Technical Officer, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to achieving the highest possible level of health for all people. In the African Region, WHO AFRO focuses on building resilient, people-centred health systems. The Climate Change, Health and Environment (CHE) programme within WHO AFRO works to reduce the health impacts of climate change and environmental hazards, advancing Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals. This role contributes to a growing agenda at the intersection of health and environment.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer position supports the WHO AFRO's Climate Change, Health and Environment (CHE) programme by providing technical expertise in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The role focuses on developing, implementing, and monitoring regional and country-level WASH strategies, including climate-resilient infrastructure and WASH in health facilities. The volunteer will gain exposure to global WASH processes like GLAAS and WASH Accounts, receive mentorship, and build skills in a critical public health area. The assignment aims to strengthen public health through improved environmental conditions and equitable access to safe WASH services, contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 13.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will provide technical expertise to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of WHO AFRO's regional and country-level water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) strategies and interventions. Key duties include: Contributing to regional strategies, norms, and guidance by participating in policy design, leading implementation of GLAAS and WASH Accounts, and supporting the development of technical standards and best practices. Supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange through identifying gaps, organizing training, developing learning materials, and facilitating south-south collaboration. Providing technical support for data systems and monitoring by facilitating data collection, harmonizing frameworks, and contributing to digital tools for data submission and reporting. Promoting advocacy, behavioural change, and community engagement by designing communication materials, supporting hygiene promotion, and addressing social norms. Strengthening partnerships and resource mobilization by engaging with stakeholders, supporting proposal development, and participating in meetings and joint missions.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of overall experience and 5 years of relevant experience. This includes practical experience in processing and analyzing WASH and health-related data, ideally in developing countries. Demonstrated knowledge of global WASH monitoring platforms (GLAAS, WASH Accounts, Water Safety Plans) is essential. Familiarity with climate-resilient WASH systems and surveillance is an asset. Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills are required.

Skills

Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and flexibility, Creativity, Judgement and decision-making, Planning and organising, Professionalism, and Self-management. Technical expertise areas include Water, sanitation, waste, Public health, immunisation, Climate change, and environment. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills are necessary.

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