General
Description of assignment title
Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Engineer
Assignment country
Timor-Leste
Duty stations
Dili
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
04/05/2026
Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances
Sustainable Development Goal
6. Clean water and sanitation
Host entity
UNICEF Timor-Leste
Modality
Onsite
Type
National
Volunteer category
Specialist UCoS from Apr2026
Work arrangement
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
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. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children’s rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children. UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress. UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a “first call for children” and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families. UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities. UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Context
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established on December 11, 1946, by the General Assembly of the United Nations. UNICEF’s work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. With a dual humanitarian and development assistance mission, UNICEF is entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly to work for the survival, development, protection and participation of mothers, infants and children in all countries of the world. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for “promoting brotherhood among nations”. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories around the world. UNICEF is committed to establishing children’s rights as enduring ethical principles in Timor-Leste. UNICEF Timor-Leste works tirelessly to translate this commitment into practical actions for the benefit of approximately 550,000 children under 18 years of age, comprising nearly half of the country’s population. UNICEF continues to work on bringing basic services and opportunities to all children in Timor-Leste in the areas of health, nutrition, education, social inclusion, youth participation, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) , and to strengthen systems designed to protect children. UNICEF nurtures and upholds gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness in all its programmes. Since the restoration of independence, UNICEF has always worked closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to reach every child in the country. UNICEF supports water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in rural communities, and increasingly in urban areas, advocating for increased public financing of affordable water and sanitation supply; promoting innovation and partnerships on climate resilience; strengthening community- and market-based approaches to total sanitation; strengthening social and behaviour change communication; providing technical assistance to the provision of disability-accessible and age-appropriate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, including improving menstrual health and hygiene; and improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in health facilities, schools and public facilities.
Task description
12. Task description: The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer would be a member of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme team in the UNICEF country office, based in Dili, Timor-Leste. Under the direct supervision of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, the UNV Specialist would be responsible for ensuring high-quality Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related construction and rehabilitation activities that are implemented by UNICEF and its partners. More specifically, they will be performing the following tasks. – Conducting technical assessments of potential construction/ rehabilitation sites for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, including, but not limited to, gravity-fed water supply systems in rural areas, urban water storage and distribution systems, small-scale wastewater treatment systems, institutional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and solar-powered Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. – Draft the technical design for proposed Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) construction or rehabilitation works. – Consult with relevant Government line Ministries (Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Be’e Timor-Leste, etc.) to gain approval for the work plan and proposed design. – Draft RFQ for approved construction/ rehabilitation works for public tender of contractors. – Conduct technical assessment of potential contractors to execute construction or rehabilitation works, either through UNICEF direct selection, or through the implementing partners. – Coordinate with contractors to monitor the progress of construction or rehabilitation works and ensure the timely completion of the planned work (including addressing any potential challenges, timely consultation with the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) team). – Conduct site visits of construction or rehabilitation works and prepare monitoring reports. – Coordinate with relevant local authorities (Servisu Munisipal Água, Saneamentu no Ambiente (SMASA), Be’e Timor-Leste, etc.) to arrange establishment of water user committees Grupo Maneja Fasilidade (GMF), support community trainings, and conduct follow-up visits. – Arrange handover ceremonies and support publicity of the project, as needed. – Monitor the completed work during the retention period and ensure that the contractor(s) fulfill their responsibilities throughout the contract period. – Any other task as necessary, as part of the UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) team.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
5 years
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Bachelor’s degree in Civil engineering or related degree is essential.
Competencies and values
Core Values Care Respect Integrity Trust Accountability Core competencies Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness Works Collaboratively with others Builds and Maintains Partnerships Innovates and Embraces Change Thinks and Acts Strategically Drive to achieve impactful results Manages ambiguity and complexity
Skills and experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience in the design of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and in the management of WASH‑related construction and rehabilitation projects. Demonstrated experience working across rural and urban contexts in Timor‑Leste, including technical design and construction oversight. Experience engaging and coordinating with relevant government ministries and counterparts is an asset.
Area(s) of expertise
Community development, Engineering and construction
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
• Security situation Timor-Leste has made progress in terms of security since gaining independence in 2002. Its Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) that works 24/7 hours. Staff also receive security alert message shared through United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). • Access and air travel Timor-Leste has one international airport President Nicolau Lobato and two domestic airports in Oecusse and Covalima. There is also Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) that can be used to travel between some municipalities (Dili-Atauro-Dili, Dili-Covalima-Dili). There are also international flights to Timor-Leste that primarily connected to nearby countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore to and from Dili capital. Few airlines operate in Dili are Citilink, Sriwijaya and AirTimor during the weekdays and weekend. • Climate Timor-Leste is an island country and has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. It has two seasons – Wet Season typically occurs from November to April with its annual rainfall with heavy rains and thunderstorm, while Dry Season usually takes place from May to October. During this time, rainfall is significantly reduced, and the weather is generally drier. • Cultural awareness such as dress code / alcohol use Timor-Leste has a rich and diverse cultures that influenced by Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous traditions. Respect for local customs, ceremonies, and rituals is crucial. It is common to greet people with a handshake, and it is polite to inquire about one’s well-being and family. Elders are often greeted with particular respect, such as calling by Maun (Brother) and Mana (Sister) followed by their first names. • Availability of food/water/electricity Locally produced food items, including fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and fish are available in local markets and grocery stores at affordable prices. However, in more remote and rural areas, access to a diverse range of food items may be limited. Access to treated and piped water are available in urban areas. You can also buy drinking water from grocery stores at affordable prices. Access to electricity in Timor-Leste, particularly in Urban areas is significantly improved and many urban households and business are connected to the electricity grid. However, in some instance there can be a power off for longer than 2 hours between days. • Medical facilities UN staff can access to the following contact number for medical purpose: Institution/clinics Timor-Leste National Ambulance • Phone: +670 3311044 • Toll-Free: 110/119 Stamford Medical Clinic • Emergency: +670 77721111 • Business Hours: +670 3310 141 UN Examining Physicians (UNEP): – Dr. Grecyl L. Espinas: Stamford Medical Clinic – Emergency: +670 77721111 – Business Hours: +670 3310 141 – Dr. Meileisy Ramirez: Stamford Medical Clinic – Emergency: +670 77721111 – Business Hours: +670 3310 141 – Dr. Gamaliel Vento Franco: Stamford Medical Clinic – Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine: – Emergency: +670 77721111 – Business Hours: +670 3310 141 Dili Medical Centre: – Dili Medical Centre: – Phone: +670 7742 8888 Guido Valadares National Hospital: – Phone: +670 331 1008
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.
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