WASH Specialist (IPC), P-3, TA (6 months), #00138147, Yambio, South Sudan, ESAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The WASH/IPC Specialist will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for Ebola preparedness and readiness plan implementation in Yambio, South Sudan. In the event of suspected or confirmed cases, the incumbent will lead response interventions focused on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). This role supports preparedness and response activities in health facilities, Infectious Disease Units (IDUs), communities, points of entry, and high-risk border locations, ensuring alignment with national plans, WHO guidance, and UNICEF emergency response approaches. The position aims to strengthen health system readiness, reduce transmission risks, protect health workers and communities, and enhance cross-border preparedness coordination in Western Equatoria State, requiring frequent travel to high-risk areas.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for the implementation of the Ebola preparedness and readiness plan, focusing on WASH and IPC interventions in Western Equatoria State. Lead response interventions related to IPC and WASH in the event of suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. Strengthen WASH and IPC systems within health facilities, Infectious Disease Units (IDUs), communities, and at points of entry and high-risk border locations. Build the capacity of and provide technical support to government authorities and partners on WASH and IPC for Ebola preparedness and response. Coordinate WASH and IPC activities with national and international partners, including WHO and other humanitarian actors, ensuring alignment with national preparedness plans and WHO guidance. Support cross-border preparedness efforts and provide reporting on preparedness and response activities. Conduct risk assessments and contribute to readiness planning for Ebola and other Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs). Monitor water quality, hand hygiene compliance, and waste management systems in relevant settings. Ensure the safe management of healthcare waste and environmental cleaning and disinfection systems. Facilitate the development and implementation of surveillance-linked IPC measures. Undertake frequent travel to high-risk counties, border areas, and points of entry to support preparedness and response efforts.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in public health emergency preparedness and response, WASH in Emergencies (WiE), IPC, outbreak response, health systems strengthening, or related areas. Demonstrated experience supporting preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), Cholera, COVID-19, Mpox, Yellow Fever, or other epidemic-prone diseases is required.

Skills

Ebola preparedness and response, WASH in Emergencies, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Public health emergency management, Health systems strengthening, Outbreak response coordination, Capacity building, Risk assessment, Cross-border coordination, Technical leadership, Report writing, Inter-agency coordination

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