Global WASH Advisor - Africa Region (Calgary Based)

Company Description

CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering firm. We address the global need for safe drinking water and sanitation by building local knowledge and skills on household solutions people can implement themselves.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 2,100 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 120 million people since our inception in 2001.

Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn’t done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.

Job Description

Do you have experience implementing water, sanitation or hygiene projects? Or are you an Engineer looking to apply your experience on a global scale? Or are you passionate about empowering others through education and have a science/engineering/technical background? This may be the perfect job for you!

The Global WASH Advisor (Africa) is part of the Global Services team at CAWST. In this position, you will focus on bringing your talents and experience to deliver high-quality water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Africa. Combining technical expertise with best practices in adult learning, facilitation and relationship building you will work directly with client organizations to increase their capacity to start, strengthen and grow their WASH programs.

You will be responsible for providing professional technical training and ongoing consulting support to help our clients overcome technical and implementation challenges. Using and adapting CAWST's core suite of online, blended and face-to-face training materials, you will help clients take action towards improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. You will also work with Training Partners and Organizations to strengthen their capacity development services.

This position will involve travel up to 40% of your time. Trips typically range from 3-6 weeks, 4 times per year.

Please note: This position is based in Calgary, AB, Canada. At this time, only candidates with valid Canadian work authorization will be considered.

Your Key Responsibilities

Training / Consulting / Mentoring

Use your WASH expertise and experience to support clients to implement and deliver WASH programs and services using various methods, including workshops, consulting, and coaching. Your goal will be to develop the capability of WASH practitioners of different skill levels in various roles.

• Prepare and deliver training workshops and learning exchanges
• Adapt CAWST workshops and resources to the context and needs of clients
• Identify opportunities and develop training, networking, and client support initiatives
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships
• Provide consulting support to help clients solve problems and overcome barriers to implementation. This includes face-to-face, online, and remote consulting via chat services.

Design and Development of engaging and effective learning resources

• Adapt learning resources to align with local culture, context, and literacy levels.
• Co-develop resources alongside the Learning team, Technology team, Regional teams and Partners to meet the emerging needs of our clients. This could include on-the-job tools, fact sheets, videos, lesson plans and supporting resources, online learning modules, multi-day courses, etc.
• Use Talent, Articulate Storyline, social media platforms, and other technologies and approaches, working collaboratively when needed, to develop and deliver engaging learning resources that are accessible to audiences with variable levels of internet connectivity.

Measurement / Research / Business Development

• Conduct and support data collection for measuring reach and impact
• Identify knowledge gaps and needs, and support action research activities
• Develop a strong understanding of country contexts, client organizations, and key water and sanitation issues
• Develop relationships with potential funders and manage new and existing relationships in your countries of influence

Developing Capacity of Local Partners

• Work with Training Organizations and Partners to develop their skills and capabilities, so they can replicate CAWST’s capacity development services for client organizations
• Identify new local partner organizations within your region or countries of influence. Develop relationships and explore opportunities to collaborate

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelors or graduate degree in engineering, sciences, public health, or other relevant disciplines. Preference will be given to a P.Eng.
• 3+ years of experience in Water or Sanitation or Engineering or Technical Education/Training or Technical Professional Services role.
• Experience implementing and managing projects in the WASH field is highly desirable.
• Experience in a consulting or advisory role is an asset.

Languages

• Fluent written and spoken English required.
• Fluency in additional major language(s) within the North, East, and West African regions will be an asset, but not required.

Desired Skills, Abilities and Attributes

• Excellent technical knowledge and skills in implementing water, sanitation, or hygiene interventions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications; able to engage with different audiences to build rapport and motivate individuals.
• Able to create a participatory learning environment using a range of cross-cultural, participatory training and facilitation methods.
• Has a “can do” attitude and is proactive.
• Shows curiosity and enjoys continuously learning.
• Solutions-oriented; able to use problem-solving skills to work with clients to find solutions to problems and overcome barriers.
• Service-oriented; consistently seeks to provide a high level of professional service to clients and colleagues.
• Easily and quickly establishes credibility with clients and other stakeholders.
• Professional and diplomatic approach; works well independently, within teams, and across teams.
• Enjoys international travel, able to work in challenging situations in different cultures, and easily adapts to different contexts.
• Highly proficient with MS Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

Additional Information

When applying, please include:

• A cover letter that tells us more about youpast what we can see on your resume, and why you are excited to work with CAWST. Applications missing this requirement will not be considered.

  • Please note: Your application will be read by real humans on our team, not a bot. We'd rather read a genuine note from you than a formal letter composed by AI (we can tell).

• Your resume

CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.