WASH Specialist (Sector Coordinator & Climate Change)

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 inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist (Sector Coordinator & Climate Change) plays a crucial role in leading national coordination efforts and integrating climate considerations into WASH strategies and interventions. Reporting to the Chief of WASH, the specialist will be responsible for programme development, planning, coordination, and providing technical and operational support to various sections. The role involves advocacy, evidence generation, and positioning UNICEF in sector coordination and climate change initiatives. The specialist will also engage in external partnerships, resource mobilization, and linkages to regional and global efforts, ensuring effective programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results. The position emphasizes innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building within the WASH sector, particularly in the context of Lebanon's ongoing challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WASH Specialist include:

• Leading the development and implementation of WASH programmes that address the needs of the most disadvantaged children and families.
• Coordinating with government and partners to strengthen national systems for WASH service delivery.
• Advocating for policies and practices that promote equitable access to safe water and sanitation.
• Generating evidence and data to support programme planning and decision-making.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders at national and international levels.
• Mobilizing resources to support WASH initiatives and climate change adaptation efforts.
• Monitoring and evaluating programme outcomes and impact, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic goals.
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building among staff and partners.
• Engaging in innovation and exploring new approaches to enhance WASH service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, water-related studies, environmental sciences, health and hygiene behavior, geology, earth sciences, WASH-related engineering, disaster risk reduction, or a relevant technical field. Additional relevant post-graduate courses are highly desirable. A first university degree combined with seven years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of WASH-related programmes and possess skills in programme management, advocacy, and policy development related to climate action and socio-economic development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as public health, environmental sciences, or WASH-related engineering. Candidates with a first university degree and extensive professional experience may also be considered. Additional post-graduate courses that complement the main degree are highly desirable, indicating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in WASH-related programme planning and management is required. Relevant experience at national and/or international levels, particularly in programme management within the UN system, is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in applying results-based management and familiarity with climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Experience in humanitarian coordination and building partnerships with national governments is highly desirable, as is previous experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies.

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. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse contexts in which UNICEF operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a P-3 level role within UNICEF, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. UNICEF offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes rigorous background checks, and candidates must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.