WASH Manager, P-4, TA (6 Months), #137428, Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo - WCAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. The organization is committed to its mission, offering staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth in a passionate and inclusive culture. UNICEF provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Purpose

The WASH/IPC Coordinator will provide essential technical leadership and operational coordination for UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) response to the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based in Bunia, the incumbent will be responsible for the rapid and effective implementation of critical WASH/IPC interventions in affected and at-risk areas. This role is crucial for ensuring strong coordination with other response pillars, including Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), surveillance, case management, logistics, and operations. The position ensures that UNICEF's support is timely, technically sound, well-coordinated, and strictly aligned with national protocols, UNICEF procedures, and established emergency response standards, contributing significantly to the overall public health emergency response.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and day-to-day operational coordination for UNICEF’s WASH/IPC response to the Ebola outbreak in Bunia and other affected or at-risk areas. Represent UNICEF in WASH/IPC coordination mechanisms at the provincial level and support engagement with national coordination structures, health authorities, partners, and other response pillars. Support the implementation of UNICEF’s WASH/IPC response strategy, including prioritization of interventions, development of operational plans, and alignment with Ministry of Health protocols and UNICEF emergency procedures. Coordinate assessments of WASH/IPC needs and gaps in health facilities, communities, schools, and other priority sites, using findings to guide planning, targeting, and resource allocation. Oversee and support implementing partners and field teams to ensure timely, quality, and accountable delivery of WASH/IPC interventions, including infection prevention and control measures, water supply, sanitation, hygiene promotion, and waste management. Ensure effective coordination with RCCE, surveillance, case management, logistics, supply, and operations teams to promote an integrated multisectoral Ebola response. Monitor the availability, prepositioning, distribution, and appropriate use of critical WASH/IPC supplies and equipment, including through end-user monitoring and timely follow-up on supply gaps. Provide technical guidance, coaching, and support to health authorities, partners, and UNICEF-supported teams on WASH/IPC standards, protocols, and safe implementation approaches. Support the preparation of concept notes, budgets, partner documents, donor inputs, and other materials required for resource mobilization and operational planning. Collect, analyse, and use operational data to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, inform decision-making, and contribute to SitReps, donor reports, management briefs, and other institutional reporting requirements. Promote the systematic integration of PSEA, accountability to affected populations, risk management, safety, and duty of care considerations in all WASH/IPC interventions. Ensure that all WASH/IPC activities are implemented in compliance with UNICEF procedures and partner agreements.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in WASH and/or IPC programming, with at least two years in emergency contexts. Experience in coordinating multi-sectoral responses and working with national authorities and international partners is essential.

Skills

WASH programming, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Emergency response coordination, Public health, Community engagement, Needs assessment, Logistics and supply chain management, Monitoring and evaluation, Report writing, Partner coordination, Risk communication, Data analysis

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