WASH Specialist, NOC, Dakar, Senegal #52415

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Job no: 589245
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Dakar
Level: NO-3
Location: Senegal
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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF. The WASH Specialist level 3 GJP is to be used in a Country Office (CO) where the WASH Programme is a major component of the Country Programme (or CCPD). The WASH Specialist reports to the Chief of CSD (Level 4). The support provided by the WASH specialist will enable the country office to achieve the WASH-related output results of the country programme.  This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of 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. How can you make a difference ? The WASH Specialist reports to the Chief of CSD (Level 4) or for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist supports the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WASH programme within the country programme. The Specialist provides technical leadership and management support throughout all stages of the WASH programming cycle , ensuring effective administration and achievement of WASH-related outputs. This includes strengthening WASH systems within the country programme . 1. Programme development and planning • Draft the WASH inputs for the situation analysis. Provide timely, comprehensive and current data to inform WASH policy and programme development, planning, management and implementation. Keep abreast of WASH sector development trends, for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in programme design, management and implementation. • Participate in strategic WASH programme planning discussions. Prepare WASH donor proposals, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, UNICEF’s global WASH strategy and the Country programme, as well as government plans and priorities, and the role of other external support agencies. • Assist in the formulation of the WASH outcome and output results, related indicators, baselines, targets and means of verification. Prepare required documentation for programme reviews. • Work with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies for the achievement of WASH output results in the country programme. • Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes and ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of WASH with other UNICEF sectors, for the achievement of the WASH output results. • Draft assigned sections of the annual work plan, in close cooperation with government and other counterparts. 2 Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results • With other external support agencies, strengthen national government WASH sector monitoring systems, with a focus on WASH outcomes (behaviors), using bottleneck analysis tools available in the sector (WASH-BAT, CSOs, SDAs). • Participate in 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. • Implement systems to monitor service performance, analyze gaps and guide decision-making. • Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in programmes and management, identify and document lessons learned. • 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. • Prepare sectoral progress reports for management, donors and partners. 3 Technical and operational support for programme implementation • Actively monitor UNICEF-supported activities through field visits, surveys and exchange of information with partners, to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely interventions. • 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. • Plan for use of technical experts from the Regional Office and HQ, as and where appropriate in the WASH programme, through remote support and on-site visits. • Participate in WASH programme meetings, to review progress, with government, other sector agencies and implementation partners, involved at various stages of WASH programme implementation, to provide expert advice and guidance. • Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic materials for use by management, donors, UNICEF regional offices and headquarters. 4 Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response • Prepare 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. • Contribute to the coordination arrangement for humanitarian WASH, for instant robust coordination in case of an emergency. • Ensure that all UNICEF WASH staff are familiar with 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. WASH system Strengthening Responsibilities • Enhance institutional capacities and technical skills through targeted training on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of WASH infrastructure. Provide technical support to government, community, and local actors to improve planning, governance, and supervision of WASH services. • Support the implementation of institutional reforms, including the operationalization of the Water and Sanitation Regulatory Authority, and contribute to the inclusive review and update of sector legislation (Water Code, Sanitation Code) to address emerging challenges such as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and circular economy principles. • Facilitate studies and technical modeling to strengthen the financial sustainability of sanitation services, including the development of a roadmap for private sector engagement in sanitation infrastructure management. Contribute to the preparation of the national strategy and integrated program for sustainable flood management. • Promote community participation in WASH service planning and management to ensure ownership and sustainability. Support the implementation of the gender action plan within the Ministry, aiming for full integration of gender equality principles in sectoral actions. • Integrate climate resilience and risk management into WASH strategies, ensuring that sector interventions are designed to withstand shocks and stresses. • Support the institutionalization of multi-level consultatio