Internal/ External Vacancy Notice
Title of Post & Grade
Location
Date of Issuance
Closing Date
Position Number
Vacancy Notice Number
: Associate Programme (WASH) Officer (NOB)
: Islamabad, Pakistan
: 3rd August 2012
: 16th August 2012
: 10018611
: VN/241/2012
Main duties and responsibilities
The incumbent holds a professional management position responsible for provision of
expert technical support and advice as well as strategic planning and policy making on
activities within the areas of WASH and related technical sectors as an integral part of
UNHCR programmes.
A. Strategy and Policy:
 Support the implementation of UNHCR’s Strategic Plan for WASH 2011-13.
 Adapt internationally accepted standards, policies, and guidelines for WASH
accordingly to the unique situation of UNHCR’s persons of concern and the
country context.
 Represent UNHCR in relevant meetings and conferences when requested.
B. Advocacy:
 Advocate on all issues relating to WASH and refugees and other persons of
concern to UNHCR both within and outside of UNHCR.
 Work with others in UNHCR to advocate for access to refugees and other
persons of concern to WASH services in national and regional plans and
proposals.
C. Technical Assistance:
 Consolidate and provide technical guidance and support to partners on all
WASH-related issues to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, sustainability and
environmental soundness in their implementation.
 Act as a focal point on water, sanitation and hygiene promotion issues within
UNHCR and liaise with UN related agencies and governmental and
nongovernmental counterparts.
 Assist in reviewing performance, monitor development and evaluate
approaches adopted by partners in WASH and related sectors (e.g. natural
resources management, environment assessment) and formulate appropriate
designs and corrective measures as deemed necessary.
 Review on a regular basis the quantity and quality of water and sanitation
services offered in the camps and host communities and ensures the
maintenance of records of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion
performance indicators for all locations.
 Put measures in place to ensure that regular and accurate reports that analyse
the challenges encountered in providing water, sanitation and hygiene
promotion services for beneficiaries are prepared and circulated and that
periodic reports required by UNHCR at all levels are submitted in a timely
manner.
D. Capacity Building:
 Facilitate capacity strengthening activities of UNHCR and its
implementing/operational partners to address key areas of WASH importance
to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR.
 Assist in building the capacity and competence of UNHCR’s Public Health and
WASH staff.
 Assist in ensuring WASH is adequately addressed in in-house capacity building
activities of the agency such as emergency and operations training.
E. Provide other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
Academic:
Advanced university degree in water and sanitation engineering / water resources
development and/or postgraduate degree in one of the civil engineering disciplines
(water supply and/or hydrology) or sanitation/hygiene engineering. A first level
university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and
experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
 At least 5 years of progressively responsible functions in water/sanitary
engineering or a related field in developing countries dealing with large scale
WASH activities.
 Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in courteous and service-oriented manner
in demanding working condition that often has short deadlines.
 Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common
objective in the area of WASH is essential.
 Demonstrated experience in organising and conducting training activities and
information campaigns in the areas of environmental sanitation, natural resources
management, water quality, bore-hole drilling, vector control and appropriate
technologies are important elements for this post.
 Proven technical expertise in area of WASH assessment including surveys,
programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination is
required.
 Exposure to UNHCR mandate, its priorities and principles.
 Knowledge and experience of working with local partner agencies with a capacity
to provide formal and informal training.
Skills:
 Ability towards analytical and creative thinking for rapid solutions.
 Good communicator with strong interpersonal and negotiations skills to deal with
persons of various cultural and educational backgrounds.
 Team player with service oriented attitudes.
 Proficiency in basic computer software such as Excel, Powerpoint, Word and
preferably GIS.
Languages:
 Excellent knowledge of English (written / oral / comprehension) is essential.
 Working knowledge of another UN language
DESIRABLE
 Experience and professional training in one of irrigation, site planning, or shelter
with a good understanding of the main issues in the other two sectors. To this end,
an advanced degree and additional training in one or more of the above sectors
would be useful.
 Applied knowledge in UNHCR programme management, project formulation,
programme cycles and reporting standards.
 Expertise in planning, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting on
humanitarian operations.
 Proficiency in water modelling sofware.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are requested to send a
covering letter explaining their interest of the particular vacancy they are applying for
along with the Personal History Form (attached). Applications received without
indication or reference to the position title will not be considered. Candidates can
submit their applications in writing or by e-mail to pakishr@unhcr.org. Only
applications received within the deadline will be considered.