Assistant WASH Officer

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 and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization aims to ensure 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 is committed to providing life-saving assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in crisis situations like the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh.

Job Overview:
The Assistant WASH Officer position is critical for leading the implementation of water and sanitation services in the refugee camps of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The incumbent will report to the Senior Field Officer and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring WASH-related interventions within UNHCR's areas of responsibility. This role requires collaboration with multifunctional teams, including protection, health, settlement planning, and shelter units. The Assistant WASH Officer will ensure compliance with UNHCR's WASH Manual and technical guidelines while applying a rights-based, community-focused approach to programming. The position is vital for enhancing service delivery to persons of concern and ensuring that WASH services are sustainable and effective in meeting the needs of the refugee population.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant WASH Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including leading the implementation of the WASH program, managing UNHCR's WASH implementing partners, and facilitating the WASH handover during the transition phase. The officer will provide technical guidance to partners and stakeholders, strengthen service delivery to persons of concern, and ensure compliance with relevant standards. Specific duties include supporting the WASH handover process, engaging with development partners and government counterparts, contributing to strategic planning, overseeing construction and maintenance activities, and monitoring the quality of water and sanitation services. The officer will also promote community participation, coordinate with other sectors, and develop work plans and implementation schedules. Regular reporting on progress and challenges will be required, along with the establishment of complaint and feedback mechanisms to enhance accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, water resource development, or a related field. Strong experience in the design, supervision, and monitoring of WASH infrastructure projects in refugee settings is essential. This includes expertise in water supply, solid waste management, and hygiene promotion. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of water and wastewater hydraulics, experience in solid waste and faecal sludge management systems, and familiarity with vector control strategies. Functional skills in WASH-related technologies, survey planning, and public health epidemiology are also important for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or water and sanitation management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of WASH infrastructure and ensuring effective program implementation.

Experience:
Candidates should have strong experience in the design, supervision, and monitoring of WASH infrastructure projects, particularly in the context of the Rohingya refugee camps. This experience should encompass various aspects of WASH services, including community engagement, program implementation, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. Familiarity with the challenges faced in humanitarian settings is highly beneficial.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the international nature of UNHCR's work. Knowledge of Bengali or Rohingya may be advantageous for effective communication with the local population and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under UNOPS LICA8 and is not remote. The target start date for the role is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is April 5, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cox's Bazar. Candidates should be prepared for the hardships associated with working in a refugee context.