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 fair chance

UNICEF has been an active partner of the Government of the Philippines and civil society in realizing the rights of every Filipino child, in line with priorities to achieve the SDGs. UNICEF efforts have been focused on the most vulnerable regions identified by the Government of the Philippines Development Plan, particularly in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. To ensure that interventions are sustainable and scaled up, UNICEF will support both the national and local government units (LGUs) as the main instruments of delivering services and building systems. The level of engagement with government institutions will consider capacities, economies of scale and sector issues.

UNICEF Philippines has two offices. One office is based in Manila and a field office in Cotabato City, the second largest city in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, with some 300,000 population. The city is the regional administrative canter of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and over 80 percent of the population is Muslim. Mindanao is both conflict-affected and prone to frequent earthquakes and typhoons.

Visit this link for more information on Philippine Country Office: https://www.unicef.org/philippines

How can you make a difference? 

The WASH (E/DRR) Specialist supports the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the climate resilient (CR) WASH and disaster risk reduction in BARMM output in the Climate Environment Resilience (CER) programme within the country programme (CPC 9 2024-2028) specific for the Mindanao Field Office (MFO). The WASH (E/DRR) Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes, to facilitate the administration and achievement of the MFO CR WASH-related output results in the country programme. The specialist will specifically support UNICEF engagement on work with BARMM Government counterparts, CSOs, private sector and UN agencies on CR WASH programme goals both in development and Humanitarian context.

This post will support the BARMM government to ensure that children, households and communities in BARMM have increased access to resilient and at least basic water and sanitation services.

The work will address policy adaptation/development, increase access to and use of safely managed WASH services, support to regional governments and co-lead the BARMM WASH cluster in the event of a humanitarian response.

In addition, the Specialist will work in close collaboration with the Manila-based Emergency Specialist and the DRR Officer and lead DRR and emergency preparedness and response efforts at MFO-level.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Field Office, the post shall undertake the following tasks:

1. Programme development and planning

• Draft the MFO CR WASH inputs for the situation analysis. Provide timely, comprehensive, and current data to inform MFO CR WASH policy reviews and programme development, planning, management, and implementation. Keep abreast of MFO CR WASH sector development trends, for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in programme design, management and implementation.

• Participate in strategic CR WASH programme planning discussions. Prepare CR WASH donor proposals, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, UNICEF’s global CR WASH strategy (Area Goal 4) and the Country programme, as well as government plans and priorities, UNSCDF outcome 3, and the role of other external support agencies.

• Assist in the formulation of the CR WASH outcome and output results, related indicators, baselines, targets and means of verification. Prepare required documentation for programme reviews.

• Work with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies for the achievement of CR WASH output results in the country programme and the CR social services context.

• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes and ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of CR WASH with other UNICEF sectors, for the achievement of the WASH output results.

• Draft assigned sections of the annual work plan, in close cooperation with government and other counterparts.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• With other external support agencies, strengthen sub-national BARMM government WASH sector monitoring systems, with a focus on CR WASH outcomes (access and behaviors), using bottleneck analysis tools available in the sector (CR WASH-BAT, CSOs, SDAs).

• 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.

• Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in programmes and management, identify and document lessons learned.

• 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 sectoral progress reports for management, donors and partners.

3. Technical and operational support for programme implementation

• Actively monitor UNICEF-supported activities through field visits, surveys, meetings and exchange of information with partners, to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely interventions.

• 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.

• Plan for use of technical experts from the PCO, Regional Office and HQ, as and where appropriate in the CR WASH programme, through remote support and on-site visits.

• Participate in CR WASH programme meetings, to review progress, with government, other sector agencies and implementation partners, involved at various stages of CR WASH programme implementation, to provide expert advice and guidance.

• Draft policy papers, briefs, concept notes and other strategic materials for use by management, donors, UNICEF regional offices and headquarters.

4. Humanitarian preparedness, response and resilience

• In coordination with output 1, Prepare requisitions for supplies, services, long-term agreements and partnership agreements to ensure UNICEF is prepared to deliver on its commitments at field level in case of an emergency.

Coordinate MFO emergency preparedness and readiness to respond in line with UNICEF’s Emergency Preparedness Procedures (EPP) and lead MFO disaster risk reduction efforts.

• Contribute to the coordination arrangement for humanitarian WASH cluster (as co-lead), for instant robust coordination in case of an emergency response.

• In coordination the emergency specialist, ensure that all UNICEF MFO staff are familiar with UNICEF’s procedures for responding in an emergency.

• Support the Chief of Field Office in coordinating emergency responses, early recovery, and resilience building at field level as and when the need arises.

5. Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain close working partnerships with BARMM government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve CR WASH output results and strengthen MFO DRR, emergency preparedness and response capacities

• Prepare materials for CR WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund-raising.

• Participate in inter-agency discussions, ensuring that UNICEF’s position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSCDF development planning and agenda setting for outcome 3.

• Build and sustain close working relationships with the private sector to achieve results for CR WASH

6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Actively lead the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of CR WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).

• Prepare learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development.

• Create and deliver learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up-to-date with latest developments.

• Contribute to the systematic assessment of WASH sector capacity gap analysis, in collaboration with government and other stakeholders, and support the design of initiative to strengthen capacities systematically.

• Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  SJP - WASH Specialist EDRR, NO3, FT, Cotabato, 126755.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries is required.
• Direct experience in DRR and/or emergency management is required.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (verbal and written) and Filipino.

Desirables:

• Additional relevant post-graduate courses or trainings on WASH, climate change, environment, WASH in schools, WASH in healthcare facilities, behaviour change, DRR and/or emergency preparedness and response that complement the main degree are a strong asset.

• Experience in conceptualizing visions and developing high-level strategies in the areas of WASH, Disaster Risk Reduction, Emergency and/or Climate Change is a strong advantage.

• Strong project management experience, including programme design and implementation, budget management, the development of work plans, and monitoring and evaluation.

• Ability to prioritize work and delegate tasks.

• Ability to lead, manage and motivate team. 

• Experience in supporting government counterparts in improving data management for WASH, DRR, emergency and/or Climate Change programming.

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to complete an online candidate profile in http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ by 17 November 2024. Only applications sent through the e-recruitment portal Job Number 576981 will be considered.

By applying through our Talent Management System (TMS) you agree to our privacy statement which is in line with the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act. You are strongly advised to read carefully through the privacy statement before submitting your application

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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people. 

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 candidates irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living 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.