National UN Volunteer WASH Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child. With a mission to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, emphasizing equity in its programs and advocacy efforts. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the universal rights of children and the responsibilities of governments and organizations to uphold these rights.

Job Overview:
The National UN Volunteer WASH Officer position is integral to UNICEF's efforts in Papua New Guinea, where the organization supports the government in enhancing equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. The role involves providing engineering oversight, monitoring construction projects, and ensuring effective implementation of WASH programs. The WASH Officer will be responsible for data management, analysis, and reporting, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and program performance. This position requires a commitment to improving the lives of children and communities through effective WASH interventions, and it offers an opportunity to work closely with government counterparts and implementing partners to achieve these goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Officer will undertake a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the WASH Specialist, including:

• Engineering and Technical Support: Provide technical assistance on WASH engineering design, planning, implementation, and quality assurance. Review technical drawings and specifications, and support government and partners in applying national standards.
• Construction Monitoring: Monitor WASH infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with quality and timelines. Conduct field visits, verify construction quality, and prepare monitoring reports.
• Programme Monitoring: Support the implementation and monitoring of WASH program activities, track progress against indicators, and assist in documenting lessons learned.
• Information Management: Organize and manage WASH program information, maintain databases, and ensure data quality.
• Data Management and Visualization: Compile and analyze program data, develop visualizations to support decision-making, and maintain reporting platforms.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Prepare donor and program reports, compile information from various sources, and support timely reporting of program achievements.
• UN Volunteer Contribution: Promote volunteerism and contribute to capacity strengthening and knowledge sharing within the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the WASH Officer position should possess a strong background in WASH engineering or a related field. They should demonstrate technical expertise in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure projects. Additionally, candidates should have experience in project monitoring and evaluation, data management, and reporting. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should also exhibit a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in promoting equity and child rights.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, public health, or a related field is required for the WASH Officer position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH-related disciplines will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of engineering principles, project management, and the specific challenges related to WASH services in developing contexts.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of professional experience in WASH engineering, project management, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs in the context of WASH programs is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Papua New Guinea and previous experience in similar roles will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the WASH Officer position, as it is the working language of UNICEF and essential for communication with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Papua New Guinea would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the ability to engage with communities and local partners effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National UN Volunteer role, which may involve travel to various provinces and project locations. The WASH Officer will be based in Port Moresby, which is a family duty station. The role requires adaptability and cultural sensitivity, as field missions may present logistical challenges. The position is full-time, and UNICEF offers reasonable accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. The specific contract duration and compensation details are not provided in the job description.