WASH Cluster Coordinator, P4, FT, Kyiv, Ukraine #114137

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For every child, hope

UNICEF Ukraine

How can you make a difference? 

Humanitarian action is of fundamental importance to UNICEF and encompasses interventions aimed at saving lives, alleviating suffering, maintaining human dignity, and protecting the rights of affected populations wherever there are humanitarian needs, as well as interventions addressing underlying risks and causes of vulnerability to disasters, fragility and conflict. UNICEF’s humanitarian action is guided by the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCCs) which set organizational, programmatic and operational commitments and benchmarks against which UNICEF holds itself accountable for the coverage, quality and equity of its humanitarian action and advocacy and which are mandatory for all UNICEF personnel.

Furthermore, UNICEF is committed to support humanitarian coordination through the cluster approach. Introduced as part of the humanitarian reform, the cluster approach, aims at ensuring clear leadership, predictability and accountability in international responses to humanitarian emergencies by clarifying the division of labor among organizations and better defining their roles and responsibilities within the different sectors involved in the response. As a member of the IASC, UNICEF work along with national and local stakeholders (including national and local authorities, CSOs, and communities) to support humanitarian coordination and to improve the collective impact of humanitarian response. Whether the cluster approach is activated or not, UNICEF plays a key role in both global and country-level interagency coordination for its areas of programmatic responsibility. As Cluster Lead Agency (CLA) for Nutrition, WASH, Education (co-led), and Child Protection Area of Responsibility (AoR) within the Protection Cluster, UNICEF is committed to fulfil the core functions defined by the IASC when the clusters are activated or when UNICEF is asked to support sectoral coordination.

A well-run Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group coordination team is a formal deliverable of the Cluster Lead Agency and forms a part of the agency’s work.

Job organizational context: The WASH Cluster Coordinator (level 4) GJP is to be used in a Country Office (CO) where the Representative is at the P5 or D1 level or in a Regional Office (RO). The position can be in a national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group in a complex emergency, a larger sub-national Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group or an office within a regional hub.  The position reports to the Representative. In some situations, the Representative may delegate responsibility to the Deputy Representative/ Deputy Head of Office, Chief of Field Operations, Chief of Emergencies, or similar.

Purpose of the job: Under the overall direction and guidance of the Representative, the WASH Cluster Coordinator will provide leadership and representation of the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group. They will facilitate the processes that will ensure a well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, and effective response by participants in the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group that is accountable to those who are affected by the emergency. In their effort to provide an efficient and effective response to the humanitarian crisis, the WASH Cluster Coordinator is responsible for building relationships with stakeholders, for securing the overall coordination of sectoral responses and for ensuring inter-sectoral collaboration.

The post holder is responsible for providing predictable, timely and strategic leadership and representation for the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group to ensure a timely and effective Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group response. The post holder is responsible for leading multiple stakeholders, beyond their immediate team of direct reports, to work collectively towards the realization of a shared goal based on evidence in a complex humanitarian environment.

The post holder’s main tasks and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 

Coordination, representation and leadership

• Ensure, establish and maintain a coordination mechanism that facilitates the effective achievement of the cluster functions (as outlined by the IASC Reference Module) and the requirements of the HPC (HNO, HRP and CCPM) and which builds on pre-existing coordination structures where appropriate and furthers the development of current or future national and subnational capacities,
• Oversee the functioning of any sub-national or hub Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group where they exist, ensuring alignment of work and priorities, effective communication, reporting, engagement and coordination between the levels,
• Supervise the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group coordination team,
• Ensure appropriate coordination and build partnerships with all relevant sector stakeholders including government counterparts and national authorities, local, national and international organizations and affected populations,
• Build complementarity of partner actions within the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group, pro-actively negotiating with partners to avoid and resolve duplication and gaps,
• Coordinate, collaborate and represent the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group with stakeholders across all sectors, including through inter-cluster coordination fora, developing cross-sectoral relationships as appropriate.

Needs assessment and analysis

• Lead the planning and implementation of needs assessment and analysis, including representing the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group in multi-sectoral needs assessments and joint analysis of need, at national and subnational levels,
• Analyse needs assessment data and work collaboratively with the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group partners to create analytical products, including an HNO based on evidence-based information.

Strategic response planning

• Lead and coordinate strategic planning, response prioritization and the development of the sectoral response plan that is based on the HNO and aligned with national priorities, policies and plans,
• Ensure all programme delivery modalities (in-kind, cash, voucher and services) are given equal consideration in the strategic response planning and establish and implement systematic measures for supporting their consideration and use,
• Provide technical expertise and advice to Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group partners to ensure activities are relevant, appropriate and in line with national priorities and communities’ needs,
• Ensure that the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group response plan is updated regularly according to evolving needs and that it establishes indicators by which performance of the cluster can be measured,
• Engage with OCHA and other AoRs/ Clusters/ Sectors/ Working Groups to contribute to the development of the HRP, advocating for a response that reflects and addresses the concerns of the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group.

Resource mobilization and advocacy

• Support and coordinate the mobilization of adequate resources to ensure the effective functioning of the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group and its response and subsequent handing over and establishment of medium to long term capacities when the cluster approach is deactivated,
• Monitor, analyse and communicate information about the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group’s financial situation and resource mobilization and identify appropriate actions to address gaps or constraints,
• Advocate for improved sectoral outcomes, by developing an advocacy strategy, networking with advocacy allies, influencing stakeholders’ decision-making.

Implementation and monitoring

• Monitor, evaluate and report on the coverage, equity, quality and progress of the response against the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group strategy, priorities and agreed results,
• Plan and support gap and coverage analysis to identify spatial and temporal gaps, overlaps and coverage of the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group humanitarian response,
• Monitor Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group adherence to IASC cluster approach principles, relevant humanitarian and sectoral agreements, standards, initiatives and guidelines and support partners to make improvements.

Operational peer review and evaluation

• Lead the annual cluster coordination performance monitoring (CCPM) exercise and annual review and contribute to other sectoral and humanitarian evaluations as appropriate.

Accountability to affected populations

• Be accountable to the affected population by establishing inclusive and consultative feedback mechanisms, creating meaningful opportunities for the involvement of the affected population in the response and encouraging partners to operate accountably,
• Ensure the inclusion of cross cutting issues (age, child protection, disability, gender, gender-based violence (GBV) mitigation and response and HIV & AIDS) in Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group activities throughout the HPC,
• Establish and implement systematic measures for supporting inclusive work practices and processes,
• Adhere to child safeguarding and PSEA policies including procedures for challenging and reporting incidents and ensure other members of the coordination team comply.

Strengthen national and local capacity

• Encourage participation of local and national actors in Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group activities and strategic decision-making, removing barriers to access,
• Lead the development of a capacity assessment and capacity strengthening strategy for Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group members and oversee implementation and harmonization of initiatives,
• Lead early warning, contingency planning, and emergency preparedness efforts for the Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group, ensuring adequate cluster participation in inter-cluster early warning, contingency planning and emergency preparedness activities.

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: public health, social sciences, health and hygiene behavior change communication, WASH-related engineering or another relevant technical field. Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/ supplement the main degree are a strong asset.

• Work Experience: 

  A minimum of 8 years of professional experience, preferably at the international level, in WASH-related programmes planning and management is required.. Relevant experience in programme management in WASH related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.

  Experience in humanitarian contexts is required.

• Language Requirements: 

  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of the local language is an asset.

• Desirables:

  Experience in development contexts is an added advantage.

  A minimum of two years of experience of WASH Cluster/ Sector/ Working Group coordination is desirable.

  Experience in effective management of human resources/teams in high stress/risk environments is desirable.

  Experience in a mixed set of country contexts, in multiple geographic regions, including a deployment mission with UN, Government or INGO is strongly desirable.

Technical requirements

The post holder must demonstrate strong knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Humanitarian architecture, cluster approach and core functions

• Key process and features of the humanitarian programme cycle (HNO, HRP and CCPM), the humanitarian reform process and the transformative agenda, the Humanitarian-Development Nexus and the Grand Bargain Commitments,
• IASC Guidance Note on Strengthening Participation, Representation and Leadership of Local and National Actors in IASC Humanitarian Coordination Mechanisms, IASC Results Group 1 on Operational Response, (2021),
• IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at Country Level (2015),
• IASC Guidance Note on Using the Cluster Approach to Strengthen Humanitarian Response (2006).

Humanitarian principles, standards and guidelines

• Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action, (2020), UNICEF,
• The Sphere Handbook, (2018), Sphere,
• Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability, (2014), CHSA,
• Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief, (1994), ICRC,
• Accountability to Affected Populations: The Operational Framework, (2013), IASC,
• Principles of Partnership: A Statement of Commitment, (2007), ICVA,
• Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Quality (AAAQ) framework: A tool to identify potential barriers in accessing services in humanitarian settings, (2019), UNICEF,
• Statement on the Centrality of Protection in Humanitarian Action, (2013), IASC,
• Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, (2008), Secretary General Bulletin,
• Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action, (2015), IASC.

WASH in Emergencies principles, standards, concepts, tools and resources

WASH Minimum Commitments for the Safety and Dignity of Affected People, (2016), Global WASH Cluster,

• GWC Coordination Toolkit, (2020), Global WASH Cluster,
• An Introduction to Community Engagement in WASH, (2018), Oxfam,
• Violence, Gender and WASH Toolkit, (2014), WEDC/ Loughborough University.
• Inter-sectoral linkages with key sectors including Health (including public health, disease control and epidemiology); Nutrition; Education; Shelter and, in particular, Urban Shelter,
• Key concepts, minimum standards, key actions and indicators for water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion as identified in the Sphere Handbook as well as linkages with the Humanitarian Charter, Protection Principles and Core Humanitarian Standard,
• Key programming interventions and relevant data sets in WASH technical areas of water, sanitation, hygiene, how these areas link together and how they vary according to context, emergency typology and phases of the HPC,
• Key sector initiatives including the WHO/ UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water (GLAAS) and Sanitation and Water for All (SWA),
• Market Based Programming (MBP) and Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) in the context of WASH programming,
• Relevant local and contextual knowledge of risk and vulnerability factors including those linked to gender and gender identity, disability and age,
• Stakeholders and their responsibilities including WASH Cluster partners, Field Support Teams (FST), Standby Partners and other relevant stakeholders in the WASH market including actors that are humanitarian and development, public and private, state and non-state and those operating globally, nationally and locally,
• Strategies and policies relevant to WASH programming in the specific context
• WASH coordination platforms and networks including national WASH humanitarian coordination platforms,
• WASH sector response plans.

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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people. 

Coordination Competencies

• Applies Humanitarian Principles, Standards and Guidelines (2)
• Applies Key WASH Concepts and Tools (2)
• Operates Safely and Securely (2)
• Demonstrates Commitment to a Coordinated Response (2)
• Promotes Cooperation and Collaboration (2)
• Demonstrates Accountability (2)
• Promotes Inclusion (2)
• Provides Influential and Strategic Leadership (2)
• Analyses and Communicates Information (2)
• Supports Resource Mobilization (2)
• Advocates for Improved WASH Outcomes (2)
• Monitors the Response (2)
• Strengthens National Capacity to Respond and Lead (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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. 

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

This position is based in Kyiv and the incumbent will be expected be work on-site. However, depending on the security conditions and advisory, s/he will be required to relocate within Ukraine.