Associate WASH Officer

Associate WASH Officer

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

July 30, 2026September 13, 2026KasuluTanzania
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195
  • Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, working in partnership with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Associate WASH Officer plays a crucial role in providing professional technical support and guidance on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities within the Areas of Responsibility (AoR). This position is vital for ensuring that WASH services are effectively coordinated and implemented in collaboration with government authorities and partners. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing needs, monitoring WASH program implementation, and ensuring that hygiene promotion services are delivered in accordance with UNHCR standards and guidelines. The role requires a rights-based and community-focused approach to design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, emphasizing sustainability and environmental considerations. The Associate WASH Officer will work within multi-functional teams and may be stationed at Headquarters, in a Regional Bureau, or in a Country Operation, depending on the needs of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate WASH Officer include supporting the implementation of sustainable WASH responses, coordinating with various stakeholders, and contributing to the development of joint appeals and regional response plans. The officer will facilitate capacity building activities, monitor WASH programs against established indicators, and ensure compliance with UNHCR's WASH monitoring system. Additionally, the incumbent will engage in advocacy efforts to include forcibly displaced people in national WASH development plans, support the coordination of WASH activities among partners, and report on the implementation of WASH programs. The role also involves technical assistance, data management, and ensuring community involvement in WASH-related infrastructure and services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant undergraduate degree, with a minimum of three years of relevant experience, or a graduate degree with two years of experience, or a doctorate with one year of experience. Essential qualifications include proven expertise in WASH program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. Familiarity with water and wastewater management, solid waste practices, and hygiene promotion strategies is also required. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities is essential, along with good computer skills and data analysis capabilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Water Resources Development, Public Health Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water/Sanitation Engineering, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in technical aspects of WASH and relevant certifications, such as Geographic Information Systems, are advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, and one year for those with a doctorate. Experience in WASH program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is essential, along with field-level experience in leading transitions to local service providers in WASH or energy sectors. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in 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. Additional language skills are considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role at the NOB grade level and is a temporary assignment. The target start date for this position is August 3, 2026, with an end date of January 31, 202
  • The role is family-type and is expected to be full-time. The recruitment process may involve international candidates, and the position is critical for the implementation of the Green Climate Fund project aimed at enhancing climate resilience in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNHCR's salary scales.
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