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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, Empowerment

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion, and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection, and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient, and protective environment. Besides Malawi's 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union's Agenda 2063; UNICEF's Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities, and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Transformative Agenda.

The WASH programme aims to provide safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene services to all children. It focuses on scaling up climate-resilient WASH services and package interventions at community and institutional levels to maximize impact on children. As WASH Specialist (Institutions), you will be at the forefront for managing the provision of climate-resilient and sustainable WASH services in schools and health care facilities contributing to the overall objectives of improved WASH, health and education outcomes. 

How can you make a difference? 

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity to join our dynamic WASH team, where you will be responsible for overseeing the team dedicated to delivering climate-resilient WASH services. . You will support the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the climate-resilient WASH services in institutions. Additionally, you will provide technical guidance, coordination and management support throughout the programming processes, facilitating the administration and achievement of climate-resilient WASH service results in institutions. While you will report to the Chief of WASH for guidance and general supervision, your role is also under the matrixed supervision of the Chief of Education and Chief of Health.

The WASH Specialist (institutions) position therefore presents a unique opportunity for a qualified, vibrant, motivated, and committed individual to significantly contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children through professional excellence by delivering on the following key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks, but not limited to:

1. Provide technical oversight  in integration of climate-resilient WASH services in schools and healthcare facilities.
2. Provide technical support to the UNICEF WASH in Institutions programme, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Civil Society Organizations, private sector and partners on climate-resilient WASH services policy, programme development, planning, and implementation.
3. Provide technical guidance to strengthen WASH systems in these institutions, ensuring sustainability and resilience.
4. Prepare quality WASH donor proposals and reports.
5. Contribute to the Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response through preparedness actions, coordination, and effective service delivery in case of an emergency.
6. Contribute to innovation, data generation, knowledge management, and capacity building for implementing partners at national and district levels.

You are encouraged to download the detailed job description in order to view the full role and its requirements.

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

The following minimum requirements:

• Education:

Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering or another relevant technical field is required.

            *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu                of an advanced university degree. 

• Work Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant  professional work experience is required  in climate-resilient WASH, with a focus on WASH in schools, healthcare facilities.

Proven experience in system strengthening, capacity building, and intersectoral collaboration is required.

Experience working with UNICEF or other international organizations is an asset.

Familiarity with emergency preparedness and response is an asset.

• Technical knowledge and skills:

Excellent coordination, analytical, communication, and advocacy skills.

Strong understanding of climate change adaptation and its integration into WASH programming is required.

Experience in climate change resilience at the national or sub national level is required.

•  
• Language:

Fluency in English and a local language, both strong verbal and written skills, is essential.

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 

During the recruitment process, we evaluate candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

The position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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 people 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. 

Visa residence requirements: For National Officer (NO) positions, internal candidates eligible to legally reside and work in a country, independently of UNICEF appointment, are eligible to apply i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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.

To effectively contribute to the delivery of results for the children of Malawi, the UNICEF Malawi Country Office operates within a dynamic and results-oriented setting. We foster an environment characterized by creativity, innovation, collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to professional growth, and a safe workspace. Consequently, we are actively searching for individuals who are driven to enact tangible change and dedicated to serving Malawi's children with resourcefulness, resilience, agility, and a commitment to professional excellence.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.