Organization: UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: Malakal | Renk
Grade: Junior level – NO-B, National Professional Officer – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
Closing Date: 2024-08-16
The WASH Officer reports to the Emergency Specialist based in Renk Field Office, with technical reporting to the WASH Officer in Malakal. WASH Officer for Renk is accountable for professional technical contribution to programme/project design, planning, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of WASH programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and commitment to the enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of the achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Clean Water
PURPOSE
The WASH Officer reports to the Emergency Specialist/HoO for Renk Office, with technical reporting to the WASH Officer in Malakal. WASH Officer for Renk is accountable for professional technical contribution to programme/project design, planning, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of WASH programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and commitment to the enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of the achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
The main responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Programme development and planning
Draft updates for WASH in the situation analysis, to inform the development of WASH-related outcomes and output results. Research and report on trends in WASH, for use in programme development, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
Prepare technical reports, budgets, and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information.
Contribute to the development/establishment of WASH-related outcome and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of WASH sector needs and priorities.
Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials/documentations, complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support progress towards the WASH-related outcome and/or output results in the country programme.
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.
Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, provide solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare reports on results for required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management.
Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/stakeholders.
Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes.
Prepare sectoral progress reports for management, donors and partners.
Technical and operational support to programme implementation
Undertake field visits and surveys, collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders.
Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action.
Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in WASH, to support programme implementation.
Analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports; draft changes in WASH project work plans and assist in identification of required supplies and equipment (for both development and emergency orientated activities).
Ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verify that WASH programme expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the programme information and database (e.g., FLS, Vision). Follow up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies. Collaborate with Monitoring & Evaluation office on maintaining a gender & equity focus on WASH data collection and reporting.
Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response
Draft requisitions for supplies, services, long-term agreements, and partnership agreements to ensure UNICEF is prepared to deliver on its commitments for WASH in case of an emergency.
Study and fully understand UNICEF’s procedures for responding in an emergency.
Take up support roles in an emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises.
Communication, Networking and partnership building
Develop and maintain effective communication and networking through partnership and collaboration.
Collaborate with Operations staff to implement internal controls systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management.
Team with local Government and stakeholders counterparts to exchange information on WASH programme implementation, status, capacity and risk mapping, preparedness as well as movement, prepositioning and distribution of supplies.
Coordinate with partners, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to WASH sector. Where appropriate support the IASC WASH Cluster during preparedness and response to emergencies.
Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve WASH output results.
Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund-raising for WASH.
Participate in cluster/sub-cluster meetings and technical meetings on emergency preparedness planning, to integrate and harmonize UNICEF output results and implementation strategies with the cluster development and planning processes.
Research information on potential WASH emergency donors and support preparation of resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).
Assist in the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development.
Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up-to-date with latest developments.
Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.
IMPACT OF RESULTS
The support provided by the WASH officer will enable the country office to achieve the WASH-related output results of the country programme. This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of the outcome results of the country programme document. When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth and development, and reduce inequalities in the country.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Education:
At least a university degree in one of the following fields is required: civil engineering, public health engineering, sanitary engineering, or another relevant technical field.
Work Experience:
At least 2 years’ experience in emergency water supply, sanitation and hygiene in developing countries, with proven field experience in water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies.
The competencies required for this post are:
Core Values
Care
Respect
Integrity
Trust
Accountability
Sustainability
Core Competencies (For Staff without Supervisory Responsibilities) *
Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
Works Collaboratively with others (1)
Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.