Programme Specialist (WASH and CEED)

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, providing attractive compensation and benefits packages to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist (WASH and CEED) position at UNICEF Ecuador is focused on leading the organization's efforts in Climate Change, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Emergency Preparedness. The specialist will be responsible for driving climate-resilient, risk-informed, and sustainable solutions for children. This role requires strategic and technical leadership to strengthen national and subnational systems, advance climate-responsive policies, and enhance preparedness and resilience to humanitarian and climate-related risks. The specialist will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities, international financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society, to ensure that children's needs and rights are prioritized in climate action and disaster risk reduction initiatives. The position emphasizes the importance of effective advocacy, strategic positioning, and influencing decision-making processes in a complex political and social environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Specialist include:

• Knowledge Management for Programmes: Ensuring effective knowledge sharing and management practices are in place.
• Programme Development and Management: Leading the development and management of programmes related to WASH and climate change.
• Optimum Use of Programme Funds: Ensuring that programme funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.
• Programme Monitoring and Evaluations: Conducting regular monitoring and evaluations to assess programme effectiveness.
• Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach: Implementing a rights-based approach to programme management that focuses on results.
• National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability: Building capacity at national and local levels to ensure sustainability of programmes.
• Rights Perspective and Advocacy: Advocating for children's rights at national, community, and family levels.
• Partnership, Coordination, and Collaboration: Fostering partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Leadership and Team Management: Leading and managing teams effectively to achieve programme goals.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completed Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental, Chemical or Civil Engineering, Architecture, Social or Economic Sciences, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, or Community Development. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a child rights-based and results-based approach, with knowledge of human rights, gender equality, and diversity awareness. Skills in climate resilience and risk-informed programming, situation analysis, data collection and analysis, programme funds management, and team management are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Environmental, Chemical or Civil Engineering, Architecture, Social or Economic Sciences, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, or Community Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of WASH and climate change issues.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required in areas such as Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH), Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED), social policy, planning, management, or finances. Experience working in a developing country and familiarity with emergency contexts are highly recommended, as well as relevant experience in an UN system agency or organization.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian) is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a focus on seniority level appropriate for a NO-3 position. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and compliance with medical clearance and vaccination requirements is mandatory.