UNV Specialist - Emergency WASH

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights and ensuring their basic needs are met. The organization operates globally, focusing on the survival, protection, and development of children, particularly in developing countries. UNICEF mobilizes resources and political will to support countries in forming appropriate policies and delivering services for children and their families. The organization prioritizes the most disadvantaged children, including victims of war, disasters, and extreme poverty, and responds to emergencies to protect children's rights. UNICEF collaborates with various partners to promote gender equality and support women's and girls' full participation in development. The organization aims to achieve sustainable human development goals and uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Job Overview:
The UNV Specialist - Emergency WASH position is part of UNICEF's emergency response program in Sri Lanka, specifically targeting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in areas affected by floods and cyclones. This role involves close collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, relevant ministries, and humanitarian partners to provide immediate relief and support recovery efforts. The UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in coordinating emergency activities, ensuring effective information sharing, and aligning interventions through regular WASH sector meetings. The position requires providing technical and coordination support to field teams, government counterparts, and implementing partners, as well as contributing to monitoring, reporting, and documenting emergency interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Specialist - Emergency WASH will undertake various tasks during the 3-month emergency assignment, including:

• Coordination: Assessing WASH requirements and securing agreements with relevant authorities, coordinating with implementing partners for project execution, providing technical guidance to UNICEF field staff, facilitating procurement of materials, and coordinating with authorities and partners for program implementation.
• Monitoring: Recording procurement and delivery of supplies, monitoring ongoing activities and compliance, tracking funding utilization, following up on government requests, and ensuring quality of work by implementing partners.
• Reporting: Conducting regular monitoring to review project activities, preparing progress reports, and compiling reports on materials supplied and activities undertaken by partners.
• Other: Supporting communication efforts by drafting case studies and success stories, and performing additional duties as required to ensure effective emergency response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UNV Specialist - Emergency WASH position should possess strong coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. They should demonstrate self-awareness and ethical awareness, a drive to achieve impactful results, and the ability to innovate and embrace change. Candidates must be capable of managing ambiguity and complexity while thinking and acting strategically. Experience in emergency response and WASH programs is highly desirable, along with a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in public health, environmental science, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in emergency response and WASH initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in emergency response, particularly in WASH programs. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, and humanitarian partners is highly valued. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as project management, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with partners. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Sri Lanka, such as Sinhala or Tamil, is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 3-month emergency assignment under UNICEF's Special Programme Initiative (SPI) for UN Volunteers. Candidates will be subject to background checks and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS). The role is full-time and requires a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in advocating for the rights and well-being of children in emergency situations.