Batch of 2 positions: WASH Specialist, NO-3, TA (6 months), RRT Bunia & Isiro, DR of the Congo - WCAR
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, protecting their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to our mission, offering staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth in a passionate and inclusive culture. Join us to make a difference for children worldwide.
Job Purpose
The WASH/IPC Specialist will provide crucial technical and operational support for the planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of UNICEF's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) interventions. This role is vital for the emergency response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The specialist will work to reduce transmission risks in communities and health facilities by ensuring effective, high-quality interventions aligned with national priorities and UNICEF guidance. The position requires rapid deployment to affected areas to conduct needs assessments, establish coordination mechanisms, facilitate partner actions, and initiate response activities, contributing significantly to containing the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the WASH/IPC Manager, the WASH/IPC Specialist is responsible for ensuring the planning, prioritization, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of UNICEF WASH/IPC interventions in outbreak-affected areas. This involves guiding activities based on epidemiological trends, risk assessments, and decisions from national, provincial, and health zone IPC coordination mechanisms. The specialist will focus on reducing transmission risks within communities and health facilities, contributing to a high-quality emergency response. Key duties include deploying to newly affected health zones to conduct initial needs assessments, supporting the establishment of effective coordination mechanisms among partners, facilitating coordinated partner actions, and initiating essential response activities. The role also involves monitoring the progress and impact of WASH/IPC interventions, reporting on findings, and providing technical guidance to national and local counterparts to strengthen the overall response capacity. This position is critical for ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and appropriate hygiene practices during the health crisis.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of relevant experience in WASH, infection prevention and control, public health, or emergency response, including three years in complex humanitarian settings. Experience in Ebola response or other outbreak settings is mandatory.
Skills
WASH interventions, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Emergency response, Public health, Coordination, Needs assessment, Partner management, Reporting, Supply monitoring, Technical capacity building, Risk assessment, Humanitarian settings