WASH Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members globally. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it aims to provide protection and assistance to those in need, particularly in crisis situations.

Job Overview:
The WASH Associate position is crucial for the implementation and oversight of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) strategies in refugee settlements. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a senior WASH colleague and will be responsible for providing technical guidance and support to partners involved in WASH-related activities. This role requires collaboration with multi-functional teams, including protection, health, and settlement planning, to ensure that WASH services meet the needs of persons of concern (POC). The WASH Associate will follow a rights-based and community-focused approach, adhering to UNHCR's WASH Manual and Technical Guidelines. The position involves monitoring and evaluating WASH service delivery, ensuring compliance with national and UNHCR standards, and contributing to the overall improvement of WASH services in the area of responsibility (AoR).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: providing technical guidance and support to partners on WASH-related issues; liaising with implementing partners and relevant governmental and non-governmental counterparts; regularly reviewing the quantity and quality of water and sanitation services; supporting performance reviews and field verifications; promoting community involvement in WASH projects; building relationships with other sectors; preparing reports for management and donors; contributing to strategic planning; monitoring WASH activities; establishing complaint mechanisms; coordinating construction and maintenance of WASH facilities; assisting in negotiations with local authorities; and providing data inputs for the WASH monitoring system. The role also requires the incumbent to identify and manage risks, ensuring effective decision-making in the functional area of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include experience in WASH program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and coordination. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of water and wastewater hydraulics, solid waste management practices, and hygiene promotion strategies. Candidates should also have strong technical knowledge in WASH and experience working in multi-functional teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with three years of experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with two years of relevant experience. Relevant fields of education include Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Environment, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, Project Management, Public Health, Community Development/Social Work, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Architecture, and Water Resource Development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential experience includes working in WASH, conducting surveys, and implementing and monitoring programs in humanitarian settings. Desirable experience includes coordination of WASH activities with government authorities and partners, as well as training related to WASH programs.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level. Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station is also required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is necessary.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. The target start date for the position is March 1, 202

• The role is a regular assignment with no designation for family type, indicating that it may not be suitable for family relocation. The position is based in Chad, which is classified under a hardship level of U (unclassified). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they may be required to undertake written and/or oral tests as part of the selection process.