UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save childrenโs 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. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job โ it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, hope
UNICEF Ukraine
Join WASH team at UNICEF Ukraine
How can you make a difference?ย
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does โ in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to childrenโs rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life โ in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions โ her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of societyโs most disadvantaged citizens โ addressing inequity โ not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Job organizational context: UNICEF Ukraine supports the Government of Ukraine in ensuring equitable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all children and families. Across Ukraine, and particularly in Kharkiv and Sumy oblast, an ongoing war has caused severe damage to urban water, wastewater and heating infrastructure. As the country advances its recovery and prepares for EU accession, rebuilding sustainable and climate-resilient WASH systems is a top priority for public health, environmental protection, and socio-economic development.
The WASH Officer (Nexus / Recovery) level 2 will be based in the UNICEF Kharkiv FO and responsible to provide technical, operational, and partnership support to restore and modernize water, wastewater and heating services in Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts including governance and management systems. The role will bridge immediate emergencies with priority recovery projects aligned to the Build Back Better principles adopted by the government of Ukraine, aiming at compliance with EU water and environmental standards, national reforms, and UNICEFโs equity-driven mandate.
Purpose of the job: The WASH Officer (Nexus / Recovery) reports to the WASH Specialist who is at level 3 or 4 for supervision. The WASH Officer provides technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the WASH programming process, with emphasis on fostering partnerships, coordinating recovery efforts, and supporting the transition from emergency response to sustainable infrastructure development. The Officer contributes to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WASH output results of the country programme, while ensuring meaningful participation of affected populations and leveraging resources from multiple stakeholders.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:ย
Programme development and planning Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results Technical and operational support for programme implementation Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response Networking and partnership building Innovation, knowledge management and capacity buildingย 1. Programme development and planning
Draft updates for WASH in the situation analysis, to inform the development of WASH-related outcome and output results. Research and report on trends in WASH, for use in programme development, management, monitoring, and evaluation.ย Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information. Contribute to the development/establishment of WASH-related outcome and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of WASH sector needs and priorities. Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials/documentations, complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support progress towards the WASH-related outcome and/or output results in the country programme. Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes. Contribute to assessments of urban water, wastewater and heating infrastructure in the area of responsibility (AOR) identifying gaps, risks, and investment needs. Support integration of the office priorities and EU alignment requirements (e.g., Water Framework Directive, wastewater treatment standards) into UNICEF WASH programming. Support programming for transition from emergency to early recovery by developing strategic frameworks that bridge immediate humanitarian needs with long-term infrastructure development priorities Draft technical inputs for project design, donor proposal and sectoral strategies. Facilitate community consultations and participatory planning processes to ensure affected populations have meaningful input into recovery programme design and priority setting.2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
ย Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, provide solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned. Support implementation of WASH recovery projects (water treatment plants, pumping stations, sewer networks, sludge management, district heating integration). Monitor progress against infrastructure rehabilitation targets, service continuity, and quality standards. Ensure efficient use of programme resources, compliance with UNICEF rules, and donor requirements. Document lessons learned and best practices for replication in other cities. Support coordination with donor and IFI-driven projects to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and maximize synergies in WASH recovery investments. Establish and maintain accountability mechanisms to affected populations, including feedback systems, grievance procedures, and regular community reporting on programme progress. Support fund leveraging initiatives by identifying co-financing opportunities and preparing joint proposals with partners for priority WASH infrastructure projects.3. Technical and operational support for programme implementation
ย Undertake field visits and surveys, collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action. 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. Promote resilience-building approaches (energy efficiency, non-revenue water reduction, digital monitoring, climate adaptation). Support the development and implementation of public-private partnerships for WASH recovery by facilitating dialogue between public utilities, private sector actors, and development partners. Strengthen sector coordination mechanisms by supporting the establishment of technical working groups and multi-stakeholder platforms for WASH recovery planning and implementation.ย 4. Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response
Draft 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. Study and fully understand UNICEFโs procedures for responding in an emergency. Take up support roles in an emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises.ย Support counterparts and partners for the design and implementation of transition strategies to move from emergency WASH interventions to sustainable recovery solutions aligned with long-term infrastructure development plans. Support contingency planning mechanisms that incorporate lessons learned from emergency response into recovery programming, ensuring continuity of service delivery during the humanitarian-development transition.ย 5. Networking and partnership building
ย Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve WASH output results. Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund-raising for WASH. Participate in inter-agency meetings on UNDAF planning, to integrate and harmonize UNICEF output results and implementation strategies with UNDAF development and planning processes. Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes. Foster strategic partnerships with private sector entities, including international water companies, technology providers, and financial institutions, to leverage expertise and resources for WASH recovery. Support Coordination of multi-stakeholder platforms that bring together government, donors, civil society, and affected communities to ensure inclusive and coordinated WASH recovery planning.6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).ย Assist in the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall WASH sector development. Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up-to-date with latest developments.ย Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders. Participate in documenting and disseminating innovative recovery practices (digital mapping, renewable-powered systems, sludge-to-energy, etc.). Contribute to UNICEF learning events and cross-sectoral collaboration (Health, Education, Child Protection, Climate).Impact of Results
The support provided by the WASH officer will enable the country office to achieve the WASH-related output results of the country programme.ย This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of the outcome results of the country programme document.ย When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth and development, and reduce inequalities in the country.ย
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆ
Minimum requirements:
Education:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, civil/environmental engineering, water resources management or another relevant technical field. Postgraduate studies in infrastructure resilience, urban planning, or EU water/environmental law are a strong asset.Work Experience:
A minimum of two years of professional work experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries is required.Language Requirements:ย
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.Desirables:
Experience in design, rehabilitation, or management of urban water and wastewater systems Familiarity with donor-financed infrastructure projects. Experience in post-conflict recovery, utility reform, or EU water/environmental standards (e.g., wastewater directives).Technical requirements (Basic knowledge)
ย
Long-term utility performance improvement, financial sustainability, tariff structures, and governance reforms. Capacity building of municipal service providers in areas such as operation and maintenance, digital monitoring systems, asset management, and customer service. Promotion of nature-based solutions, circular economy practices (sludge-to-energy, water reuse), and renewable energy integration into WASH systems. Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexusย
Humanitarian WASH preparedness and emergency response capacities in urban contexts (contingency planning, backup supply, emergency repair mechanisms). Transition from emergency interventions (water trucking, temporary sanitation) to sustainable recovery and long-term resilience. Coordination with humanitarian clusters, recovery task forces, and development partners to avoid duplication and ensure sustainability. Programme and Project Management Toolsย
Use of project management methodologies (results-based management, risk management, monitoring & evaluation frameworks). Knowledge management and documentation of lessons learned to feed into national recovery frameworks and international reporting.For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEFโs 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 areโฆ
(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 othersย
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is here to serve the worldโs 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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, 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.
UNICEFโs active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable womenare encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally requiredย 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.ย
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 applicantsโ 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.
Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
This position is based in Kharkiv and the incumbent will be expected be work on-site. However, depending on the security conditions and advisory, s/he will be required to relocate within Ukraine.