UNV National Specialist – Local WASH Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to ensure that every child has the right to a childhood filled with safety, health, and education. UNICEF focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children and adolescents, particularly in challenging environments. The organization operates with a strong commitment to the principles of equity and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing resilience, sustainability, and accountability, especially in crisis contexts like the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The UNV National Specialist – Local WASH Expert position is crucial for UNICEF's efforts in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, where the ongoing conflict has severely impacted essential services such as water supply and sanitation. This role involves providing technical support for assessments, monitoring the implementation of WASH and heating projects, and ensuring quality assurance in compliance with UNICEF's standards. The expert will be responsible for conducting field assessments, monitoring project sites, and preparing reports that document the progress and challenges of the interventions. The position requires a hands-on approach to support the restoration and sustainability of services for vulnerable populations, particularly children, in conflict-affected areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct field-based assessments of water supply, wastewater, sanitation, and heating infrastructure in conflict-affected communities, assessing technical conditions and identifying winterization needs.
• Prepare technical scopes of work, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates in collaboration with UNICEF engineers.
• Perform regular monitoring visits to project sites to ensure compliance with approved designs and safety standards.
• Monitor contractor performance and construction progress, identifying any technical risks or quality issues.
• Collect and verify field-level evidence for accountability and documentation purposes.
• Prepare field monitoring reports and project completion reports, providing technical inputs for donor reporting.
• Liaise with local authorities and utility staff to support the operation and maintenance of rehabilitated systems.
• Participate in coordination meetings and technical discussions as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in WASH and heating systems, with a focus on infrastructure assessment and project monitoring. They should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in challenging environments and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with UNICEF's operational standards and procedures is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in liaising with local authorities and stakeholders in the field.

Educational Background:
A degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH or humanitarian response will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of water supply, sanitation, and heating systems, particularly in emergency contexts.

Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in WASH programming, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is required. Experience in conducting assessments, monitoring project implementation, and ensuring quality assurance in WASH projects is essential. Familiarity with the humanitarian context in Ukraine or similar environments will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian and English is mandatory. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time national UN volunteer position based in Ukraine, specifically in the Kharkiv Field Office. The contract duration is subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal. The position offers a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 1587 per month, along with a one-time entry lump sum payment of USD 40

• Medical and life insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the assignment. UN Volunteers accrue annual leave and are entitled to sick leave. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19 before commencing the assignment, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.