WASH Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: WASH Officer
Location: Damascus
Country: Syria
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF Syria, specifically, was established in 1970 and has been working with partners to empower children to claim their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The organization provides humanitarian assistance and works across various sectors including Child Protection, Education, Health, Nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

Job Overview:
The WASH Officer position at UNICEF Syria is crucial for supporting the WASH program in Damascus and the Southern governorates. The officer will report to the Chief of Field Office and the Chief of WASH, and will be responsible for facilitating, coordinating, and supervising WASH program projects and initiatives. This includes conducting assessments, planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring WASH programs. The officer will also maintain communication and coordination with relevant authorities and partners, including water establishments, UN agencies, and NGOs. The role requires a proactive approach to address the complex humanitarian needs in Syria, where 16.7 million people are in need of assistance, and 7.2 million children require support in the education sector due to ongoing conflicts and economic crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme development and planning: Research and analyze political, WASH, health, and socio-economic trends; prepare technical reports; assist in developing WASH-related outcomes and strategies; provide technical and administrative support throughout programming processes; prepare documentation for review and approval.
• Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results: Collaborate with colleagues and partners to analyze implementation issues; participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises; monitor resource use and compliance; prepare inputs for reporting.
• Technical and operational support: Conduct field visits; provide technical support to government and NGO partners; report critical issues to supervisors.
• Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response: Draft inputs for emergency preparedness; understand UNICEF’s emergency response procedures; support roles in emergencies.
• Networking and partnership building: Build partnerships with government and stakeholders; draft communication materials for advocacy; participate in inter-agency meetings; research potential donors.
• Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building: Assist in developing WASH action research; prepare learning products; create learning opportunities for staff; participate in capacity-building initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a university degree in relevant fields such as civil engineering, public health, environmental science, or water and sanitation engineering. Advanced degrees are an asset. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in WASH-related programs, preferably in developing countries. Experience with logistics systems, quality monitoring, and capacity building in the WASH sector is advantageous. Familiarity with the WASH context in Damascus and the Southern area is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in areas relevant to the position, such as civil engineering, public health, environmental science, or water and sanitation engineering. Advanced degrees in these areas will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in WASH-related programs, particularly in developing countries. Experience working with government bodies, international organizations, and NGOs in Syria is highly valued. Proven experience in logistics systems analysis, quality monitoring, and capacity building in the WASH sector is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the NO-B level and is full-time. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization offers flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.