WASH Specialist
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with options to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The UNHCR operates in numerous countries around the globe, working tirelessly to provide assistance and protection to millions of refugees and displaced persons.
Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist position is crucial for supporting the coordination of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Kakuma, Kenya. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the County Government and other humanitarian partners, to assess and improve urban water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. The specialist will be responsible for implementing the Water Supply Transition Plan, ensuring that WASH services transition from UN and humanitarian agencies to government-owned systems. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying gaps in WASH services and addressing unmet needs, while also promoting the inclusion of Persons of Concern (PoC) in national development plans. The specialist will monitor and evaluate WASH programs against UNHCR and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including supporting WASH coordination among partners, assessing urban water supply systems, providing technical recommendations for system rehabilitation, and strengthening sanitation facilities. The specialist will also facilitate the construction and maintenance of latrines, implement solid waste disposal strategies, and promote environmental health initiatives. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating WASH programs, ensuring that PoC are consulted during planning and implementation, and building the technical capacity of stakeholders through targeted training. The specialist will also be responsible for developing a water safety plan and coordinating the gradual handover of WASH services to the County Government and Municipality.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in WASH-related fields, with a focus on urban water supply and sanitation. They should have experience in project management, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and the rights of refugees and displaced persons.
Educational Background:
A degree in Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Management, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH or related areas will be considered an asset.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in WASH programming, particularly in humanitarian or development settings. Experience working with government agencies and local communities is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UNHCR policies and procedures.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with diverse populations, including refugees and local communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kakuma, which is classified as a non-family duty station with challenging living conditions. The role may involve working in a high-stress environment, and candidates should be prepared for the realities of living and working in a remote area. The position may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Candidates should also be aware of the health and safety requirements, including necessary vaccinations and medical precautions.
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with options to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The UNHCR operates in numerous countries around the globe, working tirelessly to provide assistance and protection to millions of refugees and displaced persons.
Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist position is crucial for supporting the coordination of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Kakuma, Kenya. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including the County Government and other humanitarian partners, to assess and improve urban water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. The specialist will be responsible for implementing the Water Supply Transition Plan, ensuring that WASH services transition from UN and humanitarian agencies to government-owned systems. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying gaps in WASH services and addressing unmet needs, while also promoting the inclusion of Persons of Concern (PoC) in national development plans. The specialist will monitor and evaluate WASH programs against UNHCR and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including supporting WASH coordination among partners, assessing urban water supply systems, providing technical recommendations for system rehabilitation, and strengthening sanitation facilities. The specialist will also facilitate the construction and maintenance of latrines, implement solid waste disposal strategies, and promote environmental health initiatives. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating WASH programs, ensuring that PoC are consulted during planning and implementation, and building the technical capacity of stakeholders through targeted training. The specialist will also be responsible for developing a water safety plan and coordinating the gradual handover of WASH services to the County Government and Municipality.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in WASH-related fields, with a focus on urban water supply and sanitation. They should have experience in project management, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and the rights of refugees and displaced persons.
Educational Background:
A degree in Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Management, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH or related areas will be considered an asset.
Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in WASH programming, particularly in humanitarian or development settings. Experience working with government agencies and local communities is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UNHCR policies and procedures.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Swahili or other local languages is an advantage. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with diverse populations, including refugees and local communities.
Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kakuma, which is classified as a non-family duty station with challenging living conditions. The role may involve working in a high-stress environment, and candidates should be prepared for the realities of living and working in a remote area. The position may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Candidates should also be aware of the health and safety requirements, including necessary vaccinations and medical precautions.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.