UN Volunteer WASH Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members. The organization focuses on equity, advocating for the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, and works to address the disparities that violate children's rights. In the Pacific region, UNICEF is active in 14 countries, including the Solomon Islands, where it implements programs aimed at improving the lives of children and their families.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer WASH Officer will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's mission in the Solomon Islands by focusing on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools program. This position involves assisting the WASH Specialist in planning, implementing, and monitoring WASH initiatives aimed at improving the health and educational outcomes for children. The officer will work closely with provincial staff, teachers, and school children to promote WASH practices and ensure that schools have the necessary infrastructure and resources to support hygiene education. The role also includes developing communication materials to share successes and best practices, thereby enhancing public awareness and advocacy efforts. The WASH Officer will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government partners, to strengthen the overall impact of WASH initiatives in schools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the WASH in Schools program, ensuring that activities align with UNICEF's objectives.
• Contributing to advocacy efforts and capacity building initiatives related to WASH in schools, including the finalization of a costed plan for WASH interventions.
• Overseeing budget management and project implementation activities, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively.
• Training provincial staff, teachers, and students on WASH planning and practices, fostering a culture of hygiene and sanitation in schools.
• Building and maintaining relationships with provincial government partners to promote and scale up WASH initiatives.
• Delivering targeted training sessions and supporting schools in developing improvement plans focused on WASH infrastructure and behavior change.
• Monitoring and evaluating school-level activities to track progress and outcomes, ensuring that objectives are met.
• Developing communication products and social media content to highlight program successes and engage the community in WASH initiatives.
• Documenting lessons learned and creating materials for advocacy and awareness campaigns, tailoring communication for different audiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the WASH Officer position should possess a strong understanding of WASH principles and practices, particularly in the context of education. They should demonstrate technical capabilities relevant to UNICEF's operations and possess excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, advocacy, and capacity building, with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential. Additionally, candidates should exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in public health, environmental science, education, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH or related areas will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to water and sanitation, and be familiar with UNICEF's policies and procedures.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in WASH programming, project management, or a related field. Experience working in educational settings, particularly in developing countries or fragile states, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a track record of successfully implementing WASH initiatives and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with external partners. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Solomon Islands would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. The position requires the volunteer to arrange their own housing and living essentials, although basic necessities are readily available in Honiara. National UN Volunteers are covered by a comprehensive insurance plan. The role may involve travel within the country to support WASH initiatives in various provinces, and the volunteer should be prepared to work in potentially challenging conditions. The position is full-time, and the duration of the contract is typically for a specified period, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs.