UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeking a qualified and motivated candidate to join its Regional Bureau in Nairobi, Kenya, as an Associate WASH Officer. This opportunity is ideal for professionals with a strong background in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and who are passionate about humanitarian response, technical leadership, and collaboration in multi-stakeholder environments. This is a regional technical role that supports the implementation and monitoring of the UNICEF-UNHCR Regional WASH Programme across Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.
This assignment is a full-time, 6-month position starting on June 2, 2025, and falls under the UNOPS IICA1 contract type. It is graded at P-2/NOB level. The position is family duty station classified under Hardship Level B.
Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
Job Description
Position Title: Associate WASH Officer
Location: Nairobi (Regional Bureau), Kenya
Contract Type: UNOPS – IICA 1
Start Date: June 2, 2025
Duration: 6 Months
Job Requisition ID: JR2554386
General Background
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Technical Coordinator, and in consultation with country-level WASH Officers, the Associate WASH Officer will act as the focal point for the UNICEF-UNHCR Regional WASH Programme (R-WASH). The position demands active participation in coordination efforts, technical support, and implementation oversight across the participating countries. It also involves engaging with key partners, government representatives, and UN agencies to enhance the delivery of sustainable WASH, energy, environment, and climate action solutions.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
1. Leadership and Coordination
- Monitor and coordinate R-WASH programme activities in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia in line with UNHCR standards.
- Ensure strong coordination with country R-WASH Coordinators and Focal Points.
- Represent UNHCR at Technical Steering Committee meetings and field visits.
- Facilitate regional technical sector meetings and bilateral sessions with operations.
- Engage and liaise with stakeholders including government agencies, refugee/host communities, NGOs, UN agencies, and water user groups.
2. WASH/Energy/Environment/Climate Roadmaps and Programme Support
- Provide strategic support for WASH, energy, environment, and climate initiatives in country operations.
- Help update needs assessments and design appropriate technical interventions.
- Support planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Assist in developing long-term strategies for programme scale-up and integration.
3. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
- Offer guidance on water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion to country-level staff.
- Advise on technical issues, conflict resolution, and risk mitigation.
- Participate in regional technical working group meetings and share insights.
- Build local capacity and encourage knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance
- Monitor the quality and progress of all R-WASH-related activities and interventions.
- Use platforms such as the WASH Monitoring System (WMS) and Technical Information Monitoring Systems (TIMS) for data reporting.
- Flag deviations from technical specifications or implementation timelines.
- Conduct field-level quality checks and ensure partner accountability.
5. Reporting, Communication, and Documentation
- Document and share progress reports on WASH activities.
- Ensure alignment with UNHCR’s WASH policies, standards, and technical guidelines.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
- Ensure consistent application of WASH policies and procedures in the assigned areas.
- Generate well-documented implementation records of WASH activities across Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Water/Civil Engineering, Water Resources Development, Hydrogeology, Hydraulics, or a related field.
Work Experience
- A minimum of four years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree or three years with a Master’s degree.
- Proven track record in large-scale WASH services for refugees/IDPs.
- Exposure to energy, environment, and climate sector initiatives is essential.
Key Competencies
- Technical expertise in urban and low-income community water engineering.
- Contextual knowledge of the East and Horn of Africa WASH/energy sectors.
- Strong background in WASH project implementation, M&E, coordination, and partner engagement.
- Experience with refugees, IDPs, and host communities.
- Familiarity with risk assessment, conflict resolution, and project cycle adaptation.
- Understanding of UNHCR/UN financial and procurement procedures (preferred).
- Skilled in AutoCAD, EPANET, ArcGIS, MS Access, and budgeting tools.
- Excellent understanding of SPHERE standards, WASH-related health indicators, and environmental impact.
- Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required; knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
Additional Notes
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Shortlisted applicants may undergo a written test and mandatory oral interview.
- Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
- No functional clearance is required for this position.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your application through the official UNHCR careers portal by April 21, 2025.
