General
Description of assignment title
WASH Associate
Assignment country
South Sudan
Expected start date
05/01/2026
Sustainable Development Goal
6. Clean water and sanitation
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNHCR
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Renk
Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. During times of displacement, we provide critical emergency assistance in the form of clean water, sanitation and healthcare, as well as shelter, blankets, household goods and sometimes food. We also arrange transport and assistance packages for people who return home, and income-generating projects for those who resettle.
Context
The influx of Sudanese refugees to Yida and Jamjang camps started in 2011 following the eruption of the armed conflict in Kordofan, Sudan. This led forced displacements, and many civilians flee their homes. This is in addition to the ongoing situation in Sudan. As a result, over 138,000 Sudanese refugees arrived Pariang County, Ruweng Administrative Area in South Sudan since 2012 and are settled in Yida settlement, Ajuong Thok and Pamir refugee camps in Jamjang. UNHCR in partnership with other UN agencies and NGOs supports the Government of South Sudan to provide services including food, health, shelter, education, WASH, Protection, etc to the refugees. In view of the complex and large-scale operation, would require the technical expertise of a WASH Associate to support the UNHCR Jamjang Sub-Office.
Task description
The WASH Associate works under the overall supervision of a more senior WASH colleague, Technical Coordinator, or Programme Officer. S/he provides assistance in the development, guidance and oversight of the implementation of WASH strategies for refugee in Jam Jang camps including Yida settlement. The incumbent will support WASH related activities in the refugee settlements working closely with the multi-functional teams including colleagues from protection, health, settlement planning, field and others. The WASH Associate provides technical guidance, works with partners and other external stakeholders, reviews ongoing activities and generally contributes to improving WASH service delivery to persons of concern (POC) to adequate levels at each site in accordance with the UNHCR WASH Manual and Technical Guidelines, and applicable UNHCR and/or national standards. S/he will follow a rights-based and community focused approach to programme design and implementation. The incumbent will follow the five principles for protection, accountability and WASH as outlined in UNHCR’s WASH Manual. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. DUTIES – Provide technical guidance and support to partners on all WASH-related issues to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability and environmental sound WASH interventions. – Liaise with implementing partners, operating partners and relevant governmental and non-governmental counterparts. – Review regularly the quantity and quality of water and sanitation services offered in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and maintain the records of WASH performance indicators for all locations. – Support the review of performance, undertake field verifications, monitor development and support the evaluation of activities and approaches adopted by partners in WASH and related sectors, reporting the results to the supervisor for sharing with other technical units. – Provide technical assistance (TA) to partners and help to enhance capacity building of partners. – Promote community involvement and participation in all the different stages of the WASH project cycle. – Build and maintain close relationships with other sectors, particularly site planning, health and community service, to locate, plan, implement and monitor WASH activities. – Provide timely inputs to ensure that regular and accurate reports that analyze the challenges encountered in providing WASH services for beneficiaries are prepared and circulated. – May participate in the preparation of all reports for management, boards, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, monthly, annual reports etc. in a timely manner. – Contribute to providing technical inputs during strategic and operational planning cycles of UNHCR within the AoR. – Assist in the communication of WASH related issues as well as of the needs and issues of other sectors through reliable regular field presence. – Provide regular updates and track progress, prepare summaries and follow-up documents in correspondence. – Participate in WASH sector, infrastructure coordination, camp coordination and cross-cutting sector meetings e.g. health, environment, as required by the supervisor. – Compile documents and reports related to WASH activities and construction under the AoR. – Record feedback from UNHCR camp management, field and community services colleagues on issues with water availability, access, quality, sanitation situation, and ensure follow-up. – Support the management in provision of WASH facilities required (UNHCR managed and supported areas), including activities such as technical design, cost estimations of technical activities, development of bill of quantities for construction of all associated WASH works, and all operational and maintenance considerations. – Provide project management support for UNHCR WASH activities employing typical PM tools for design control, procurement, implementation and monitoring, and contract administration including evaluations to support progress certificates. – Promote and participate in the establishment of a complaint mechanism/system to improve the WASH accountability toward refugees; report all issues, communications and resolutions employed. – Establish and follow master and detailed chronograms, reporting to the sector any issue resulting in delays or extra costs. – Coordinate and supervise UNHCR partners’ construction and maintenance of WASH in UNHCR managed and supported areas. – Assist in negotiations with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern. – Provide inputs for country operations plan and other submissions and reports. – Monitor WASH activities in the AoR on behalf of UNHCR and make recommendations to the supervisor and the UNHCR management team. – Provide data inputs for the WASH monitoring system. – Perform other related duties as required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor’s degree in Clinical sciences, Medicine (MD), Nurse, Midwifery, Public health and post graduate degree in Public Health, Reproductive Health or Epidemiology is advantageous.
Competencies and values
• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working.
Skills and experience
Professional work experience at the national and/or international level, or other relevant program; working experience in the UN or other international development organization is a requirement. • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge: A solid knowledge and use of computer software amplifications including UNHCR refugee irHIS, Kobo collect, SENS, WaSH KAP and related skills are desirable. Knowledge of MS offices; use of Ms-word, excel, Power point, and public health related data management skills are mandatory. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • 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; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • 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. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian work and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Health
Driving license
–
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Renk, located in Upper Nile State, is designated as an E’ non-family duty station with limited infrastructure and recreational facilities. The road network to Renk is insufficient, making air travel the primary means of access, with flights available at least four times a week. International staff are provided with accommodations, while national staff typically rent houses near the office premises or within Renk’s city center. The climate in Renk is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall during the rainy season (May to October), and hot and dusty conditions prevail during the dry season (November to April). Communication and connectivity in Renk are constrained, with Zain and MTN being the main mobile telephone networks. Staff can access office VSAT and internet-based voice call services like VIBER/WhatsApp within the office compound where broadband Wi-Fi is available. Banks are not operational in Renk, and the local population primarily relies on forex bureaus located in market areas. The population has essentially doubled due to the presence of humanitarian response efforts. The ongoing crisis in neighboring countries and globally has resulted in a challenging socio-economic situation, with food prices in the market continually rising due to inflation. The weakening of the dollar further exacerbates the situation, affecting the progress of small-scale traders and leading to increased economic hardship and vulnerability for many individuals, heightening their risks. There is a common kitchen available in the office premises for 8,000 SSP per day. However, staff also have the option to seek food from other local cafeterias and restaurants in the area. Accommodation is only provided for the international staff, while the local staff are expected to find their own private accommodation.
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
