WASH Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in over 80 countries, providing project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to various UN agencies and other partners. UNOPS aims to support the implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects, ensuring that they are delivered effectively and efficiently. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNOPS is committed to promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the capacity of local partners.

Job Overview:
The WASH Associate position is crucial for the development and implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) strategies in refugee settlements. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a senior WASH colleague and will be responsible for providing technical guidance and oversight for WASH-related activities. This role involves collaborating with multi-functional teams, including protection, health, and settlement planning, to ensure that WASH services meet the needs of persons of concern (POC). The WASH Associate will follow a rights-based and community-focused approach, adhering to the UNHCR WASH Manual and Technical Guidelines. The position requires a proactive attitude towards improving WASH service delivery and ensuring accountability in all activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: providing technical guidance and support to partners on WASH-related issues; liaising with implementing partners and relevant governmental and non-governmental counterparts; regularly reviewing the quantity and quality of water and sanitation services; supporting performance reviews and field verifications; promoting community involvement in WASH projects; maintaining close relationships with other sectors; preparing timely reports on WASH services; participating in strategic planning cycles; assisting in communication of WASH-related issues; compiling documents and reports; monitoring WASH activities; providing project management support; establishing complaint mechanisms for accountability; coordinating construction and maintenance of WASH facilities; and monitoring risks and opportunities impacting objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include experience in WASH, including surveys, program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and coordination. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of water and wastewater hydraulics, solid waste management practices, and hygiene promotion strategies. Functional skills required for this position include computer literacy, GIS knowledge, public health epidemiology, and WASH assessment capabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with two years of relevant experience. Relevant fields of education include Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Environment, Natural Resources Management, Hydrology, Project Management, Public Health, Community Development/Social Work, Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Architecture, and Water Resource Development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Essential experience includes working in WASH, particularly in areas such as surveys, program implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and coordination. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the relationship between WASH services and public health indicators, as well as experience in community engagement and capacity building.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is May 1, 2026, and the application deadline is June 5, 202

• The role does not require a functional clearance and is categorized under a hardship level of 'U' (unclassified). The position is full-time and involves working closely with various partners and stakeholders to ensure effective WASH service delivery in refugee settlements.