WASH Manager - Caracas (International Staff)
Organization: Danish Refugee Council
Posted: 24 Jul 2026
Closing date: 2 Aug 2026
The Danish Refugee Council is one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, working in more than 40 countries to provide adequate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move and vulnerable local population/host communities. DRC is currently looking for a highly qualified WASH Manager based in Caracas, Venezuela.
About the job:
DRC manages its operations in Venezuela under the direction of the country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure and Zulia. DRC Venezuela implements protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for persons with specific needs (PWSN), information sessions for persons of interest (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, rehabilitation of health infrastructure, and food security.
As part of the emergency response to the earthquake that occurred in June 2026, DRC is opening a new implementation office in Caracas, separate from the country office, to meet the needs of the affected populations. The WASH Manager will be in charge of the comprehensive management and coordination of emergency response and early recovery in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Emergency Shelter and Infrastructure sectors.
Job Description:
The WASH Manager will be in charge of the comprehensive management and coordination of emergency response and early recovery in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Emergency Shelter and Infrastructure sectors, ensuring timely, efficient, high-quality implementation aligned with humanitarian standards and DRC's sector strategy.
It will also be responsible for the review and approval of technical designs of various WASH infrastructures, tender documents, technical review and evaluation of bids, and the overall management of construction and execution contracts in accordance with DRC's acceptable standards and specifications as well as national codes and regulations.
Main responsibilities:
The WASH manager will be responsible for programmatic management, team oversight and comprehensive coordination of emergency response and early recovery in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter and Infrastructure sectors, the purpose of which is the progressive restoration of essential services, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure affected by the disaster and the strengthening of the resilience of affected communities. It will ensure that a participatory approach is employed in working with communities and local authorities, and that activities are carried out in a way that is sensitive to the needs of the community and promotes the full and equal participation of women, men, children and youth. Primary responsibilities include:
Project design and planning:
- In consultation with the MALASI Specialist, lead and oversee the rapid on-the-ground needs assessment in the emergency context to determine priorities for the evidence-based sectoral response.
- In coordination with the WASI Specialist, lead the technical design of interventions, specifications, standards and implementation approaches for WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure activities, ensuring their alignment with humanitarian standards, DRC policies, donor requirements and applicable national regulations.
- Ensure adequate geographic and sectoral prioritization of evidence-based interventions, needs assessments, context analysis, and resource availability.
- Identify emerging needs, sectoral gaps, and opportunities to expand the reach and impact of programs.
Implementation:
- Lead programmatic management and oversee the planning, implementation and monitoring of the WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure response related to infrastructure improvement, WASH and NFI kit distributions, hygiene promotion and community strengthening activities, ensuring compliance with programmatic objectives, indicators, budgets and commitments to donors.
- Review and approve WASH tender documents, including technical specifications, list of quantities, drawings, and terms of reference; and participate in the process of reviewing technical bids.
- Carry out periodic strategic supervision and quality control visits to verify compliance with technical standards, detect programmatic risks and support decision-making for the improvement of interventions.
- Ensure the highest quality of sectoral interventions and coherence between ongoing projects and future proposals, in accordance with DRC's sectoral strategy and the technical guidance of the WASI Specialist.
- Formalize and develop operational tools and training modules related to projects.
- Strengthen coordination and collaboration between the WASI team and other DRC program sectors.
- Support the department in other tasks, roles, and responsibilities that may be assigned by the supervisor.
Monitoring and follow-up:
- Monitor the programmatic and technical performance of WASH projects, analyzing progress, quality, indicators, risks, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, and ensuring timely implementation of corrective measures when necessary.
- Ensure timely compliance with internal and external reporting requirements, including programmatic, technical, financial, and donor reporting.
- Support in the development and implementation of the MEAL plan for emergency and recovery WASH projects, and the timely submission of reports and other documentary requirements.
Financial Management and Resources:
- Oversee the budget execution of WASH projects, ensuring the efficient and timely use of available resources.
- Periodically review the financial performance of projects and implement corrective actions to mitigate deviations.
- Ensure adequate planning of procurement, contracting and resources necessary for the implementation of activities.
- Participate in budget planning, programmatic reviews, and financial projection processes for WASH projects.
Coordination:
- Serve as a permanent liaison with local authorities and other WASH humanitarian actors in the area of intervention.
- Maintain constructive relationships with key stakeholders and represent DRC in different working groups and coordination meetings in the territory, as assigned by the Base Manager and WASI Specialist.
Team management:
- Managing WASH team members on the ground, this includes recruitment and firing, goal setting, staff development, performance management.
- Promote the strengthening of the WASI team's capacities through processes of accompaniment, training and professional development.
- Oversee knowledge sharing within the team and ensure that findings from monitoring, evaluations, and community feedback mechanisms are used to improve the quality of programs.
- Ensure adequate human resources planning in accordance with the operational needs of the response.
Fundraising:
- Contribute to fundraising for emergency and recovery WASH projects, actively participating in the development and drafting of new proposals for the WASH sector in consultation with relevant areas, the Base Manager and the MALASI Specialist.
Experience and technical skills:
- At least 5 years of experience in planning, implementing and managing WASH programmes, including emergency and early recovery contexts.
- Demonstrated experience in budget management, contract oversight, tendering, and management of grants or projects funded by institutional donors.
- Solid knowledge of the Sphere standards and other applicable humanitarian standards.
- Hands-on experience in project planning and management.
- Minimum experience of 3 years in people management.
- Excellent writing and editing skills for external audiences (including authorities and donors)
- Proficiency in English is a plus.
Education:
- Master's degree or university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or other relevant discipline. Complementary training in humanitarian project management, emergency response or programme management will be an asset.
Language:
- English (mandatory)
- Spanish
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to more than 1,000 free online trainings and certificates.
- Duration of the contract: 6 months with extension availability according to budget availability.
- Salary: Band F.
- HCM insurance covered in full by the organization.
DRC Core Competencies:
- Achieving excellence: focus on achieving results and ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: Engaging relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
- Take initiative: take ownership and initiative while pursuing innovation.
- Communicate: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstration of integrity: acting in accordance with DRC's vision and values.
Application Process:
All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV (max. 2 pages, without supports) in Spanish, on the DRC employment platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application Closing Date:
Sunday, August 02 at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be planned as soon as a suitable candidat@ is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start date: August 2026
Note:
- We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the indicated closing date for applications
- The vacancy is subject to project approval and availability of funds
- Due to an emergency hire, DRC is not obligated to send rejection notices to candidates who are not considered in the process
How to apply:
Link to Application Form:
Use the link below if you need a link that will not display the advertisement. Candidates will be brought directly to the application form.