General
Description of assignment title
WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Officer
Assignment country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Expected start date
02/02/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
6. Clean water and sanitation
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNICEF Iran
Type
Onsite
Duration
6 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Teheran
Details
Mission and objectives
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, advocacy and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s 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 favouritism to the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life.
Context
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Officer reports to the WASH Officer. The WASH Officer (UNV) provides technical, operational and administrative assistance to implement the activities under the Work Plans (WPs) with the Ministry of Energy (MoEng) and/or Ministry of Health & Medical Education (MoHME).
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WASH Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will provide support to following tasks: 1. Programme development and planning • Research and analyze regional/national political, WASH, health, and social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation. • Draft technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information. • Assist in the development/establishment of WASH-related 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 output results in the Country Programme. • Draft required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes. 2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results (linked to MoEng & MoHME WPs) • Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on 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. • Assist in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and contribute to reports on results for required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management. • Contribute to monitoring and reporting on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying 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. • Contribute to preparation of the sectoral progress reports for management, donors and partners. 3. Technical and operational support for programme implementation (linked to MoEng & MoHME WPs) • Undertake field visits, surveys, and contribute to collecting and sharing reports with partners/stakeholders and contribute to needs assessments. 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. 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 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. 5. Networking and partnership building • Support coordinating with members of the development community, including INGOs, UN and other agencies/organizations in the exchange of information relating to the WASH sector. Contributing to managing and leading the WASH working group in support of IASC (Inter agency Standing Committee) during preparedness and response to emergencies • Contribute to building and sustaining close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and contribute to building 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. • Research information on potential donors and draft resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes. 6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building (linked to MoEng & MoHME WPs) • Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems). • Assist in the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support WASH programme implementation. • Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up to date with latest developments. • Participate in capacity building initiatives to contribute to enhancing the competencies of clients/stakeholders.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 – 15 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
5 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Persian, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in one of the following fields is required: Civil engineering, public health, sanitary engineering or other relevant fields. A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Skills and experience
• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Persian; • Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting and proposal writing skills in English • Ability to follow up rigorously and effectively • Excellent abilities and willingness to conduct administrative tasks • Overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines • Ability to create and keep professional relations with a wide range of stakeholders including governmental partners, private sector and local communities • Humanitarian experience: preferred
Area(s) of expertise
Community development, Crisis and emergency response, Development programmes
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
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.
Scam warning
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