Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, was established on December 11, 1946, by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, meet their basic needs, and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories worldwide, focusing on the survival, development, protection, and participation of mothers, infants, and children. The organization is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children and mobilizes political will and resources to help countries, especially developing ones, to prioritize children's needs. UNICEF Timor-Leste specifically works to translate its commitment into practical actions for the benefit of approximately 550,000 children under 18 years of age, which is nearly half of the country's population. The organization collaborates closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to provide essential services in health, nutrition, education, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

Job Overview:
The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer will be a vital member of the WASH programme team at UNICEF's country office in Dili, Timor-Leste. This position is under the direct supervision of the WASH Specialist and involves ensuring high-quality construction and rehabilitation activities related to WASH that are implemented by UNICEF and its partners. The engineer will conduct technical assessments of potential construction sites for various WASH facilities, including gravity-fed water supply systems, urban water storage and distribution systems, and small-scale wastewater treatment systems. They will draft technical designs for proposed construction or rehabilitation works and consult with relevant government ministries to gain approval for work plans and designs. The role also includes drafting requests for quotations for public tenders, assessing potential contractors, coordinating with them to monitor progress, conducting site visits, and preparing monitoring reports. The engineer will also coordinate with local authorities to establish water user committees and support community training, ensuring the successful implementation of WASH projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer include: conducting technical assessments of potential construction and rehabilitation sites for WASH facilities; drafting technical designs for proposed WASH construction or rehabilitation works; consulting with relevant government ministries to gain approval for work plans and designs; drafting requests for quotations for public tenders; assessing potential contractors for construction or rehabilitation works; coordinating with contractors to monitor the progress of construction or rehabilitation works; conducting site visits and preparing monitoring reports; coordinating with local authorities to establish water user committees; supporting community training and conducting follow-up visits; arranging handover ceremonies and supporting project publicity; monitoring completed work during the retention period; and performing any other tasks as necessary as part of the UNICEF WASH team.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer position include a strong technical background in civil engineering or a related field, with specific expertise in water supply and sanitation systems. The candidate should possess excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with government officials, contractors, and community members. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in advocating for children's rights and promoting gender equality.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer position should have a degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in water supply and sanitation engineering will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development in relevant areas is encouraged to keep up with best practices and innovations in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in water supply and sanitation engineering, including experience in project management and implementation of WASH projects. Experience working in developing countries, particularly in emergency or post-conflict settings, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as experience in working with government agencies and NGOs, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNICEF. Knowledge of local languages, such as Tetum or Portuguese, is considered an asset and will facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Dili, Timor-Leste, and may require travel to remote areas for site assessments and project monitoring. The role is full-time and may involve working in challenging conditions, including during emergencies. UNICEF offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background.