WASH Specialist (Cluster Coordinator), P-4, Geneva

Purpose of the Position:

You will assist the Senior Adviser in ensuring the predictability, timeliness and effectiveness of comprehensive WASH responses by the IASC WASH Cluster partners in all humanitarian crises by representing the WASH Cluster in Geneva and networking with those organizations based there including UNICEF EMOPS, UNOCHA, IFRC, ICRC and other International NGOs. Additionally, you will support in the management of a range of distinct projects designed to improve these responses and to assist the Sr. Advisor in ensuring that the Cluster meets its obligations in terms of activating national sector coordination mechanisms, for an effective collective emergency response.

The Global WASH Cluster addresses gaps in WASH emergency response and enhances the quality of humanitarian actions by strengthening partnerships and coordination between Cluster partners. The Cluster includes UN agencies, the Red Cross/Crescent movement, international organizations and NGOs.

Key Expected Results
1. WASH Cluster Coordination

Assist the IASC WASH Global Cluster Coordinator in efforts to strengthen coordination of the WASH Cluster by collaborative definition of protocols, roles and responsibilities of the different emergency WASH stakeholders as may be assigned while acting on his behalf in his absence and being responsible for routinely representing the cluster at Geneva and Europe based meetings and forum.

Conduct research and consult with stakeholders on areas of intervention where generic strategies are required to improve coordination, make recommendations to the Sr Advisor and the WASH Cluster, and assist in the development of the same.

Deploy to humanitarian response as WASH Cluster Coordinator of last resort on a surge basis for a limited period

End Result(s); The WASH Cluster is the model cluster setting the standard against which the Cluster system is assessed

2. Improved Emergency WASH Capacity

You will assist the Sr Advisor and other Cluster Partners to develop, enhance and ensure implementation of capacity assessment systems for use at the country level for organizations and agencies involved in WASH emergency response with a focus on high risk countries by facilitating their development in a collaborative manner as may be assigned.

Enhance the roll out of a generic set of policies, procedures and documentation to strengthen surge capacity through support for the creation and implementation of standby agreements for the recruitment of emergency personnel at short notice involving the continuous assessment of UNICEF and partner agency requirements, the development of TORs, and the identification and engagement of service provider(s) for rapid recruitment service.

End Result(s):High quality stand-by partners are quickly dispatched to rapid onset emergencies and provide stop gap support to ongoing emergencies

3. Improved Emergency WASH Supply and Procurement Systems

You will periodically map stockpiles (by modules/kits) and standby agreements across agencies and geographic regions, identify potential gaps, and disseminate summaries to WASH Cluster partners.

Investigate ways to streamline release of stocks to partner agencies and establish contact with Humanitarian Logistics Council, UNJLC and UNHAS in order to help identify logistics gaps and to tap into their advice and resources.

End Result(s): Improved provision of materials to rapid onset emergencies

4. Standard Setting and Performance Indicators and Information Dissemination

You will conduct research and rapid assessments of the standards presently in use by different agencies for setting standards and assessing performance for emergency WASH programmes, including assessment of their impact on implementation.

Under the guidance of the Sr Advisor and WASH Cluster partners, select standard(s) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be used in the field and work with partners to develop a common set of standards and SOPs for emergency WASH interventions. Ensure prompt and efficient information dissemination for effective partners’ uptake

End Result(s): Duly informed partners use common standards and SOPs

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced degree in civil/water/environmental/sanitary/public health engineering, hydrogeology, public health, or other relevant technical area.

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in WASH emergency programming in developing countries.

Fluency in English and another UN language, preferably French.

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.

Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.

Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.

Remarks
This position is out posted to Geneva, Switzerland

UNICEF is committed to diversity and gender equality in its workplace. Women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2010-001687. Applications must be received by 13 August 2010.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.