Consultancy for Operationalisation of Rural WASH Decentralisation Support (Internationals only) , Maseru, Home-based+ travel,#593405

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. 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, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The consultancy aims to institutionalize GIS-based systems, enhance the use of planning tools, strengthen coordination structures, and support the progressive transfer of functions to Councils for more effective, coherent, and sustainable delivery of rural Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. This involves strengthening the operational functionality and quality assurance of GIS-based monitoring, survey, and design tools for evidence-based decision-making. It also includes supporting the development and institutionalization of integrated rural WASH planning systems, aligning them with Government and Council planning and budgeting processes, and clarifying roles and functions at national and sub-national levels to facilitate decentralization. The role will strengthen national and district-level WASH coordination mechanisms and support District and Community Councils in developing practical, integrated WASH plans.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for institutionalizing GIS-based systems for rural WASH services, improving the use of planning tools, and enhancing coordination structures. This includes strengthening the operational functionality and quality assurance of GIS-based monitoring, survey, and design tools to support evidence-based decision-making. The consultant will support the development and institutionalization of integrated rural WASH planning systems, including the transition to QGIS-based tools and their alignment with Government and Council planning and budgeting processes. A key responsibility is facilitating the progressive operationalization of decentralization by clarifying roles, functions, and institutional arrangements at national and sub-national levels. The consultant will also strengthen national and district-level WASH coordination mechanisms to improve collaboration, accountability, and alignment across sector stakeholders. Finally, the consultant will support District and Community Councils to develop practical, integrated WASH plans that guide prioritization, investment, and implementation at the local level.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in WASH sector institutional strengthening, planning, or systems development. Demonstrated experience in GIS systems strengthening (including QGIS), development/operationalization of planning tools in the public sector, decentralization, and multi-stakeholder coordination is required. Experience in institutional development within the WASH sector in Lesotho is mandatory.

Skills

GIS systems strengthening, QGIS, WASH sector institutional strengthening, Planning tool development, Public sector planning, Decentralization, Institutional assessment, Public sector capacity development, Multi-stakeholder coordination, Facilitation of technical working groups, Analytical skills, Report writing, Communication skills, Stakeholder engagement, Development of operational guidelines, Training package development, Facilitation of technical training

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