2.2 WASH Competency framework-based certification mechanism
For an efficient and effective WASH sector equipped with the right skills
As a result of the increasing number of crisis situations and their average duration, the humanitarian sector's human resources needs have grown exponentially. For instance, there were 569 600 humanitarian workers in 2019, which represents a 320% increase from 1997[1]. However, it is not always easy to find people with the necessary expertise, the adapted behavioral competencies and the will to work in difficult conditions (challenging, dangerous etc).
To ensure that the right skills are in the right place at the right time and at all times, it is necessary to standardize the required competencies for all WASH humanitarians and professionals. An accreditation and certification system guaranteeing the suitability of the staff, would enable such a standardization. This will not be only beneficial to the interventions’ quality but also to the practitioners, as it would provide them with a predictable framework to develop their professional careers and facilitate their access to continuing training.
This objective will be pursued through a two-step approach: first, the definition an international WASH sector competency framework used by all stake-holders. Afterward, it will be reinforced by the development of a certification and accreditation mechanism for WASH learning and professionals, naturally linked to the competency framework.
This process will also support the performance management and accreditation through an iso-like certification (International Organisation Standardization), acting like a seal of approval on the competencies shown by a practitioner. It will combine learning pathways, accreditations, qualifications and experience and will include core and functional competencies, focused on a wide range of expertise areas including -yet not limited to- coordination, technical, program cycle management, humanitarian principles, cross cutting issues etc.
Ultimately, the project should establish a universal definition of each profession in the humanitarian WASH sector -this would align agency requirements, allowing humanitarian workers to adapt and train in an informed manner.
[1] Source : ONU info – https://news.un.org/fr/story/2019/08/1049851
To ensure that the right skills are in the right place at the right time and at all times, it is necessary to standardize the required competencies for all WASH humanitarians and professionals. An accreditation and certification system guaranteeing the suitability of the staff, would enable such a standardization. This will not be only beneficial to the interventions’ quality but also to the practitioners, as it would provide them with a predictable framework to develop their professional careers and facilitate their access to continuing training.
This objective will be pursued through a two-step approach: first, the definition an international WASH sector competency framework used by all stake-holders. Afterward, it will be reinforced by the development of a certification and accreditation mechanism for WASH learning and professionals, naturally linked to the competency framework.
This process will also support the performance management and accreditation through an iso-like certification (International Organisation Standardization), acting like a seal of approval on the competencies shown by a practitioner. It will combine learning pathways, accreditations, qualifications and experience and will include core and functional competencies, focused on a wide range of expertise areas including -yet not limited to- coordination, technical, program cycle management, humanitarian principles, cross cutting issues etc.
Ultimately, the project should establish a universal definition of each profession in the humanitarian WASH sector -this would align agency requirements, allowing humanitarian workers to adapt and train in an informed manner.
[1] Source : ONU info – https://news.un.org/fr/story/2019/08/1049851
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LED BY:
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PARTICIPANTS:
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Action Against Hunger, Bioforce, German WASH Network, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, International Organisation of Migration and Register of Engineers for Disaster Relief
CONTRIBUTORS: Global WASH Cluster, German WASH Network, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Solidarités International and UN High Commissioner for Refugees |
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