Vodokanal Cell Lead (WASH)
Organizational Context
UNICEF Ukraine's WASH programme supports children and families affected by the ongoing conflict by restoring and strengthening water, sanitation, hygiene, and district heating services. The programme operates within a challenging environment where water infrastructure faces severe damage due to hostilities and pre-existing vulnerabilities. Key stakeholders include water utilities (vodokanals), local authorities, and government bodies. UNICEF has established a Technical Cell to provide expertise, ensure coordination, and prevent service gaps.
Job Purpose
This UNV assignment supports UNICEF Ukraine's WASH programme by leading the Vodokanal Cell. The role involves identifying, assessing, and disseminating vodokanal needs, managing relationships with the Ukraine Vodokanal Association, and coordinating emergency response efforts. The incumbent will contribute to the development of short, medium, and long-term recovery plans for water infrastructure. This position is crucial for strengthening institutional capacity, improving coordination, and ensuring evidence-based planning in a complex post-conflict setting, ultimately aiming to enhance the resilience and functionality of Ukraine's water sector.
Responsibilities
The UNV will manage and strengthen relations between UNICEF and the Ukraine Vodokanal Association, supporting the Association's capacity building in areas like legislation and peer-to-peer coordination. This includes building a network with vodokanals through field missions to assess needs, particularly in frontline areas and IDP-hosting locations. The role involves leading crisis management by facilitating communication and solution-finding among utilities, communities, authorities, and donors. The UNV will support service providers in prioritizing operational and emergency repair needs, organize coordination meetings, and track Vodokanal projects. Additionally, the position requires providing technical insights, leading capacity-building activities in water treatment and energy efficiency, developing KPIs for utility performance, and strategizing the transfer of WASH Cluster data to the Government of Ukraine.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required, with a strong emphasis on water utility sector technical expertise or related infrastructure in post-conflict contexts. Experience in managing technical workstreams, supply chains, and stakeholder relationships is crucial. A solid understanding of water technology, project cycle management, humanitarian approaches, and proficiency in MS Office are necessary. Experience with UN agencies in WASH or within professional associations is considered an asset.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills in emergency preparedness, crisis response, engineering, and construction are essential. The role also requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and the ability to convey key messages clearly.