City-wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Planning Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly. Established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, UN-Habitat collaborates with governments and various partners, including local authorities, private and non-governmental organizations, to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA), created in 2009 and led by UN-Habitat, supports water and sanitation operators through peer support partnerships aimed at enhancing their capacity and performance. The GWOPA Secretariat, currently hosted by the Government of Germany, translates GWOPA’s mandate into actionable strategies and programs, ensuring that partnerships are scaled up to improve water and sanitation services globally. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on addressing the global sanitation crisis, particularly in low-income urban communities in South and Southeast Asia, with significant projects in the Lao PDR and Nepal.

Job Overview:
The City-wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Planning Expert will be responsible for preparing City-wide Inclusive Sanitation Plans for three cities: Luang Prabang and Attapeu in the Lao PDR and Mechinagar Municipality in Nepal. The role involves developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency of sanitation services in these cities. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including UN-Habitat Country offices, local consultants, and other partners, to ensure that the sanitation plans are inclusive, equitable, and resilient to climate change. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of urban planning, sanitation services, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to promote local ownership and compliance with national policies. The expert will also be involved in capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance the operational capabilities of local authorities and service providers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the CWIS Planning Expert include preparing an inception report and work plan that outlines methodology, timelines, stakeholder mapping, and data collection tools. The expert will lead multi-stakeholder engagement meetings to ensure inclusive participation from national governments, municipal authorities, service providers, and vulnerable groups. A comprehensive baseline assessment of existing sanitation services and infrastructure will be conducted, alongside a review of institutional arrangements to identify gaps and propose clear roles for accountability. The expert will assess service equity, study the impact of climate change on sanitation services, and develop a monitoring and evaluation framework with KPIs. Additionally, the expert will design sustainable financial strategies, propose capacity-building measures, draft and finalize the CWIS plan, and support early implementation and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Urban Development, Public Health, or a related field to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must have at least 5 years of working experience in international cooperation, particularly in urban water and sanitation issues. Experience in data management, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships is essential, along with a proven track record in conducting research and drafting reports. Previous experience with the UN or other international organizations is desirable, and candidates with an established presence in the Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to apply.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Engineering, Urban Development, or Public Health. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of urban sanitation and the technical aspects of developing effective sanitation plans.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in international cooperation, specifically related to urban water and sanitation issues. Candidates should have experience in data management, conducting baseline assessments, engaging with stakeholders, and building capacity within organizations. Familiarity with knowledge management and partnerships in the sanitation sector is also required. Experience in drafting reports and other knowledge outputs is essential, and prior work with the UN or similar organizations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. A working knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is fair and accessible to all qualified candidates.