Field Associate (WASH Integration)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that those forced to flee can seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. The organization supports States in providing an enabling protection environment for asylum seekers, refugees, and former refugees. UNHCR operates in multiple countries, including Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, focusing on strengthening government-led systems and integrated service delivery. The organization is committed to ensuring that refugees are protected, self-reliant, and can achieve durable solutions, with a particular emphasis on sustainable, climate-resilient solutions in its programming.

Job Overview:
The Field Associate (WASH Integration) position is crucial for supporting WASH infrastructure interventions, including Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and water reticulation projects. The incumbent will report to the Head of National Office in Lilongwe and work closely with the Operations Associate and Programme Officer. This role encompasses the entire programme management cycle, including needs assessment, technical design, implementation planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The Field Associate will apply results-based management approaches to ensure that WASH interventions are data-informed and aligned with strategic priorities. The position requires collaboration with district authorities, implementing partners, contractors, and communities to ensure effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH activities, particularly in the Dzaleka refugee camp. The incumbent will also support the integration of WASH programming within broader multi-sectoral interventions, including protection, health, and community-based programming, ensuring coherence and complementarity across sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the implementation of MAR and JSB WASH activities; providing technical support on design, cost estimation, and Bills of Quantities to ensure quality and sustainability of WASH interventions; validating technical designs for compliance with UNHCR standards; contributing to lifecycle cost analysis and sustainability planning; supporting procurement processes and contract management; conducting field monitoring and verification of WASH projects; maintaining records of WASH performance indicators; analyzing monitoring data to support evidence-based decision-making; tracking progress and preparing reports for internal and donor requirements; liaising with partners, contractors, and government stakeholders; promoting community participation and strengthening accountability mechanisms; supporting Water User Associations and capacity-building activities; contributing to data collection, analysis, and reporting; maintaining proper documentation and reporting systems; and facilitating the integration of WASH interventions with protection, health, and community-based programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Environment, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, Project Management, Public Health, Community Development/Social Work, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Water Resource Development, or Water/Sanitation Management. The position requires operational knowledge and field experience in monitoring for displaced populations, knowledge of refugee protection, and the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects. Excellent communication and reporting skills are essential, along with familiarity with national systems and proficiency in data collection and monitoring and evaluation tools. Desirable competencies include experience working with refugee populations, the ability to train and mentor partners, and proven experience in WASH programming.

Educational Background:
A degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a diploma may also be considered if they have at least three years of work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of work experience for candidates with a diploma or two years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience should be in areas related to WASH programming, project management, and field operations, particularly in contexts involving displaced populations.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Knowledge of Chichewa is desirable but not required. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is July 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and community members. The position does not require a functional clearance, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test and/or oral interview.