Associate WASH Officer (Surface Water Management)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping partners implement peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. With a mission to serve people in need, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, employing around 20,000 personnel. The organization focuses on infrastructure, procurement, and project management, ensuring that projects are delivered effectively and efficiently, particularly in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Associate WASH Officer plays a crucial role in providing professional technical support and guidance on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities within designated Areas of Responsibility (AoR). This position involves working closely with UNHCR and government entities to assess needs and coordinate the provision of WASH services, particularly hygiene promotion for Persons of Concern (PoC). The officer is expected to collaborate with various stakeholders, including WASH partners and government authorities, to ensure that hygiene promotion services are implemented effectively at each site. The role requires a rights-based and community-focused approach to design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, adhering to UNHCR's WASH Manual and Technical Guidelines. The Associate WASH Officer will also maintain communication with the WASH team in HQ for technical advice and resources, ensuring that the needs of refugees and other PoC are met through effective WASH service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate WASH Officer include coordinating activities of WASH implementing partners and ensuring that the delivery of WASH services meets UNHCR and national standards. The officer will work with senior WASH staff to engage government and partners to unlock resources for community-centered infrastructure and improved hygiene conditions. Responsibilities also include facilitating WASH coordination among partners, addressing gaps in UNHCR funded WASH programs, and supporting national governments in including PoC in national development plans. The officer will maintain a WASH strategy, update needs assessments, advise on program development, and ensure the inclusion of PoC in WASH services. Additionally, the officer will monitor and evaluate WASH programs, draft reports, and ensure accountability mechanisms are in place for PoC feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include proven expertise in WASH, including surveys, program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of water and wastewater hydraulics, solid waste management practices, and hygiene promotion strategies. Functional skills required include reporting skills, computer literacy, and knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in fields such as Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Geology, Natural Resources Management, Project Management, Public Health, Rural Development, Community Development, Anthropology, Social Science, Sociology, Social Work, Architecture, Social Development, Urban Planning, Water Resources Development, or Water/Sanitation Engineering.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. For those with a graduate degree, 2 years of relevant experience is required, and for candidates with a doctorate, 1 year of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in WASH program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is essential, along with a proven track record of coordinating with various stakeholders in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken French is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the hardship level E, indicating it is in a challenging environment. It is a non-family position with residential location requirements. The target start date for this role is February 1, 2026, and the application deadline is February 12, 202

• The position is not remote and requires the candidate to be flexible and adaptable to operate independently in austere and potentially hazardous environments.