Project Associate (Hygiene, WASH)

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Program Manager and matrix management of the National Programme Officer (WASH) in Cox’s Bazar Sub Office, Bangladesh, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for the implementation of the hygiene promotion component of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion (WASH) program, alongside community engagement in IOM’s WASH program. This position will be based in Ukhiya with extensive field movement across the seven IOM camps implementing the WASH program.

1.     Assist in monitoring overall hygiene promotion and community engagement activities implemented by all WASH partners (both implementing and operational partners) within the IOM area of responsibility to verify quality, consistency, and alignment with WASH sector and IOM guidelines. 
2.    Support the Camp Monitoring and Coordination staff with the planning, coordination, and execution of hygiene promotion activities in their respective camps, in line with WASH sector guidelines and IOM policies. Particularly, distribution of WASH NFIs including liaison with the warehouse team.
3.    Carry out regular field visits to project sites to monitor construction work and promote and facilitate community participation in the design, operation & maintenance (O&M) and transition to community-led management of WASH facilities. Document emerging challenges and lessons learned from construction activities to improve IOM’s community engagement in infrastructure.
4.    Facilitate the active participation of beneficiary communities in the WASH programme implementation process and promote their ownership of ongoing projects and their commitment to future operation and maintenance. 
5.    Support partner’s field staff in the delivery of effective community awareness programs including adoption of best practices and proven approaches, via training and/or mentoring community volunteers, hygiene promoters, and WASH committee members on hygiene practices, community engagement methods, and participatory approaches. 
6.     Collaborate in capacity building of field staff (implementing and operational partners) to strengthen hygiene promotion hygiene interventions /activities. 
7.    Contribute to the collection, processing and analysis of relevant data such as health data, data on hygiene behaviours, community satisfaction etc, and contribute to the effective use of this information to inform and improve on program implementation / planning. 
8.    Support IOM and partner M&E and NPM teams to conduct behavioural research/surveys on effectiveness and appropriateness of hygiene interventions within Rohingya camps to inform the development of culturally appropriate IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials and behavior change communication tools. Assist the WASH program manager to develop effective and innovative hygiene promotion/ community engagement approaches for the program. 
9.    Provide on-the-job guidance and support to IOM staff and partner teams to adapt hygiene promotion strategies to emerging challenges, by actively listening to community feedback and being accountable to the different community structures established by the WASH program.
10.    Conduct regular field visits to project sites to monitor progress of hygiene promotion activities and provide regular feedback on the hygiene practices/approaches to be adopted by IOM implementing partners. Take part in community meetings organized by NGO partners and relevant stakeholders, as needed. 
11.    Prepare progress periodic reports and provide recommendations for improving hygiene promotion strategies. 
12.    Facilitate the formation and strengthening of community WASH committees, ensuring inclusive representation of women, youth, elderly, and persons with disabilities, alongside community leaders with support from field level staff. 
13.    Assist the WASH Programme Manager in monitoring and managing stock levels of WASH non-food items (NFIs) across the program. 
14.    Actively engage in the Hygiene Promotion Technical working group of the Cox’s Bazar WASH sector, with support from both direct and matrix managers.
15.    Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the direct and matrix manager.
 

EDUCATION
• University degree in public health, community development, environmental science or any other degree in relevant field from an accredited academic institution, with at least three years’ field experience in a similar role, or
• School diploma with five years of relevant experience.
 

EXPERIENCE
• Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in hygiene promotion, community engagement, or behavior changes interventions, preferably in humanitarian or refugee camp settings.
• Experience working with local communities, community volunteers, and committees to plan, implement, and monitor hygiene-related activities.
• Experience in training and capacity building of community members, volunteers, or partner staff on hygiene practices and participatory approaches.
• Familiarity with WASH interventions and coordination with implementing partners, operational partners, and government counterparts.
• Work experience with international humanitarian organizations or NGOs in multicultural settings is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, with flexibility, personal commitment, and efficiency under challenging conditions.
• Strong coordination, monitoring and evaluation, analytical, and reporting skills, with experience using data collection tools and field monitoring methods.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in Bangla and English, with the ability to translate technical concepts into simple messages for community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative strategies for hygiene promotion and community mobilization based on emerging challenges in the field.

Languages

Requiredenglish – Fluentbangla-Fluent

• Advantageous
• Chittagonian / Rohinga language
• Competencies
• The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
• ▪ Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms.
• ▪ Client Orientation – works effectively well with client and stakeholders.
• ▪ Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others.
• ▪ Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience.
• ▪ Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services.
• ▪ Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• ▪ Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others.
• ▪ Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility.
• ▪ Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter.
• ▪ Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
• ▪ Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions.
• ▪ Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.