General
Description of assignment title: WASH Officer-Monitoring and Knowledge Management Officer
Assignment country: Fiji
Expected start date: 01/11/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 6. Clean water and sanitation
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Suva
Details
Mission and objectives
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work to translate that commitment into practical action, especially for the most disadvantaged children.
In the Pacific we work in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada.
Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria. All 14 Pacific island countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but only a third are on track with reporting obligations.
Context
Almost 15 per cent of people in the Pacific lack access to basic drinking water services, mainly in rural areas. Although access to WASH continued to improve over recent years, the 2023 WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for WASH global report notes stagnation or regression in access levels across several PICTs, with the Pacific sub-region off-track to meet the SDG targets 6.1 and 6.2.
This is with pronounced inequities across countries and in-country between urban to rural. Pacific region is lagging behind on SDG 6.1 and SDG 6.2 compared to other regions in the world. Some PICTs have achieved universal access to basic water, but there is big rural/urban disparity in access to WASH services, and growing concern around water quality and availability.
Almost 30 per cent of the population lack basic sanitation services, and almost 14 per cent practice open defecation. UNICEF Pacific WASH programme for 2023-2026 supports governments to address disparities and increasing concerns on water safety and water security in access to basic WASH services. It will also support improved, sustainable and disaster-resilient WASH infrastructure
in communities, schools, health care facilities, services and practices, including open defecation. It will work to ensure that women are involved in the decision-making process for WASH services and planning, and that measures to change WASH behavior are guided by evidence on barriers and enablers. The programme will also aim to close data gaps on WASH in schools and health care facilities.
The UN volunteer/ WASH Officer (Monitoring and Knowledge management) is expected to support the WASH programme on knowledge generation, management and knowledge sharing
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the WASH Specialist and oversight from Chief of WASH programme, the UN Volunteer/WASH Officer (Monitoring and Knowledge Management) will
play a crucial role in ensuring the effective monitoring and knowledge management of UNICEF supported Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme in Pacific Island countries and territories. The incumbent will contribute to the generation of evidence-based insights, coordinate documentation, and facilitate knowledge sharing to support the implementation of child friendly and inclusive climate-resilient WASH programme supported by UNICEF Pacific programme.
Key Tasks:
I. Knowledge Generation:
a. Coordinate Documentation and Publications:
- Lead the development and documentation of evidence-based climate-resilient inclusive, child-friendly, gender sensitive WASH programme in the Pacific Island countries and territories.
- Compile and publish materials, including reports, journal articles, case studies, field notes and other publications.
b. Knowledge Products Development: - Coordinate and produce engaging knowledge products, such as human-interest stories, audio-visual content, and social media materials.
c. Data Mapping and Analysis: - Map and analyze data from Pacific Island countries and territories, integrating information from surveys, census, MICS/DHS, JMP, and other relevant sources.
- Produce regional summaries on WASH program progress, coverage, needs, and gaps.
Review and Synthesis: - Review and synthesize data from various UNICEF Pacific WASH programs, including
SMQ, RAM, and Annual reports. - Produce thematic summaries to inform decision-making processes.
II. Knowledge Management:
a. Mapping of UNICEF Pacific WASH Programme: - Undertake mapping of current, past, and future UNICEF-supported WASH programmes in the Pacific.
- Maintain an updated tracking of ongoing and future planned projects and programmes
b. Routine Monitoring- Data compilation, Visualization and reporting - Lead routine monitoring of UNICEF-supported WASH programmes in the Pacific, providing timely summaries and dashboard visualizations.
- Compile monthly data from field offices and partners for periodic reports.
- Support data analysis and reporting for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify progress, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
c. SharePoint Management: - Manage and maintain UNICEF Pacific WASH programme SharePoint page, ensuring
it is updated with relevant information and resources.
III. Knowledge Sharing:
a. Newsletter: - Collaborate with the WASH team to develop a monthly Pacific WASH Newsletter, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and updates.
b. Infographics and Information Products: - Develop visually appealing infographics on WASH programs in the Pacific for better communication and understanding.
- Create information products tailored for conferences, workshops, and meetings etc. as required.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:
- Candidates must be Korean nationals.
- Candidates who have already served as UN Volunteer Specialist funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University and UN Youth Volunteers are eligible).
- Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the End of Contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
- Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the ‘Additional remarks’ field when filling in the application form.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 June 2024
+++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++
Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Donor priorities: .
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in a relevant field (e.g., civil Engineering, Environmental
Science, Public Health, Data science, Development Studies or a related field).
- Work experience in the region/similar context is an asset, as is experience working in
the UN or other international development organization. - Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in knowledge management, data analysis. Data visualization (Power BI,
Tableau etc.), - Skills in GIS/mapping software
- Proficiency in SharePoint management.
Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge - Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
- Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
- Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF’s work, child friendly programming volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Note: This DOA may be subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the WASH programme and organizational requirements.
Area(s) of expertise: Development programmes, Health
Driving license:
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in civil engineering, environmental science, public, health, data science, development studies or a related field.
Competencies and values
☒ Accountability
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility
☒ Building Trust
☒ Client Orientation
☒ Commitment and Motivation
☒ Communication
☒ Integrity
☒ Judgement and Decision-making
☒ Knowledge Sharing
☒ Planning and Organizing
☒ Professionalism
☒ Respect for Diversity
☒ Technological Awareness
☒ Vision
☒ Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The position will be based in Suva, Fiji but will require extensive travel to the Pacific Island Countries and territories. Many field location have with basic facilities. Fiji lies in the heart of the Pacific Ocean midway between the Equator and the South Pole, and it is located north of New Zealand and northwest of Australia. Fiji consists of 18,333 square km of land and includes approximately 300 islands of which around 110 are inhabited. The capital is Suva, and it is one of the two cities in Fiji. The other is Lautoka City and both are on the island of Viti Levu. Fiji has a tropical oceanic climate. The rainy season, from November to April, coincides with the hot and humid months and the cooler months are from May to October. Humidity tends to be higher in the South and East and much less in the west and north. Temperatures in January in Suva can be min – max temp: 23 – 30 oC or 74 – 86 oF and in July: min – max temp: 20 – 26 oC or 68 – 79 o F. Fiji sits in a cyclone area, and cyclones are most likely to occur in the summer months between November and April. English is the official working language of the country and is widely used, with Fijian, Hindustani and Rotuman being the actual languages of the country. Fiji is currently in UN Security phase 1.There are several apartments (including fully furnished apartments) and houses available. Before starting your search for permanent accommodation, speak with UNDSS and your colleagues about recommended areas and those to avoid. There may also be some staff leaving that will be vacating their accommodation. Most UN staff live in Domain, around Albert Park, Flagstaff and Nasese. Rental price ranges from approx. US900 to US$4,500 per month.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Reasonable accommodation
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.
