WASH Officer

WASH Officer (Monitoring & Evaluation/Knowledge Management), (NO-2), Kathmandu, Nepal #00063612

Job no: 577539
Position type: Fixed Term Appointment
Location: Nepal
Division/Equivalent: Kathmandu(ROSA)
School/Unit: Nepal
Department/Office: Kathmandu, Nepal
Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Strategic Office Context:

The position is based in Kathmandu Office under UNICEF Nepal Country Office and will lead efforts to align UNICEF’s monitoring and evaluation strategies, knowledge management systems, and WASH programming with national priorities, global frameworks, and evidence-based practices to achieve sustainable and equitable WASH outcomes. The WASH Officer (Monitoring & Evaluation/Knowledge Management) provides technical, operational, and programmatic support throughout the WASH programming process. The Officer prepares, manages, and implements a variety of technical and programmatic tasks, related to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WASH outcome and output results of the country programme. This position will strengthen knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems within the WASH section, ensuring data-driven decision-making, effective program implementation, and enhanced reporting to support the achievement of WASH related goals and commitments. Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

How can you make a difference:

Under the supervision and guidance of Chief WASH, the WASH Officer (Monitoring & Evaluation/Knowledge Managemenr) will contribute to the achievement of the WASH-related output results of the country programme, thus, achieving the outcome results of the country programme document. When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth, and development and reduce inequalities in the country. The WASH Officer works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the CO, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He monitors progress, provides feedback on milestones, and advises on adjustments for enhanced effectiveness.

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Programme development and planning
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results and Knowledge management
3. Technical and operational support for programme implementation
4. Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response
5. Networking and partnership building
6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

1. Programme development and planning

• Draft updates for WASH in the situation analysis, to inform the development of WASH-related outcome and output results. Research and report on trends in WASH, for use in programme development, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of information.
• Contribute to the development/establishment of WASH-related outcome and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of WASH sector needs and priorities.
• Provide technical and programmatic support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing knowledge materials/documentations, complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support progress towards the WASH-related outcome and/or output results in the country programme.
• Carry out climate risk assessment, regular WASH BAT exercises, sustainability checks and integrate climate resilience in planning, programming, implementation, and knowledge management.
• Prepare required documentations to facilitate review and approval processes.

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

Work collaboratively with sectoral and cross sectoral teams and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, provide solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.

• Responsible for monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare reports on results for required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/stakeholders.
• Lead as a monitoring focal person of the WASH section including development of the monitoring tools, templates and ensure timely collection and reporting of the indicators with quality.
• Prepare sectoral progress reports for management, donors, and partners.

3. Technical and operational support for programme implementation

• Undertake field visits and surveys, collect, and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks, and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices in WASH, to support programme implementation.
• Contribute in providing technical guidance and support to the field offices for uniform understanding of programme results, indicators and programmatic approaches for implementation with regards to WASH programmes.

4. Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response

• Support WASH team to update EPP, strengthen cluster mechanism and humanitarian monitoring.
• Draft requisitions for supplies, services, long-term agreements, and partnership agreements to ensure UNICEF is prepared to deliver on its commitments for WASH in case of an emergency.
• Study and fully understand UNICEF’s procedures for responding in an emergency.
• Take up support roles in an emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises.
• Ensure disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change issues are mainstreamed in development of all projects to enhance resilient WASH programming.

5. Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve WASH output results.
• Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund-raising for WASH.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings on UNSDCF planning, to integrate and harmonize UNICEF output results and implementation strategies with UNSDCF development and planning processes.
• Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization concepts and proposals and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
• Contribute to preparing high-level advocacy materials to influence partners and finances and shape sector planning and implementation.

6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).
• Responsible for preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development and capacity building.
• Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up to date with the latest developments.
• Participate as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: civil engineering, public health, environmental engineering, water and sanitary engineering, climate change, OR, another relevant technical field.

Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the primary degree are a strong asset.

Work Experience:

For a candidate with DEVELOPMENTAL: A minimum of two years of professional work experience in WASH-related programmes, including monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management for developing countries, is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction and climate change will be considered an asset.

For a candidate with HUMANITARIAN: prior experience in humanitarian work, particularly in managing knowledge systems, conducting monitoring and evaluation, or implementing WASH programs in emergency settings, will be highly preferred.

Relevant Experience UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Nepali required. Knowledge/fluency in local language is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. We are committed to fostering a diverse workforce by implementing a wide range of inclusive measures. These include paid parental leave, 24 weeks of maternity leave, and 16 weeks of paternity leave. Female employees are allowed to have designated time off for breastfeeding, and our Kathmandu office has a creche that enables parents to bring their babies to work. Further, we offer flexible work arrangements that help align personal and professional goals.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates and candidates from the under-represented ethnic groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Application close: Dec 22 2024 Nepal Standard Time