WASH Specialist Level 4

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, emphasizing equity for the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF is known for its diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist Level 4 plays a crucial role in supporting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, particularly in humanitarian and resilience contexts, including cholera and public health emergencies. This position involves providing expertise in WASH-related public health emergencies at both global and field levels. The specialist will collaborate with various teams within the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and with regional and country offices to develop and implement plans aimed at enhancing UNICEF's capacity to deliver effective WASH support during public health emergencies. The role also includes providing technical assistance to country offices to ensure they can adequately respond to acute emergencies and implement programs that prevent WASH-related diseases. Additionally, the WASH Specialist will support the implementation of WASH activities under the Pandemic Fund project, focusing on strategic support, program development, technical advisory, advocacy, partnerships, coordination, humanitarian response, and capacity-building.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist Level 4 is responsible for a variety of key accountabilities, including:

• Strategic Support: Providing strategic guidance and support for WASH program development and implementation in humanitarian contexts.
• Programme Development & Implementation: Leading the design and execution of WASH programs that address public health emergencies and cholera outbreaks.
• Technical Advisory & Advocacy: Offering technical advice to country offices and advocating for effective WASH interventions in emergencies.
• Partnerships & Coordination: Building and maintaining partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance WASH response efforts.
• Humanitarian Response: Contributing to UNICEF's humanitarian response efforts by ensuring that WASH services are integrated into emergency response plans.
• Capacity-building: Developing training and capacity-building initiatives for staff and partners to improve WASH service delivery in emergencies.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Health, Civil Engineering, Environmental Applied Engineering, Water & Sanitation, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in WASH programs related to public health emergencies, humanitarian assistance, and disease outbreaks at national and/or international levels. This experience must include at least 5 years in emergency and humanitarian contexts, working with UN agencies, governments, or international NGOs. Candidates should also demonstrate skills in navigating humanitarian contexts, partnership-building, policy reform, programming, technical guidance, advocacy, and knowledge management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Civil Engineering, Environmental Applied Engineering, or Water & Sanitation. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of WASH in public health emergencies and for developing effective interventions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in WASH-related programs, particularly in public health emergencies and humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have substantial experience working with UN agencies, governments, or international NGOs, with at least 5 years specifically in emergency and humanitarian settings. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the challenges associated with WASH in crisis situations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Level 4 role within UNICEF, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience. The role is full-time and may involve international travel and deployment to humanitarian contexts as needed. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.