Job Description for Dutch supported local Young Expert The purpose of this document is to describe the position for a local Young Expert attached to SHIPO via the application of Foundation Connect International, the Netherlands, to the YEP programme supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The position is subject to approval of the program by the Dutch Ministry, and also subject to a second interview by skype, to be held between the candidate selected by SHIPO, and the Dutch YEP Programme Bureau. 1. Key Title and work area Prioritized responsibilities The Local Young Expert will, together with the Dutch Young Expert have the following main responsibilities: 1) SMART Centre Coordinator - innovative, high quality, and low cost water and sanitation solutions 2) PMER Monitoring system responsible 3) Technical Assistance to SHIPO Water Engineer Related to theme: Office location Efficient water management, in particular in the agricultural sector. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Project Coordination, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation Njombe, Tanzania Expected start date 1 November 2014 Expected end date 31 October 2016 Period of 2 years 2. Information on daily working station Name of organisation Town or city, Country Southern Highlands Participatory Organisation (SHIPO) Njombe, Tanzania Type of organisation NGO Role in the organisation Giving technical input on Water and Sanitation, auditing projects and contributing to commercial development of low cost techniques via the 1
SHIPO SMART Training Centre Centre. Daily Reference person Morten Holm van Donk, Manager Morten.shipo@gmail.com +255 768019413 3. Organization description Background The Southern Highlands Participatory Organisation (SHIPO) is a Tanzanian Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Njombe, Tanzania. SHIPO s aim is to facilitate organized groups (e.g. communities, women groups, local entrepreneurs) the successful implementation of self-help projects that contribute to the improvement of their living standards and the alleviation of poverty. SHIPO also implements locally projects for international organizations working in Njombe and nearby regions in the fields of Education and Water and Sanitation. Finally, SHIPO also collaborates with private companies in implementing their Corporate Social Responsibility Programs involving local communities. SHIPO has 14 years of experience in providing and building capacity on water and sanitation technologies and services. Through its SMART (Sustainable, Marketable, Affordable, Reliable, Technologies) Training Centre SHIPO promotes the establishment of a strong and sustainable market for Water and Sanitation self-supply low cost solutions. In order to do so, the SMART centre works both with the supply and the demand sides of the market. In the supply side, the SMART training centre provides training programs to build the capacity of local entrepreneurs in the production, installation and marketing of water and sanitation lowcost self-supply solutions that are especially adequate to improve the access to water and sanitation in the rural and peri-urban areas. Lessons learned from intensive monitoring and evaluation have been converted in training programs and are shared through the training centre with many local entrepreneurs, but also international NGO s both in Tanzania and abroad. Courses are designed for maximum involvement of local private sector and to encourage direct sales of low cost products to ensure profit based sustainability. Also in the supply side, SHIPO is helping local entrepreneurs to start the supply chain of new products like drip irrigation systems and water filters, and implementing a Quality Monitoring and Certification Program to ensure the quality of the products and the services provided by entrepreneurs trained at SHIPO smart centre. Monitoring the quality of the offered products and services it is been proved of paramount importance for strengthen the capacity and the reputation of the private sector supplying water and sanitation low-cost technologies. In the demand side the SMART Centre works in uncapping hidden demand for self supply solutions through promotional and awareness raising programs (such us marketing and technology demonstrations campaigns) as well as creating financial solutions to facilitate the access to water and sanitation self-supply solutions for low income houseolds (Micro-loan Schemes) SHIPO s SMART centre forms part of an International Network of SMART Centres that use a similar approach. The SMART Network counts with Centres in Malawi and Mozambique. A new 2
SMART Centre is being created in Uganda. Other SHIPO activities encompass environmental health programs (construction of gravity water supply systems and pump schemes in collaboration with communities, or construction of water points through low cost drilling techniques in combination with rope pumps, together sanitation facilities and with hygiene education programs), construction of primary schools, primary health care centres, and activities to improve agricultural productivity and income at village level. Examples of projects in which SHIPO currently works (and in which the Local Young Expert will be involved) are: Revolving fund projects. Start capital is provided to existing small village banks (SACCOS s) that use the money to provide low interest rate credits to farmers who wish to purchase a low cost water point and use it both for drinking and irrigation. Included is training and guidance of the local producers of hand drilled and hand dug wells and of rope pumps. Iwafi/Ikang asi pumping scheme. The aim is to develop a reliable drinking water system and improved sanitation facilities in Iwafi and Ikang asi villages villages. The project is financially supported by WaterAid Tanzania, while progress and results will be monitored by using a new web-based application which is developed by Foundation Connect International from the Netherlands. Gravity-fed water supply scheme in Makungu and livelihood support. In a co-funded project between a Tanzanian Private Forest Company, Green Resources LTD (GRL) and the USAid-funded organization Winrock International, SHIPO expects to startup the design and implementation of a gravity-fed water supply scheme in the remote village of Makungu. The project will, furthermore, support training of the community to raise and cultivate their own tree seedlings through the Corporate Social Responsibility program of GRL. SHIPO s vision: SHIPO wants to obtain sustained improvement in the living standards of poor people in Tanzania. SHIPO s Mission Statement: SHIPO exists to contribute effectively to sustained improvements through increased self-awareness and facilitation of projects, based on the priorities, needs and capacities of people and other stakeholders and through facilitation of private sector development. To learn more about SHIPO and the SMART centre, visit http://www.shipo-tz.org/. Rationale of position The rationale of employing a local Youung Expert is to increase access for poor people in the Southern Highlands and Tanzania to reliable and safe water and sanitation facilities that are also partly suitable for productive use. In order to achieve this rationale the local Young Expert will provide technical input and guidance to SHIPO and other stakeholders (local companies, government staff) with regard to the planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, implementation and production of WASH projects and WASH facilities. The local Young Expert will also design and implement activities to build and strength a commercial sustainable market for a broad range of new and existing low cost WASH solutions that serve the needs of the poor. The expected results derived from the participation of the local Young Expert in the SMART Centre and other SHIPO projects are: The SMART Centre is successfully managed in a (semi)commercial basis thanks to an 3
increased revenue generated thorough its activities. The SMART centre activities are increased: (number of trainings conducted, number of entrepreneurs trained, number of micro loan schemes implemented, number low cost technologies demonstrated, number of potential clients reached through promotional activities, number of low cost technologies installed and monitored, etc) A Quality Monitoring and Certification program for suppliers and installers of self-supply technologies is successfully implemented by using the web based version of SMART-info (a software specifically created for the SMART centre by one of SHIPO s Dutch Partner organizations: Foundation Connect International) SHIPO s staff is successfully trained in the use of the SMART-Info, that is also used to monitoring and reporting in other SHIPO s projects and programs; A gravity fed water system in Nundu is properly evaluated in collaboration with the local community. 4. Description of Young Expert position Task description This section gives a description of the intended tasks and activities of the local Young Expert, describing the added value of the Local Young Expert being the counterpart of a Dutch Young Expert. To strengthen the team at SHIPO, SHIPO and Connect International have agreed that the Young Expert will be working on activities that may be divided into two themes: 1. Tasks related to the SMART-centre SHIPO has a strong concept, which includes value chain development for Self Supply WASH products (SSWP s, also called SMART Techs), which can be replicated to other areas through the capacity building of other key actors. As mentioned in Section 5, this is done through SHIPO s SMART Training Centre. SHIPO wants to develop the SMART Training Centre, reinforcing and contributing to SHIPO's vision and mission and at the same time provide an income to SHIPO. It is expected that the Smart Centre over a period of 2 years can generate enough income on a (semi) commercial basis to run itself, its administration and pay any profit back into classic SHIPO programs. As a counterpart of the Dutch Young Expert, tasks related to this theme consist of: Prepare training proposals, programs and budgets; Assist the SHIPO Technical Department in the selection of trainers; Coordinate with SHIPO suppliers, trainers, consultants; Make time tables and effective plans for training interventions and follow-up; Making promotional material for SMART Centre; Plan, prepare and attend exhibitions; Networking with existing and new SHIPO partners, communities and consultants; 4
Prepare after-sales and keep contact to clients and funders after the intervention. Many of these tasks will be in cooperation with the Dutch Young Expert. The added value of the local Young Expert is that he/she knows the local language, which is especially helpful in preparing training programs as these are mainly participated by locals. In addition, contact with SHIPO partners may take place in the local language which facilitates the process. 2. PMER (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting) Connect International developed a PMER system (SMART-info) that is currently being transformed into a web based version. The main challenge for SHIPO now, is to utilize the system optimally for capturing all relevant monitoring and evaluation data, in order to report systematically to external funders and for internal auditing and learning purposes. Tasks related to this theme consist of the following: Getting familiar with the web based version of SMART-info (and of course realizing the importance of a proper functioning PMER system), in order to assist in using the system within SHIPO s projects; Auditing projects by making use of SMART-info, to make sure the quality of the activities within the projects and realized products is good (auditing takes place three monthly); Creating reports of monitoring data gathered in the field; Giving input for further development of the system by developing new questions/indicators to be used in monitoring projects; SHIPO is interested in increasing its capacity on monitoring, information management and reporting. The added value of the local Young Expert is his knowledge of the specific local issues (cultural, institutional, etc.) encountered in projects that are being carried out by SHIPO. By being part of project teams and because of these qualifications, the local Young Expert will be capable to support SHIPO staff in learning and using the SMART-info software. This results into clear reports that will be used to justify the spending of development funds. Job requirements Below, a description of the intended background and expertise with which the local Young Expert must comply. The applicant should have: An engineering background; Knowledge on WASH related technologies, construction, water supply and sanitation; Computer knowledge; Good knowledge of the English language; Good communication skills. Applicants who meet the following issues have an advantage: 5
Experience with database programs; Experience in Rural/Community Development, field work in water and sanitation; Experience with water system designs. 5. The learning and coaching plan Learning targets Within 3 months after starting the deployment, the Young Experts finalizes his/her Personal Development Plan with his/her mentor, and submits this with the programme bureau. The Young Experts is offered a coach, who facilitates the development of the Young Expert. In addition, all Young Experts work on a group assignment, and can participate in online training courses offered by YEP Water. This takes approximately 1-2 days/month. The local Young Expert will gain: Technical, monitoring and auditing skills by working with the SMART Centre and entrepreneurs, in a monitoring/auditing role and also a learning role; Skills in increasing access to reliable and safe water and sanitation through a sustainable market for a broad range of low cost water and sanitation solutions that also serve the needs of the poor and are partly suitable also for productive use. Internal education, training and courses (related to PMER, WASH technologies, etc.) are available to the local Young Expert; Marketing, publicity skills by participating in conferences, seminars, events on water and sanitation with Ministry of Water, NGOs and commercial organizations within Tanzania; Working with an advanced web-based system for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) and building up the skills and knowledge to guide other SHIPO employees in using the system. Development and enhancement of value chains in which water facilities fulfil a central role. Development and introduction of credit systems and other financial support mechanisms enhancing the introduction of low cost WASH facilities. Insights on participatory methods in project design and implementation with local communities and entrepreneurs. Network formation There are many opportunities for both national as well as international networking. As a partner organization of SHIPO, Connect International provides SHIPO with projects and other organizational assistance most of it funded by Dutch organizations. Through CI, the local Young 6
Expert may form a network with the following Dutch organizations and foundations: Waterhelp Foundation Schumacher Foundation Aqua 4 All Water Right Rabobank Foundation St. Ludewa St. Endelea Vopak Karibu Tanzania Heiloo Foundation Wilde Ganzen St. Heijmerink The local Young Expert will be working together with local government authorities, such as district authorities, regional authorities and the Ministry of Water. In addition, SHIPO works together with organizations that operate locally and regionally (Njombe area), such as: MSABI (Tanzanian NGO) PSI (American NGO) ADDA (Danish NGO) Fundación Paraguaya (Paraguayan NGO) ACRA (Italian NGO) SNV (Dutch NGO) WaterAID Tanzania WinROCK International (American NGO) Green Resources Limited (Private Company in Tanzania) OLAM/AVIV (Private Company in Tanzania) Various private SMART Technology Suppliers (e.g. Uvinjo Group, Kisangani Smith Group, Upangwa, driller groups etc.) The international networking possibilities of SHIPO consist of the following organizations: WorldVision, Uganda Skat Foundation, Switzerland Liliane Foundation, the Netherlands Limited Resource Teacher Training (LRTT), UK Nessun Escluso, Italy LYRA, UK A number of Private people and International Consultants SMART Centres in Uganda, Malawi and Mozambique Other networking activities will include the local Young Expert to keep updated through the TaWaSaNET, an umbrella organization for organizations in Tanzania who are dealing in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Projects. In general, the lcal Young Expert will get access to a large network of national and international NGO s, companies, government institutions and consultants though his activities with the SHIPO SMART Centre. The Young Experts (local and Dutch) will intensely make use of these connections. During projects in cooperation with the mentioned organizations SMART technologies will be promoted. The locally operating private 7
organizations and NGO s will be involved in using the SMART-info system. The Young Experts will encourage the use of the system by these organizations by organizing training sessions or join training sessions at these organizations. In addition, other methods may be deployed in order to promote the SMART Centre and the web based version of SMART-info, for example by organizing conferences. Position of Local Young Expert in project organisation Below, a description of the position of the Young Expert in the organisation, including the structure of the receiving party. The local Young Expert will be employed by Foundation Connect International and stationed at SHIPO as the project grantee. The following figure shows the structure of the receiving party. As the counterpart of the Dutch Young Expert, the local Young Expert will in the below structure mainly be attached to the SMART Centre. The local Young Expert will have PMER tasks and learn on coordinating the SMART centre, so he/she is operating within the three departments. The local Young Expert will work at the SHIPO office, and will be assisted with workplace facilities. The senior manager on location is Morten Holm van Donk (Danish expatriate). Short mission experts who will provide supervision include Mr. Henk Holtslag, technical advisor of Connect International. Detailing of supervision The first line (on site) supervision will be provided by the expatriates working daily for SHIPO. The contextual supervision will be provided by Mr. Tom de Veer while Mr. de Veer will also provide guidance and supervision on: (a) the local Young Expert s role of monitor and auditor, (b) project and other reports produced under the responsibility of the local Young Expert. The in country evaluation moments are with Mr. Morten Holm van Donk. The in country mentoring will take place with Mr. Morten Holm van Donk (daily) and Mr. Henk Holtslag (technical coordinator of Connect International, who will mentor the local Young Expert during his visits and by Skype and e-mail). 8
6. Long-term ambition and spin-off Motivation The SMART-info system has been developed about a decade ago, but it has been updated with a web based version recently. A local Young Expert for our organisation will add value for the project in bringing young energy to implement the new system. In addition, a motivated local Young Expert will probably lead to continuation of its use. Finally, the local Young Expert will bring in technical knowledge which will increase the quality of projects financed by Dutch organizations via Connect International. Added value and spin-off of deployment of Young Expert Many new low cost water and sanitation technologies are being used in other developing countries, and can be introduced in Tanzania. The added value is that test and innovation (for example the new web based version of SMART-info, spin-off Connect International) will take place not in a laboratory but in the field. At the end of the term, it is the goal the Dutch Young Expert will have trained and mentored a local counterpart to take over all tasks. The local Young Expert could be a candidate for this position, as he/she is extensively trained by YEP and by SHIPO. Considering this possibility, the spin-off of deployment of the local Young Expert is continuation of high quality projects and project monitoring. Enhancement of relationships between the Netherlands and partner countries The Netherlands and Tanzania have a strong connection. SHIPO is a partner organization of Connect International, which means that a part of SHIPO s projects is being financed by Dutch funds via Connect International. The SMART Centre was also started with Dutch funding via Connect International with funds from Rotaries and Aqua 4 all. The Young Expert Program furthers this connection. This will be safeguarded following completion of participation in the YEP Water. 9