WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator), P4 – FT, MENARO Amman, Jordan

The Office for the Whole of Syria based within the UNICEF Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is looking to hire a devoted WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) to be based in Amman, Jordan.

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For every child, Hope

The WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) works in the MENARO/WoS (Whole of Syria) office and reports to the Senior Emergency Specialist, P5, with dotted line to the WASH Regional Adviser, P5.

The WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) with guidance from the Senior Emergency Specialist will provide leadership and representation of Whole of Syria WASH Cluster. The WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) 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 Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) is responsible for building relationships with stakeholders, for securing the overall coordination of sectoral responses and for ensuring inter-sectoral collaboration.

The WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) with guidance from the WASH Regional Adviser provides authoritative technical guidance and support to country offices throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in WASH programmes/projects. This is carried out according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework. 

How can you make a difference? 

1. 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 of 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, other AoRs/Clusters/Sectors/Working Groups, 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.

2. Programme development and planning

• Provide technical support and guidance on the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the WASH sector/s to ensure comprehensive and current data on WASH is available to guide policy development as well as design and management of WASH programmes/projects.
• Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of WASH programmes/projects.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans for the sector(s) based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine nationa priorities and competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherene and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.
• 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.
• 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.

3. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action and interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management and Cluster/Sector/Working Group strategy, priorities and agreed results. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes and projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to solve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Plan, monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability. Ensure timely reporting liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

4. Technical support to strengthen national and local capacity

• Provide advice to key government officials, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners/donors on policies, strategies, best practices and approaches on WASH-related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results.
• Participate in strategic programme discussions and planning to provide technical advice, contribute to policy discussions and agenda and promote WASH interventions, especially in the areas of gender and emergency preparedness.
• Prepare policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration.
• Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for programme development, contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable WASH programme/project initiatives through advocacy and technical advisory services.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in WASH management and information systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Organize, plan and/or implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results on WASH related programmes/projects.

Impact of Results

Working in partnership with Cluster/Sector/Working Group participants, the WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) provides leadership and representation for the Cluster/Sector/Working Group. This contributes to the predictability and accountability of humanitarian action, in line with the aims of the cluster approach and IASC principles, and ensures that the humanitarian response is well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, effective and builds the resilience of the affected population. It also contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to fulfil its commitments as Cluster Lead Agency, in line with the CCCs. By identifying opportunities from the onset and throughout the humanitarian response to build resilience of the affected population, for programming and coordination capacity and leadership, the WASH Specialist (Programme / Cluster Coordinator) also contributes to a smooth phrasing out of the internationally led Cluster/Sector/Working Group Leadership.

The strategic and effective advocacy planning and formulation of WASH programs/projects and improve learning outcomes and equitable, inclusive and universal access to education in the country. Achievements in WAHS programs and projects, in turn, contribute to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide WASH services for mothers and children that promote greater social equality in the country.

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

The following minimum requirements:

• Education: An Advanced University Degree in engineering or relevant social science field is required. Or a first level (Bachelor’s) University Degree in related fields with 10 years of professional experience may be acceptable in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

• Work Experience: For the masters’ degree holders, a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience is programme planning, management, and/or research in education at the international level, some of which, preferably in a developing country, is required. Experience working in the UN system agency or UN organization is an asset.
  • Experience of working in the humanitarian coordination system is required.
  • A minimum of two years of experience of WASH Cluster/Sector/Working Group coordination is desirable.
  • Experience in humanitarian contexts is required. Experience in development contexts is an added advantage.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is a strong asset. Knowledge of another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is 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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.

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 benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes[KR5] , 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. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required[LK6]  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.

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

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.