UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a safe and sustainable future

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

In this context, the integration and application of Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) are essential to ensuring that UNICEF’s work in the country is sustainable, risk-informed, and inclusive. ESS frameworks have recently been introduced into UNICEF’s procedures, reinforcing a structured approach to minimizing environmental and social risks while maximizing benefits for communities, particularly children. In a country like [insert country name], where environmental and social vulnerabilities intersect with development challenges, the adoption of ESS is a key enabler for effective and ethical programming.

The Champion of ESS will play a crucial role in advancing the integration of ESS within UNICEF’s country operations and programmes. By ensuring that environmental and social considerations are systematically embedded in project design and implementation, the role will strengthen UNICEF’s ability to deliver high-quality, risk-sensitive, and equitable interventions. This is particularly vital in reaching the most vulnerable children and communities, ensuring that UNICEF’s work aligns with both global best practices and the specific needs of the country context.

How can you make a difference? 

The WASH Officer (ESS) reports to the WASH Specialist (Climate) for supervision. The WASH Officer (ESS) provides technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the offices programming process. The Officer prepares, manages and implements a variety of technical and administrative tasks, related to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and ensures updated ESS tools, shared best practices, and strengthened capacities through training materials and programme reports aligned with global standards for the country office.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Programme Development and Planning:
  The WASH Officer will contribute to developing and updating WASH-related outcomes, incorporating Environmental Social Safeguards (ESS) into the analysis, and ensuring compliance with Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs). They will support the creation of risk management tools, provide technical assistance throughout programming, and prepare documentation aligned with ESS principles to ensure effective implementation.

• Programme Management, Monitoring, and Delivery of Results:
  The officer will collaborate with colleagues and partners to address implementation issues, ensure adherence to program goals, and monitor resource usage. They will participate in evaluations, manage reporting, and prepare progress reports for management, donors, and stakeholders. Regular monitoring of ESS compliance and reporting on results will be a key part of their role.

• Technical and Operational Support for Programme Implementation:
  The officer will conduct field visits to monitor ESS implementation, identifying issues and recommending corrective actions. They will also provide technical and operational support to UNICEF and its partners, ensuring adherence to policies and best practices in WASH, and helping with risk assessment and evaluation processes.

• Networking and Partnership Building:
  Building strong relationships with government counterparts and national stakeholders will be crucial. The officer will draft materials to promote WASH advocacy, support fundraising, and collaborate in inter-agency meetings. They will also research and analyze potential donors to support fundraising and align with UNICEF's strategic goals.

• Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building:
  The officer will support knowledge management in ESS by assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting. They will contribute to the development of innovative WASH approaches and learning products, while helping build the capacity of UNICEF staff and stakeholders through training on ESS practices.

The support provided by the WASH Officer (ESS) will enable the country office to achieve the climate change and sustainability output results of the country programme, currently placed in WASH under CSI.  This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of the outcome results of the country programme document, with a particular focus on ESS.  When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth and development, and reduce inequalities in the country. 

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [ WASH Officer Level 2 (ESS) 129203 TMS.pdf]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

  A first university degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, Public Administration, Social Development, Community Development, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Forestry, Sustainable Development, Natural Sciences, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Sanitary Engineering or another relevant technical field is required.

   Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main degree, with a focus on ESS are a strong asset.

• Work Experience:

  A minimum of two years of professional work experience in WASH-related programmes with a focus on Environmental Social Safeguard for developing countries is required.

  Prior experience in UN Environmental Social Safeguards work is an asset.

• Language Requirements: 

  Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing field experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidate and candidate with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.