Project Officer (Water Supply)

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer (Water Supply) plays a crucial role in providing professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programming process. This position requires the application of both theoretical and practical technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting program information. The officer will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of WASH output results within the Country Programme. Responsibilities include providing technical support for the implementation of climate-resilient water supply systems, monitoring WASH construction supplies, and overseeing the planning, design, and execution of water supply projects. The role also involves developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for quality assurance and ensuring the operation and maintenance of water supply systems through capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: conducting research and analysis of regional and national political, WASH, health, and socio-economic development trends; preparing technical reports and documentation for program preparation; assisting in the establishment of WASH-related outcomes and strategies; providing technical and administrative support throughout programming processes; collaborating with colleagues and partners to address implementation issues; monitoring and reporting on the use of program resources; providing technical support for the planning and design of climate-resilient water supply networks; conducting vulnerability assessments; overseeing construction phases to ensure compliance with design specifications; and building partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders to facilitate program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University degree (Bachelors) in fields such as public health, civil engineering, hydrogeology, hydrology, water supply engineering, or water resources management. Additional relevant post-graduate courses are considered a strong asset. A minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programs is required, with a preference for 2-3 years. Candidates should have experience in the survey, design, and implementation of water supply systems focusing on climate resilience, as well as knowledge of hydrogeological surveys and groundwater mapping. Familiarity with renewable energy-powered water systems is advantageous, along with a strong understanding of environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University degree (Bachelors) in relevant fields such as public health, civil engineering, hydrogeology, hydrology, water supply engineering, or water resources management. Additional post-graduate courses that complement the main degree are considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programs, preferably 2-3 years. Candidates should have experience in the survey, design, and implementation of water supply systems with a focus on climate resilience. Experience with hydrogeological surveys, groundwater mapping, and climate risk assessments is essential. Familiarity with construction supervision and site engineering is also beneficial, as is experience in emergencies and with UN program management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is expected. Appointments may be subject to medical clearance and vaccination requirements.