interventions and strengthening local systems for sustainable service delivery. Friends In Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB) will be the Technical Partner for WASH under the consortium leadership of Helen Keller Intl and work closely with implementing partners and government stakeholders to ensure coordinated, high-impact programming across the three CHT districts.

Job Summary:

As the organization’s role of providing technical assistance to the implementing partners in the field of WASH, the Specialist – WASH will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of all WASH-related activities under the project. The role will focus on implementing sustainable and inclusive WASH models (safe water and improved sanitation) that strengthen both community resilience and institutional systems. In this context, the Specialist - WASH will oversee WASH technical team and partner implementation, ensuring all activities meet the highest standards of technical excellence and donor compliance, government guidelines, and environmental and social safeguards. This position requires close collaboration with the implementing NGOs, and local government institutions to deliver equitable and high-impact WASH interventions in geographically complex and multi-ethnic communities across the CHT.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Direction and Quality Assurance:

Synergies with Consortium / Other Sector:

Capacity Development and Knowledge Management:

Budget and Compliance Management:

Other Responsibilities:

• Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering / Masters in Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, Public Health Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in implementing WASH programs in development and/or humanitarian settings, preferably in hard-to-reach and climate-vulnerable areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior or specialist WASH role, working within complex consortium structures and multi-partner environments.
• Proven technical expertise in designing, constructing, rehabilitating, and supervising water supply systems, including locally adapted technologies such as Gravity Flow Systems (GFS) and spring-based water schemes.
• Demonstrated experience in climate-resilient sanitation programming, including household-level sanitation needs assessments, climate risk analysis, and construction or rehabilitation of durable, inclusive sanitation facilities suitable for hilly terrains.
• Strong capacity to develop, review, and oversee engineering designs, BOQs, and construction documents, with sound knowledge of civil works, quality assurance, occupational health & safety, and inclusive and climate-resilient design standards.
• Experience managing large-scale construction and rehabilitation works, ensuring use of acceptable materials, quality workmanship, and regular field-level supervision.
• Proven experience working closely with government departments (particularly DPHE), including joint assessments, field monitoring, technical validation, and delivery of training and orientation sessions for government staff, community committees, and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to support community-based management structures, including formation and orientation of water maintenance committees, reserve fund mechanisms, and participatory monitoring approaches.
• Experience in institutional partnership management, donor reporting, coordination, and financial oversight related to WASH infrastructure projects.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and undertake frequent field visits in remote locations.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with communities, local leaders, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills in Bangla and English, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant technical and reporting software.

Key Competencies:

• Leading and inspiring others
• Analytical thinking
• Delivering results
• Developing self and others
• Problem solving and decision making
• Innovating and adapting; Impending thinking
• Inclusive
• Empowering