PURPOSE

The Water and Habitat (WatHab) Coordinator is the focal point for all Water and Habitat activities at delegation level. The role defines the programme’s strategic direction, priorities and objectives in line with the delegation’s operational strategy and institutional priorities. The coordinator leads the planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WatHab programme to ensure an effective, coherent and need-based humanitarian response. The role also leads the WatHab team, promotes the efficient use of resources and strengthens multidisciplinary collaboration and relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internally: Works closely with the delegation management, peer Coordinators, the WatHab team, sub-delegations and relevant departments; maintains constructive dialogue on priorities, operational challenges and recommendations.
• Externally: Represents the ICRC on WatHab matters with relevant national and sub-national authorities, institutions, humanitarian organisations, implementation partners and other stakeholders. Build constructive relationships with communities, public service providers and technical partners. Maintains regular contact with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and other Movement components, promoting joint or complementary activities. Coordinates with regional and headquarters WatHab advisers as required.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Understands and upholds the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
• Understands the respective roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Always complies with staff regulations and security rules.
• Represents the ICRC professionally and contributes to a respectful, constructive and supportive working environment.
• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality in the interests of employees and the ICRC.
• Performs other duties within the scope of the role and provides support to other departments when required.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Programme strategy and planning

• Defines and implements the WatHab programme’s strategic direction, objectives and priorities in coordination with delegation management, relevant departments and headquarters.
• Leads the design, planning and budgeting of WatHab activities in line with the delegation’s annual planning process and operational priorities.
• Monitors and analyses the humanitarian context, identifies emerging needs and adapts interventions to remain relevant and responsive.
• Coordinates WatHab assessments and interventions with Protection, Economic Security, Health, PRP and other relevant departments.
• Adapt operational plans and approaches in response to humanitarian needs, available resources, security constraints and operational developments.
• Ensures coherence and complementarity across WatHab projects and activities throughout the delegation’s areas of responsibility.

2. Technical quality and project implementation

• Oversee the implementation of WatHab projects and activities, ensuring compliance with institutional technical standards, quality requirements, agreed timelines and budgets.
• Reviews and validates technical designs, project proposals, feasibility studies and other technical documents prepared by engineers, technicians and external consultants.
• Ensures the use of appropriate project-management methods, monitoring mechanisms and quality-control measures.
• Anticipates operational and technical challenges, supports the identification of solutions and ensures that corrective actions are implemented.
• Conducts regular field visits, particularly to Peshawar and operational areas, to monitor implementation, support team members, identify challenges and engage with local authorities and stakeholders. Ensures appropriate supervision of commissioning, handover and sustainability arrangements.
• Provides technical guidance to the WatHab team and facilitates access to specialized expertise when required.

3. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Ensures that WatHab projects and activities are monitored and evaluated within the ICRC’s results-based management framework.
• Leads the timely preparation and submission of institutional reports, including quarterly and monitoring reports, and other required programme documentation.
• Ensure consistent and effective use of institutional reporting and project-management tools, including PAM and other applicable systems.
• Monitors programme performance, assesses progress against objectives and integrates lessons learned into future planning and programme design.
• Regularly informs delegation management and relevant technical counterparts of programme progress, achievements, constraints and emerging risks.

4. Budget and resource management

• Leads the preparation, monitoring and review of the WatHab programme budget, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and available resources.
• Ensures the effective, efficient and accountable use of financial, human and material resources.
• Identifies and mobilizes the technical expertise, equipment, materials and other resources required for programme implementation.
• Coordinates with Logistics, Finance and other support departments to facilitate timely procurement, appropriate resource allocation and compliance with ICRC procedures.
• Monitors expenditure and resource utilization and propose adjustments when necessary.

5. Coordination, representation and partnerships

• Represents WatHab in strategic discussions and operational planning; maintains regular dialogue with the delegation management and peer Coordinators, providing timely analysis, recommendations and updates to support decisions.
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with relevant authorities, humanitarian organizations, technical institutions and other stakeholders.
• Promotes collaboration with PRCS and other Movement components, identifying opportunities for joint assessments, preparedness and complementary humanitarian interventions.
• Ensures effective information-sharing and coordination among WatHab teams, sub-delegations, delegation management and technical advisers.
• Contributes WatHab expertise to joint assessments, operational analysis and multidisciplinary humanitarian-response planning. 

6. Emergency preparedness and response

• Develops and regularly reviews the WatHab emergency-preparedness strategy in line with identified risks, operational scenarios, the delegation’s draft OCP and delegation priorities.
• Ensures the availability and appropriate management of emergency stocks, equipment and technical resources.
• Strengthens the WatHab team’s capacity to assess and respond to emergencies, including displacement linked to violence or crises and disruptions to essential services.
• Coordinates with relevant departments and Movement partners to support timely and coherent emergency preparedness and response.
• Ensures that lessons learned from emergency operations inform preparedness planning and operational procedures.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads, supervises and supports the WatHab team in Pakistan (Islamabad and Peshawar), ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, reporting lines and accountability.
• Ensures completion of the Performance Management and Development (PMD) process for direct reports, including performance objectives, reviews and development plans.
• Provides regular feedback, coaching and technical guidance, supporting professional development and continuous improvement.
• Organizes regular team meetings to strengthen coordination, information-sharing and alignment with programme priorities.
• Ensures that job descriptions for supervised employees remain accurate and up to date, in coordination with HR.
• Plans and coordinates annual leave and staff availability to maintain operational continuity and a balanced workload.
• Identifies training and capacity-building needs and supports staff development through coaching, mentoring and relevant learning opportunities.
• Promotes a collaborative, inclusive and respectful working environment that encourages teamwork, accountability and constructive problem-solving.
• Contributes to workforce planning and ensures that the team structure and competencies remain appropriate to programme requirements.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education and technical expertise

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in civil, environmental or structural engineering, architecture, water resources management, hydrology, hydraulics, geology or a related technical field.
• An advanced degree, or equivalent relevant professional experience, is an asset.
• Computer proficiency and familiarity with relevant specialized software.

Professional experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in water, sanitation, infrastructure or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated experience in programme and project management, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
• Proven team-management and leadership experience.
• Experience with the ICRC or another international humanitarian organization (typically 4–5 years) is an asset.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments, preferably in humanitarian operations.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of Urdu or other local languages is an asset.
• French or another international language is an additional asset.

Core competencies

• Leadership: Provides clear direction, sets priorities and guides the team towards operational objectives.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of programme results, resources and compliance with procedures.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Promotes effective coordination and cooperation across departments and sub-delegations.
• Representation and communication: Builds constructive relationships with authorities, PRCS and other stakeholders; communicates clearly with management, peers and teams, adapting messages to different audiences.
• Beneficiary and client focus: Ensures that interventions respond to the needs and priorities of affected communities.
• People management: Supervises, supports and develops staff while promoting performance and accountability.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application should include:

• A cover letter or motivation letter briefly outlining your motivation and suitability for the position.
• A complete and up-to-date CV.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. Qualified women, candidates with disabilities, people from minority groups and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 4 November 2026
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.