WASH Manager

WASH Manager

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

February 28, 2026March 4, 2026MaiduguriNigeria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children and ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF operates globally with a mission to build a better world for every child, emphasizing equity and the fulfillment of children's rights as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest country offices, actively engaging in both humanitarian and development efforts to support children's rights in partnership with various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The WASH Manager position is crucial for overseeing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program within Nigeria. Reporting to the Chief of Field Office (CFO) and receiving technical guidance from the Chief of WASH at the Country Office, the Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the WASH program. This role involves providing technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to achieve WASH-related output results. The Manager will also co-lead the WASH Cluster in Northeast Nigeria, focusing on equitable and transparent coordination and decision-making to foster trust among partners and affected populations. The position requires a proactive approach to managing WASH initiatives in both development and humanitarian contexts, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide management support to the Chief of Field Office in the planning and execution of WASH programs.
  • Develop and implement WASH program strategies that align with UNICEF's mission and objectives.
  • Monitor and evaluate program performance, ensuring delivery of results and adherence to standards.
  • Offer advisory services and technical support to government and sector support agencies.
  • Lead advocacy efforts to promote WASH initiatives and build partnerships with stakeholders.
  • Co-lead the WASH Cluster in Northeast Nigeria, ensuring effective coordination and response to humanitarian needs.
  • Foster innovation and knowledge management within the WASH sector, enhancing capacity building efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as geology, public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, or other relevant technical areas. A minimum of eight years of professional experience in WASH-related programs in developing countries is required, along with at least one year of deployment in a developing country. Additionally, candidates should have at least six months of experience in emergency preparedness and response, ideally with cluster coordination experience in protracted humanitarian situations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is mandatory for this position, with preferred fields including geology, public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, or other relevant technical disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage WASH programs and initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in WASH-related programs, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have at least one year of deployment experience in a developing country context and a minimum of six months of proven experience in emergency preparedness and response. Experience in protracted humanitarian situations, including a three-month deployment mission with UN, government, or international NGOs, is also required, ideally with cluster coordination experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with local languages such as Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba is advantageous and may enhance communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates may be subject to medical clearance and must meet vaccination requirements as part of the hiring process. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.
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