Individual Consultant for WASH

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with essential services and support to help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children thrive, ensuring that every child has access to clean water, education, and protection from harm. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNICEF operates globally, advocating for children's rights and providing humanitarian assistance in emergencies.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for WASH at UNICEF Rwanda is aimed at enhancing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services in alignment with the National Strategy for Transformation (NTS-2). The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Government of Rwanda in implementing WASH interventions that strengthen policy frameworks and provide climate-resilient services in communities, schools, and health centers. The consultant will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data on the WASH situation in Rwanda, drafting sector strategies, and providing specialized technical assistance for the design and implementation of WASH interventions. This role is essential in ensuring that UNICEF's objectives in improving WASH services for children are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing WASH sector strategies, plans, standards, guidelines, and sector briefs.
• Upgrading and managing WASH management information systems (MIS).
• Conducting groundwater mapping and monitoring.
• Securing sector financing for WASH initiatives.
• Overseeing borehole drilling operations.
• Designing and implementing WASH infrastructure projects, including feasibility assessments for systems like piped water supply, solar water pumping, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Preparing and reviewing technical specifications, designs, drawings, bills of quantities, cost estimates, and bidding documents for WASH infrastructure.
• Managing procurement of services and goods related to WASH projects.
• Supervising construction and ensuring quality assurance of WASH infrastructure. 1
• Promoting hygiene and sanitation practices within communities. 1
• Monitoring water quality and conducting sector assessments and evaluations. 1
• Coordinating with various stakeholders in the WASH sector. 1
• Developing funding concept notes and proposals, particularly for climate financing mechanisms. 1
• Implementing infection prevention and control measures and managing menstrual hygiene effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters) in a relevant field related to WASH or a combination of a bachelor's degree with significant experience. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, with prior experience in Rwanda or similar humanitarian contexts being highly desirable. Experience providing technical support to UNICEF, the UN, or major multilateral or bilateral donors is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate excellent research, analytical, and report writing skills, along with a fluent command of English and/or Kinyarwanda. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in multicultural teams are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes an advanced degree (Masters) in a field related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, or a closely related area. In exceptional cases, a combination of a bachelor's degree and relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of WASH interventions and effectively contributing to UNICEF's goals in this sector.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in the WASH sector or related fields. Candidates with prior experience working in Rwanda or similar humanitarian or development contexts will be given preference. Experience in providing technical support to UNICEF or other UN agencies, as well as major multilateral or bilateral donors, is highly desirable. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to the development and implementation of WASH strategies and interventions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Kinyarwanda is highly desirable. Strong communication skills in both languages will facilitate effective collaboration with local stakeholders and ensure that the consultant can engage with diverse communities effectively. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is for individual consultants who will be included in a pre-screened roster for short- or long-term assignments. Interested candidates are invited to submit their expression of interest (EOI) along with a cover letter indicating their areas of expertise and expected remuneration. The EOI will be screened against the specified credentials for potential inclusion in the roster. This call for EOIs does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. Selected individuals will be contacted when specific requests for services arise, and UNICEF will provide Terms of Reference for each assignment. The position is subject to UNICEF's terms and conditions for individual contractors, and candidates must comply with UNICEF's standards of conduct and safeguarding policies.