WASH 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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in its hiring practices. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, which includes paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The WASH Officer position at UNICEF in Vanuatu is crucial for contributing to ongoing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs and projects. The role involves conducting technical assessments, designing infrastructure, monitoring construction, and building the capacity of local counterparts. The WASH Officer will work closely with various ministries, including Education and Health, to ensure that WASH facilities meet national and international standards. This position requires strong collaboration skills as it involves working with multiple stakeholders to implement projects effectively. The officer will also be responsible for documenting experiences and sharing results with relevant sectors, ensuring that the WASH interventions are sustainable and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct technical needs assessments of WASH facilities and infrastructure in schools and health centers at both institutional and community levels.
• Support the Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Health, and Department of Water Resources in developing detailed designs, drawings, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and tender documents.
• Oversee the construction and rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Provide technical assistance to contractors and support community members in negotiations with contractors.
• Verify construction reports and recommend improvements to enhance work quality.
• Ensure that WASH interventions comply with national and international standards and best practices.
• Apply UNICEF norms to construction projects, considering local contexts and resilience.
• Build capacity and raise awareness among government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries on WASH-related issues.
• Contribute to technical guidance and supervision for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of WASH infrastructure. 1
• Document experiences and create technical guidelines and training materials for knowledge management. 1
• Participate in reviews and evaluations, sharing results with the WASH, Health, and Education sectors, and organizing consultations during project implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• A university degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Water Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or a relevant technical field.
• Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement the main degree are considered a strong asset.
• Minimum one year of experience in engineering, construction, and rehabilitation of public infrastructure, water supply, or sanitation systems.
• Preferred experience working with government, local authorities, international organizations, NGOs, or communities in water, sanitation, and health promotion.
• Knowledge of the latest guidance and best practices for WASH programming, particularly in the Pacific context, is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant engineering field such as Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Water Engineering, or Sanitary Engineering. Additional post-graduate qualifications that enhance the primary degree are advantageous and will be viewed favorably during the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant work experience in engineering, construction, and rehabilitation of public infrastructure, specifically in water supply or sanitation systems. Experience in collaborative projects with government entities, NGOs, or community organizations in the WASH sector is preferred, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to work effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French or Bislama is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require compliance with vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.