Consultant WASH in Healthcare Facilities

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on children's survival, protection, and development, providing essential services such as health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, and employs over 12,000 staff across more than 145 countries.

Job Overview:
The Consultant WASH in Healthcare Facilities position is crucial for addressing the significant gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The consultant will play a key role in supporting UNICEF's efforts to improve WASH conditions, which are foundational for quality healthcare. The position involves drafting donor reports, supporting work planning for the ACT-A programme, documenting lessons learned, and mobilizing resources for WASH initiatives. The consultant will also engage in global advocacy efforts to promote WASH in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene and the involvement of faith-based organizations. This role requires a proactive approach to strategizing future resource mobilization and ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met through improved WASH services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Drafting the donor report for the second year of the ACT-A programme, ensuring it aligns with country programme reporting and the results framework.
• Supporting detailed work planning for the implementation of the third year of ACT-A programming, including facilitating global webinars and in-country workshops to rollout new hand hygiene guidelines.
• Documenting key lessons learned from the three years of ACT-A WASH in healthcare facilities activities and producing a global report with case studies.
• Organizing and facilitating a Global Strategic Network meeting with member organizations to enhance collaboration and advocacy efforts.
• Supporting UNICEF's engagement in faith-based WASH initiatives, including developing preparatory briefs and facilitating discussions at key meetings.
• Creating a resource mobilization plan for WASH and IPC in healthcare facilities and drafting proposals for potential donors. The consultant will need to ensure timely delivery of all outputs and maintain high standards of quality in their work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Statistics, Economics, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in WASH, with at least 3 years focused on WASH/IPC in healthcare facilities, is required. Demonstrated experience in developing communications and advocacy materials for the WASH sector is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, while proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered advantageous. The ability to work under tight deadlines, coordinate across teams, and adapt to dynamic environments is crucial. Prior experience with the United Nations and in multicultural settings is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Statistics, or Economics. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of WASH issues in healthcare settings and for effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8 years in the WASH sector, with at least 3 years dedicated to WASH/IPC in healthcare facilities. This experience should include a proven track record of developing advocacy materials and working collaboratively in diverse teams. Familiarity with the challenges and strategies related to WASH in low- and middle-income countries is critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as strong communication skills are essential for drafting reports and engaging with stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate with a broader range of partners and stakeholders in the WASH sector.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to run from December 15, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and offers a remote working arrangement. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs for each deliverable. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international travel is required. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance and are subject to background checks. The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.