UNICEF Nigeria: Water and Environmental Sanitation Specialist, NOC

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out the following duties

1. Enhance effective programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral, planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the situational analysis and its periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input. Ensure inclusion and delivery on sectoral leadership responsibilities including leadership and facilitation of the C-Field Office, Kaduna WASH Cluster.
2. Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, situation analysis, experience or lessons learned; promote knowledge sharing and technical input or recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the field office.
3. Promote the quality of rights-based WASH programme and programmes through participation in the formulation of programme/project goals, strategies and approaches. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to programme management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
4. Takes primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for project management, implementation and monitoring of assigned project/sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined project strategies and approaches.
5. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the preparation of annual WASH status reports. Ensure adequate and transparent evaluation of emergency preparedness and response.
6. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes, and reference to the WASH strategy.
7. Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines. Advocate for due attention and support to be given to environmental and sustainable development issues (pertaining to WASH) in all sectors and line ministries. Ensure adequate attention is given to disaster risk management, including emergency preparedness and response.
8. Collaborate with Communication and Programme Communication groups to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy, social mobilization and emergency efforts. Collaborate with other project emergency officers to ensure the integration of the sectoral programme with other sectors.
   Collaborate with the Operations and Supply Sections and government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of WASH programme or sectoral planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.
   Interact with government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of WASH programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations. Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve WASH programme goals, including humanitarian response.

Minimum qualification and competencies

• Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: public health, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, geology, hydrology, sanitation engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance. Additional training in health education or communication for development (programme communication), an asset.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, national government or the private sector. Field work experience and familiarity with Emergency (preparedness and response) approach, an asset.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station, an asset.
• Communication, working with people and drive for result.
• Leading and supervising, relating and networking.
• Analyzing, formulating strategies and concepts.
• Deciding and initiating action, applying technical expertise.
• Advanced knowledge of one or more of the technical areas of UNICEF programmes and of the theories, principles and methods in the following areas: communication for behavior change, WASH in schools, water supply projects management, monitoring and evaluation, integrated water resource management, appropriate water supply and quality technology i.e. community based water supply.
• Community based sanitation i.e.: hygiene education or latrine construction and waste management.
• Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and software, including local area network (LAN), email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.

UNICEF, which has a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Prepare the following documents

• A completed UN Personal History Form (which can be downloaded from www.unicef.org/employ)
• Your curriculum vitae with your current, detailed contact information (including telephone number and email address)
• A one-page summary statement that shows how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements above.

Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and competencies (above) will be considered.

Send your documents in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ and with the vacancy number to:

        The Human Resources Manager
        UNICEF
        UN House
        Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Drive
        Central Business District
        PMB 2851, Garki, Abuja

Meet the deadline

Applications must be received by UNICEF by close of business (Abuja time) on Tuesday, 10 August 2010. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.