Leticia Ackun

Experience

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  Health Management Consultancy Ltd

  Aug 1995 - May 1997

  Hygiene and Training Officer
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  Peace Corps, Ghana

  Aug 1996 - Sept 2004

  WASH Coordinator
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  Community Water & Sanitation Agency

  Oct 1998 - Sept 2011

  Asst Director - Hygiene & Sanitation

  As the Extension Services Specialist I:Managed and supervised the integration of gender into the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in rural communities and small towns, Successfully piloted the first-ever CLTS project in Ghana in 25 communities in the Central region with 12 communities becoming open defecation free (ODF) leading to the adoption of the CLTS approach by the government and NGOs, Led the development of a Strategic Investment and Business Plan for the organization which led to 3 donors (DANIDA, EU and the World Bank) investing in the region, Capacity building of women in leadership positions. e) Developed an innovative approach/strategy forsanitation delivery, over 120 communities in 8 districts benefited from WASH facilities and practiced improved hygiene,Led the development and application of mainstreaming tools for project design & supervision, Led the developmentof Facility Management plans (FMP) to ensure sustainability of WASH facilities, g) Trained over 20 Area Mechanics and 200 hand pump caretakers to ensure prompt repairs of broken down pumps, Launched the Public Private Partnershipfor Handwashing with soap initiative in 17 Districts in the Central region of Ghana. Conducted end of project assessments and integrated result into the development of new projects. Successfully closed three projects, produced baselines, midlines and end-line assessments and final donor reports.My achievements are Reduction in the vandalization of school latrine through community engagement Reduction in the down time of broken-down water pumps due to capacity building of local artisans leading to sustainable water supply and improved health. Show less

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  Sustainable Sanitation (SUSA) Ghana Project

  Sept 2011 - Mar 2015

  Researcher
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  University of Ghana/University of Copenhagen

  Sept 2011 - Mar 2015

  PhD Student
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  Global Communities (formerly CHF International)

  Aug 2014 - Jun 2016

  SBCC/CLTS Advisor

  I managed and supervised WASH/SBCC programs countrywide mainstreaming gender under the WASH for Health project funded by USAID. I set overall objectives, developed work programs and oversaw their execution; ensuring that deadlines are met. I built the capacity of sector stakeholders including government actors, CSOs, community members, local artisans and women and children in project delivery to ensure sustainability of projects.Designed the SBCC strategy for both urban and rural communities. Trained women to take up executive positions on their water boards among others. My achievements have been:Reduction in open defecation leading to reduction in diarrheal diseases in communities,Improved capacity of the public sector to implement projects,Capacity of community members built to operate and maintain water and sanitation facilities. Show less

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  UNICEF

  Jul 2016 - Dec 2019

  WASH Specialist

  I led the WASH institutions in the successful implementation of WASH programs in schools, health instiutions and communities all across Ghana.Some of my notable achievements are:Improved school attendance especially among girls due to improvement in water and sanitation facilities in schools including changing rooms. SBCC on MHM created a conducive environment to discuss issues on menstruation, demystify the myths and taboos and create male allies to support girls in schools.Effective operation and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities in schools, health centres and communities. Show less

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  African Water and Sanitation Association

  Jan 2021 - now

  Gender Specialist

  As Gender Specialist at AfWASA, I spearhead initiatives within the organization to work on gender mainstreaming and women empowerment. I provide technical assistance on gender policy analysis, gender strategy and action plans to support AfWASA and partners in gender transformative investment program design and implementation. I also build capacity of AfWASA members and partners in mainstreaming gender and in female leadership leading to empowerment of women for leadership positions. I advise the organization on emerging matters of strategic, policy and institutional significance, including the formulation/update and mainstreaming of gender into policies, strategies, guidelines and standard operation manuals of the organization. I build and maintain AfWASA's external relationships and partnerships with organizations such as bilateral agencies, UN agencies, research organizations including the International Water Association(IWA), the African Development Bank etc. I work continuously to create visibility and build the capacity of women. Show less