WASH Specialist (NO-3)
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is seeking a qualified and experienced WASH Specialist (NO-3) to support the development, management and implementation of its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in Ethiopia. Based in Awasa, Ethiopia, the successful candidate will provide technical guidance and programme management support to strengthen WASH interventions and achieve programme results for children and communities.
The role focuses on evidence-based programme development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, emergency preparedness, partnership coordination and capacity building in collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders.
Job Overview
- Hiring Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Position: WASH Specialist
- Job Grade: NO-3
- Job Category: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Job Number: 596841
- Duty Station: Awasa, Ethiopia
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term Appointment
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Date Advertised: November 5, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 19, 2026
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children's rights, support their survival and development, and help them reach their full potential.
UNICEF works with governments, partners and communities to deliver essential services and improve the well-being of children, particularly those facing disadvantage and humanitarian challenges.
Purpose of the Position
The WASH Specialist will support the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WASH programme within UNICEF's country programme.
The position provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programme cycle to facilitate effective implementation and achievement of WASH-related results.
Key Responsibilities
The WASH Specialist will:
- Support the development of evidence-based WASH policies, strategies, donor proposals, work plans and integrated programme designs aligned with national priorities and UNICEF strategies.
- Monitor programme performance, conduct evaluations and reviews, track resources and budgets, document lessons learned, and prepare progress reports for management and donors.
- Provide technical guidance to government institutions, NGOs, UN partners and other stakeholders to strengthen WASH programme implementation.
- Conduct field monitoring, identify implementation challenges and bottlenecks, and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Strengthen emergency WASH preparedness through coordination, preparedness planning, supply management and support for emergency response mechanisms.
- Promote collaboration with government counterparts, development partners and other stakeholders.
- Support advocacy, resource mobilization, fundraising and inter-agency coordination.
- Promote innovation, research, knowledge sharing, capacity assessments and institutional strengthening to improve WASH sector outcomes.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Science, Behavioral Science, Public Health, Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Water Resources Engineering or another relevant field.
Work Experience
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), programme management, public health, humanitarian response, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, policy and advocacy, partnership development, knowledge management, emergency preparedness or related areas.
Technical Skills and Competencies
Demonstrated expertise in:
- WASH programming and programme management.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Reporting and documentation.
- Knowledge management.
- Humanitarian response.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Additional assets include:
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language.
- Advanced WASH training.
- Experience in humanitarian coordination.
- Knowledge of rural water systems.
- Experience in menstrual hygiene management and WASH programmes.
- Relevant country-level experience, particularly in development, fragile and humanitarian contexts.
UNICEF Core Values and Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).
The required competencies include:
- Builds and maintains partnerships.
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
- Drives to achieve results for impact.
- Innovates and embraces change.
- Manages ambiguity and complexity.
- Thinks and acts strategically.
- Works collaboratively with others.
- Nurtures, leads and manages people.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications through the official UNICEF recruitment portal.
Application Instructions:
- Review the detailed job description and ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications and experience requirements.
- Complete and submit the online application through the official UNICEF application system.
- Provide accurate information about your education, professional experience and relevant competencies.
Important Information:
- UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religion or ethnic background.
- Suitable female candidates and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Government employees selected for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up the assignment.
- Appointment is subject to satisfactory medical clearance and required background, reference and safeguarding checks.
- UNICEF does not charge any application, recruitment, processing or training fees.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application Deadline: November 19, 2026.
Official Job Description: Download the detailed Job Description
Apply Online: Submit Your Application Through UNICEF Careers
Child Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity
UNICEF is committed to protecting children and promoting their rights. All selected candidates will undergo appropriate reference, background and safeguarding checks. UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, fraud and corruption.
UNICEF also promotes an inclusive and representative workforce and provides reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
📲 Join @Etcareersjobs for Daily Job Updates & Share with Friends: