WASH Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The WASH Programme Officer will play a crucial role in the development, management, and implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in Venezuela. This position requires a deep understanding of regional and national political, health, and socio-economic trends to effectively contribute to program development and planning. The officer will be responsible for preparing technical reports, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information, and providing administrative support throughout the programming processes. The role also involves monitoring and evaluating program implementation, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with organizational rules and donor commitments. The officer will engage in humanitarian preparedness and response, building partnerships with government and national stakeholders, and contributing to knowledge management and capacity building initiatives within the WASH sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Development and Planning: Conduct research and analysis on political, health, and socio-economic trends; prepare technical reports and documentation; assist in establishing WASH-related outcomes and strategies.
• Programme Management: Collaborate with colleagues and partners to monitor implementation issues; participate in evaluations and prepare reports; ensure compliance with program resources and donor commitments.
• Technical Support: Undertake field visits, provide operational support to partners, and report critical issues to supervisors.
• Humanitarian Preparedness: Draft inputs for emergency preparedness and support roles in emergency responses.
• Networking: Build partnerships with stakeholders, draft advocacy materials, and participate in inter-agency meetings.
• Knowledge Management: Assist in developing WASH action research, prepare learning products, and deliver training opportunities for staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in public health, sanitary engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or chemical engineering. Additional relevant postgraduate courses are considered a strong asset. The role requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programs in developing countries, with a focus on both developmental and humanitarian contexts. Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with intermediate English proficiency being desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language is an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as public health, sanitary engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or chemical engineering is required. Additional postgraduate qualifications that complement the main degree are advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of professional experience in WASH-related programs, specifically in developing countries. This experience should encompass both developmental and humanitarian aspects of WASH programming.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required, both oral and written. Intermediate English is necessary, with proficiency being desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is aimed at national personnel, and UNICEF does not facilitate visa issuance for candidates under consideration for national officer and general service categories. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles. The recruitment process is inclusive, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background.