WASH and MHM Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on various areas including maternal and child health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and social behavior change. UNICEF operates with a mission to reach the world's most disadvantaged children and help them fulfill their potential. The organization has a multi-country program in Fiji that covers several Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. UNICEF employs thousands of staff worldwide, working tirelessly to build a better world for every child, every day.

Job Overview:
The WASH and MHM Consultant will be based in the UN Joint Presence office in the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). This position is crucial for sustaining and expanding the WASH program in RMI, which has seen significant funding increases from various international partners, totaling over USD 3 million. The consultant will support the Government of RMI in overcoming barriers related to climate adaptation in the WASH sector through system strengthening, service delivery, and community-based resilience initiatives. The role involves improving access to climate-resilient water and sanitation facilities and promoting safe hygiene practices among children, adolescents, and their families. The consultant will also work on media monitoring and advocacy efforts to enhance early childhood development (ECD) services in the region, ensuring that communication strategies are effectively implemented and adhered to by partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include improving awareness of gender-and-disability responsive WASH services and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) within schools and communities. They will develop drinking water safety plans (DWSPs) in collaboration with local communities, ensuring these plans are integrated with national drought preparedness strategies. Strengthening partnerships with government entities and stakeholders is essential, as is providing coordination support to civil society organizations (CSOs) involved in ECD social behavior change communication (SBCC) implementation. The consultant will monitor media broadcasts of key ECD messages to ensure compliance with dissemination schedules and will be responsible for reporting on the progress of these initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Medical Science, Public Health, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. A minimum of four years of professional international experience in delivering WASH programs, particularly in community or school settings, is required. Experience in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, especially in outer islands, is highly desirable. Proven stakeholder engagement skills and a track record of building partnerships with government agencies, community leaders, and NGOs are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for preparing reports and presenting data to diverse audiences. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with cultural sensitivity and adaptability to changing environments, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Nursing, Medical Science, Public Health, Environmental Sciences, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of WASH programs and their implementation in diverse settings, particularly in the context of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional international experience in delivering WASH programs, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and school-based initiatives. Prior experience working in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, particularly in outer island settings, is highly advantageous. Familiarity with local environmental conditions, cultural nuances, and regulatory frameworks will be considered a significant asset, as will experience in cross-cultural international settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effective reporting, stakeholder engagement, and the dissemination of information related to WASH and MHM initiatives. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy role is expected to last for 348 days or approximately 16 months. Candidates are required to submit a separate financial offer along with their application, detailing a lump sum amount for all deliverables, including monthly or daily fees, travel costs, living allowances, and miscellaneous expenses such as visa and health insurance. The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to the assignment, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including those with disabilities.