WASH Specialist Climate Resilience ESS (NOC)

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 prides itself on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. The organization has a strong focus on climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sudan, where it aims to address the urgent humanitarian needs of children affected by climate change and conflict.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist Climate Resilience ESS (NOC) position at UNICEF Sudan is crucial for scaling up resilience-building activities in the WASH sector. This role focuses on strengthening emergency preparedness and leveraging in-country capacities to provide child-responsive disaster risk reduction support. The Specialist will also encourage low carbon, renewable energy applications and innovative approaches to service delivery. The position requires a strong understanding of climate change impacts on children and the ability to integrate climate resilience into WASH programming. The Specialist will report to the WASH Manager and will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that align with UNICEF's mission to improve child survival, growth, and development in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Development and Planning: Provide strategic and technical guidance on climate, energy, and environment planning. Coordinate the formulation of climate rationales and milestones across Sudan. Serve as the focal point for developing climate finance proposals. Draft WASH inputs for situation analysis and ensure timely data provision for policy development. Participate in strategic planning discussions and prepare donor proposals aligned with UNICEF’s strategic goals.
• Advocacy and Evidence Generation: Inform climate-related policy development and coordinate advocacy efforts. Participate in discussions to influence national policies on climate change and child rights. Support vulnerability data collection and produce advocacy materials to promote awareness and fundraising for climate resilience.
• Programme Management and Monitoring: Engage in monitoring and evaluation exercises, prepare reports on results, and assess programme resources. Identify gaps and document lessons learned in climate resilience programming.
• Technical and Operational Support: Monitor UNICEF-supported activities, provide technical support to partners, and plan for expert involvement in WASH programming. Draft policy papers and strategic materials for management and donors.
• External Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Develop partnerships with financing and development partners, support fundraising efforts, and ensure coordination with other UN agencies on climate change initiatives.
• Innovation and Capacity Building: Strengthen internal capacity for climate change adaptation, develop training plans, and manage knowledge sharing in climate programming. Prepare learning products and lead professional development initiatives for UNICEF staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, climatology, geology, climate change, disaster risk reduction, water resource management, or a related field is required.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in programme/project development related to WASH, climate change adaptation, and socioeconomic development. Familiarity with children's rights and gender issues in climate contexts is essential. Experience in renewable energy is an asset.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another UN language (Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as environmental sciences, climatology, geology, climate change, disaster risk reduction, water resource management, or social and economic development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate resilience and its impact on children and communities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and/or international levels. Candidates should have experience in programme/project development focused on developing countries, particularly in areas related to WASH, climate change adaptation, and socioeconomic development. Familiarity with children's rights and gender issues in the context of climate change is essential, along with demonstrated experience in applying results-based management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of an additional official UN language (such as Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Port Sudan, Sudan, and is classified as a Level 3 Specialist role within UNICEF. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, NGOs, and international partners. UNICEF emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from eligible and suitable female candidates. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its mission, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements.