Inclusive MEL WASH Officer

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in over 20 countries across Africa and Asia. We strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems to enable sustainable and equitable lives for all. We are committed to gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate resilience, and institutional strengthening. Learn more at www.snv.org.

Project Context

SNV is implementing the Towards Sustainable Open-Defecation Free Communities project  in 2025 in 154 villages in Nong, Phine, and Sepon districts, Savannakhet province. The project supports the Government of Laos’ goal of achieving and sustaining ODF status nationwide by 2025. It focuses on:



- Demand creation for improved sanitation

- Monitoring and verification of ODF status

- Strengthening the sanitation supply chain

- Post-ODF community sustainability



Inclusion of last-mile groups, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households is a critical priority. Monitoring, learning, and adaptive management will underpin project success.

Purpose of the Position

The Inclusive MEL WASH Officer will lead inclusive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and GEDSI integration within the project. The role will ensure that data, knowledge, and evidence guide adaptive implementation and that activities are inclusive, gender-responsive, and disability-sensitive. The officer will also strengthen government capacity on inclusive MEL and support sustainability beyond the project.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inclusive MEL & Reporting

- Lead and coordinate all MEL activities for the project, in line with SNV and UNICEF requirements.

- Develop and refine inclusive MEL tools and methodologies (including GEDSI and LNOB dimensions).

- Lead data collection, verification, synthesis, and reporting on key project indicators aligned with the project logframe.

- Support baseline and endline surveys with strong inclusion focus (LMG, gender, disability disaggregation).

- Facilitate ODF verification and certification processes in collaboration with government partners.

- Produce high-quality knowledge products, learning briefs, and case studies on GEDSI integration and project impact.

- Support donor and government reporting.

2. GEDSI Integration & Inclusive Programming

- Serve as the focal point for GEDSI and LNOB activities.

- Conduct gender and inclusion analyses to inform project activities.

- Develop and implement GEDSI action plans within each project component.

- Train SNV staff, local government, and partners on GEDSI principles and inclusive practices.

- Monitor and support the application of GEDSI principles in demand creation, supply chain, and post-ODF components.

- Capture and communicate GEDSI learnings and success stories.

3. Field Facilitation & Capacity Building

- Lead facilitation of inclusive community consultations and stakeholder engagement workshops.

- Provide technical coaching to field teams and private sector actors on inclusive product design and marketing.

- Build capacity of local leaders to maintain inclusive sanitation outcomes post-ODF.

- Support local government to institutionalize inclusive MEL and post-ODF follow-up.

4. Quality Assurance & Compliance

- Ensure quality and consistency of project implementation in line with SNV technical guidance.

- Monitor project adherence to GEDSI and LNOB commitments.

- Ensure compliance with SNV and donor policies and procedures.

- Contribute to project reviews and adaptive management.

Essential

- University degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Gender Studies, International Development, Public Health, or a related field.

- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in MEL, inclusive programming, and/or community development.

- Strong knowledge of WASH, GEDSI best practices, and inclusive development approaches.

- Experience with data collection and analysis, including GEDSI and LNOB-sensitive indicators.

- Strong facilitation, coaching, and capacity-building skills.

- Excellent communication and report writing skills in English and Lao.

- Proficient in MS Office; experience with MEL software is an asset, such as Mwater or LogAlto.

Desirable

- Experience working with government partners in Lao PDR.

- Understanding of local context, cultural norms, and indigenous languages of Savannakhet Province.

- Experience with climate-resilient and inclusive WASH programming.

- Familiarity with SNV approaches and methodologies.

Personal Attributes

- Commitment to SNV’s values of inclusion, equality, and sustainability.

- Strong interpersonal skills; able to work with diverse stakeholders.

- Flexible, adaptive, and able to work independently and in teams.

- Willingness to travel frequently to rural and remote areas.

Key Relationships

- Internal: Project Coordinator, Project Manager, SNV WASH Sector Team, Finance & Admin Team.

- External: Provincial and District Health Departments, Village Leaders, Private Sector Actors, UNICEF, and other WASH stakeholders.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their Cover letter & CV to the SmartRecruiter and before 20 June 2025.