Consultant for WASH Needs Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to create a supportive environment for its employees.

Job Overview:
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a rapid needs assessment of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services at 10 selected schools in Zimbabwe. The consultant will assess the availability and reliability of water sources, identify challenges related to water access, and evaluate the feasibility of supplying water through borehole development and piped water schemes. This initiative is particularly focused on drought-prone and hard-to-reach areas where access to safe water is critical. The findings will inform the design and implementation of water supply interventions aimed at improving access to safe and sustainable water in schools, thereby enhancing learning environments in affected communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Design the needs assessment tools and methodology. 2) Collect and review secondary data relevant to the schools. 3) Identify the sample set of schools for assessment. 4) Conduct the needs assessments using the agreed tools at the selected schools. 5) Present findings to the Education Team and MoPSE for validation. 6) Develop a final report detailing findings and recommendations from the rapid needs assessment, ensuring that all relevant data and insights are captured to support future interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in WASH Engineering or Civil Engineering, with a social sciences qualification considered an added advantage. Experience in evaluating WASH services for educational institutions or public services is highly desirable. Skills in data analysis and report writing are essential, along with proven experience in producing similar deliverables. References for previous work undertaken and experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies are also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in WASH Engineering or Civil Engineering is required. Additional qualifications in social sciences would be beneficial, enhancing the candidate's ability to understand the social implications of WASH services in educational settings.

Experience:
A minimum of three years’ experience in WASH or a related field is required. This experience should ideally include evaluating WASH services in educational institutions or similar public services, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges and solutions in this area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted in a full-time capacity, with a focus on collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) and UNICEF's Education and WASH Sections. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not provided in the job ad, but candidates are encouraged to submit a financial proposal as part of their application. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.