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
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 favouritism. 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 fulfil 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.
How can you make a difference?
Under the guidance and direct supervision of WASH Regional Adviser (WCARO), the WASH Specialist provides technical support in strengthening the capacity of African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) to provide enabling policy environment for sanitation transformation in Africa. The WASH Specialist is to work closely with AMCOW and be the liaison between AMCOW and UNICEF. Therefore, the WASH Specialist works in close collaboration with all three UNICEF regional offices: WCARO, ESARO and MENARO as well as with WASH Section HQ. Close collaboration with UNICEF country offices will be critical for promoting an enabling policy environment for scaling up of sanitation and hygiene in Africa.
Purpose of the job :
Under the guidance of the WASH Regional Adviser WCARO and in collaboration with ESARO, MENARO and WASH Section HQ, the WASH Specialist will :
- Provide technical support and coordinate the global, regional and in-country dissemination of Africa Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) ;
- Support the global, regional and country advocacy drives for increased political commitments and raising the profile of sanitation and hygiene in Africa ;
- Conduct sanitation policy analysis and mapping in Africa to form the basis for country level support on ASPG; (4) Support countries in Africa to adopt ASPG for development of national sanitation policies; (5) be the liaison between AMCOW and UNICEF on project communication and participation in ASPG and other AMCOW related activities.
Impact of results :
The support provided by the WASH Specialist will enhance UNICEF’s leadership roles in addressing the sanitation challenges in Africa in line with the overall objectives of UNICEF global WASH strategy. The strategic support to AMCOW through the WASH Specialist on improving the enabling policy environment for sanitation transformation in Africa will contribute to the achievement of SDG 6.2 targets of ensuring universal and equitable access to sanitation and hygiene. When done effectively, this will improve child survival; growth and development and reduce inequalities in access to sanitation and hygiene.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have
- An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required : public health, social sciences, behaviour change communication, sanitary engineering or another relevant technical field. A first-level university degree with at least ten years of relevant professional experience could be accepted in lieu of an Advanced degree ;
Additional education (certificates – postgraduate diplomas) related to the post is considered as an asset ;
- A minimum of eight years of professional experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries especially in Africa is required ;
Experience in sanitation and hygiene in Africa is required ;
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Portuguese or another official UN language or local language of duty station is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The functional competencies required for this post are :
- Formulating strategies and concepts (II) ;
- Analyzing (III) ;
- Applying technical expertise (III) ;
- Relating and networking (III) ;
- Deciding and Initiating action (II) ;
- Persuading and Influencing (II).
View our competency framework at : UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
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.
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 :
- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service ;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.