Learning, Research and Documentation Intern

Job Description

Job Title: Learning, Research and Documentation Intern
Place of Work: London.
Band: F
Reports to: Research Manager
Travel: Some travel may be required – but minimal over sabbatical period
Budget Responsibility: None
Introduction
The Programme Support Unit (PSU) is a key unit within the International Programmes Department (IPD) that focuses on programmatic excellence, effectiveness, learning, research and development.  This post relates to the global programme of learning managed by the unit and the post holder will manage capacity development on learning, documentation and research.  The post holder will work closely with other members of the PSU, with regional teams in IPD, Country Programmes (CPs) and other WaterAid Departments such as the Communications Team.
Purpose
The purpose of this role is to champion learning and documentation throughout WaterAid’s programmes, particularly in relation to WaterAid’s principles and thematic areas of work. This involves building capacity on learning, documentation and research; and leading learning initiatives on WaterAid’s programme principles. The role is essential to PSU’s role in assuring programme quality and effectiveness in our work and in the wider WASH sector through building capacity of WASH professionals.

This role involves training, facilitation, and providing opportunities for cross-regional and peer to peer learning; as well as the development of supporting tools and guidelines. The role is both proactive in promoting learning initiatives, and responsive to requests for support from CPs and regional teams. The post requires close collaboration with other members of PSU and IPD, other WaterAid Departments, and external organisations to bring in relevant expertise where necessary,
During the contract period the intern will be accountable for the following:

Support Programme Learning projects
1. Work closely with regional teams and country programmes to develop and manage capacity building on learning, documentation and research in dynamic and innovative ways
2. Work closely with other departments to ensure activities on learning, documentation, communication, dissemination, research and PME are coordinated (including support on webinars, preparation of papers etc).

Manage skills and awareness development needed to mainstream the core principles and themes
3. Support the implementation of the sustainablity training as per the workplan. This will include webinar support, training preparation and coordination in collaboration with the Quality Programmes team.
4. Support the implementation of the Partnerships training
5. Facilitate cross-country and cross-regional learning thematic areas.

Drive forward the development of WaterAid’s research agenda
6. In conjunction with the Research Manager, develop, promote and manage a coordinated approach to research globally
7. In conjunction with the Research Manager promote the delivery of high quality WASH research that informs practice and/or policy
8. Work with relevant partner organisations, external research experts, institutions, academics to ensure WaterAid’s research is well-informed and of high quality

Manage documentation and dissemination of evidence
9. Advise and support CPs to produce high quality documentation to promote learning from programmes internally and externally
10. Advise CPs on dissemination of evidence internally and externally to promote learning
11. Promote internal opportunities and mechanisms such as webinars for dissemination of evidence at global scales

Management of Knowledge Management Systems
12. Develop and manage coordinated knowledge management systems for IPD such as webinars, the PSU learning series, Intranet sites
13. Promote, monitor and ensure the use of knowledge management systems by all staff at all levels, including support to the development of content for the international website

Networking and Collaboration
14. Ensure strong networking and collaboration with key stakeholders internally and externally to embed WaterAid’s evidence and learning in the WASH sector and beyond

Travel:
15. This role may require travel to support regional and country learning and documentation.

Person specification
Essential
1. Degree level education (or equivalent) (including here if you wish it to be in any specific discipline(s).
2. Sound knowledge of WASH issues in developing countries, or other relevant sector
3. Proven track record of effectively facilitating trainings and/or learning and/or capacity development
4. Solid operational experience of capacity development within an organisation in an empowering way.
5. Ability to synthesise information and analyse its relevance for different functions.
6. Ability to work effectively with a range of people, organisations and cultures and at all levels.
7. An excellent communicator, able to produce high quality and accessible reports.  (Good command of English – written and verbal)
8. A team player, able to work collaboratively, responsibly and under pressure
9. A commitment to WaterAid values and a working style that reflects these.

Desirable
1. Taught Masters in a relevant subject.
2. Ability to speak, read and write French and/or Portuguese.
3. Solid operational experience of remote management and cross cultural working, with resource poor countries.
4. Experience organising workshops and influencing events