WASH Officer

UNICEF helps build a world where the rights of every child are fully realized. It is our conviction that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF was created in 1946 to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. It has global authority to influence decision-makers, and a wide variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and Governments.

The UNV assignment is part of UNICEF’s programme titled “Enhancing Access to WASH Services in Luapula Province of Zambia.” This project is a collaborative initiative between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany (through BMZ and KfW), UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), and the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Its primary goal is to reduce the burden of diarrhoeal diseases among children under five years of age by improving access to WASH services across six districts in Luapula Province—ultimately benefiting approximately 200,000 people. The UN Volunteer will support the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) section focusing on providing water and sanitation support to provincial and district government counterparts, whilst facilitating ground level work for contractors and consultants on WASH activities.

Under the overall supervision of a WASH Specialist, the WASH Officer will work on the KfW funded “Enhancing WASH Services in Luapula Province Programme” and will be responsible for the following key functions:

• Participate in the planning, design, and management of sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive WASH infrastructure projects, reviewing adherence to national standards, UNICEF technical guidelines, and KfW requirements.
• Contribute to the evaluation of bids and proposals for WASH-related services and works, contributing to the selection of qualified contractors and consultants.
• Review technical documents, including bills of quantities, cost estimates, specifications, and engineering drawings for WASH infrastructure, to ensure cost-effectiveness and technical soundness.
• Conduct regular field monitoring of WASH activities implemented by partners and contractors to document progress, quality, and compliance with agreed standards.
• Support the management of contracts for construction, operation, and maintenance, including conducting performance reviews and providing technical backstopping.
• Support the collection, analysis, and management of WASH data to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and inform decision-making.
• Update databases on WASH facilities and services.
• Contribute to knowledge management and innovation by synthesizing monitoring data into graphic formats (maps, charts, infographics) and drafting sections of routine and donor reports.
• Foster effective collaboration with Government counterparts (e.g., WASHE Departments), NGOs, and communities to facilitate sustainable Operation and Management (O&M) WASH services.
• Integrate core UNICEF principles across all WASH activities, including gender equality, disability inclusion, accountability to affected populations, and environmental sustainability.
• Support Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives to promote positive hygiene practices and ensure community ownership of WASH assets.
• Perform any other tasks assigned or required by WASH Section to ensure improved provision of WASH services for children in Zambia.