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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.

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

For every child, care

The WASH Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the WASH programming process, through the application of theoretical and practical technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development, implementation and monitoring of the WASH output results of the Regional Programme, focused on technical assistance, knowledge management, capacity building, partnership and resource mobilization.

How can you make a difference? 

Programme development and planning

• Research and analyze regional political, WASH, CEED, health, and social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.
• Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information.
• Assist in 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 output results in the Regional Programme.
• Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes.

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with Regional and Country offices and prepare reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
• Provide specific technical assistance to country offices in results monitoring and quality assurance of WASH results.
• Prepare inputs for programme and donor reporting.

Technical and operational support for programme implementation

• Provide technical and operational assistance to UNICEF country offices, NGO partners, UN system partners and other partners/donors part of WASH-LAC Group; on the application and understanding of Regional WASH-LAC guidance and UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in WASH, to support programme implementation.
• Support technical assistance on WASH Climate Resilience at regional and country office levels, ensuring link with CEED programming.

Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response

• Support Information Management, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management and Coordination of regional WASH-LAC group.
• Support Regional and Country Information Management and Coordination in WASH emergency preparedness.
• If requested, take up support IM and Coordination roles in an emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises, including in-field support.
• Study and fully understand UNICEF’s procedures for responding in an emergency.

Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain close working partnerships with regional stakeholders, organizations and counterparts on information management and knowledge management in WASH sector.
• Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for WASH.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings/events on WASH programming and Humanitarian Coordination to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues and preparation of WASH programmes/projects and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF results and implementation strategies with joint UN development and planning processes.
• Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems) at regional and country levels.
• Support the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development at regional and country levels.
• Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for WASH staff in the region (including UNICEF 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.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: WASH Officer, NO-A

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or another relevant technical field. Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main degree is a strong asset.

• Work Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programmes is required. A minimum of one year of professional experience in humanitarian WASH-related programmes is required.
• Skills (optional): Basic knowledge on Information Management, Knowledge Management and WASH coordination is mandatory, and knowledge in 3 of the thematic priorities (refer to the complete JD).
• Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish and Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French or Russian) or a local language is an asset

Desirables:

• Developing country work 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 (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

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 from underrepresented groups 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.

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.

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.