Emergency WASH Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

After making landfall in Libya on Sunday, 10 September 2023, the Mediterranean Storm Daniel, with fierce winds and sudden heavy rain, caused flash flooding in several north-east areas of the country, including Al-Jabal Alakhdar, Derna, Al-Bayada, Almarj, Shahat, Soussa and Benghazi to a lesser extent. Based on initial assessments, Derna, Shahat, and Al-Bayada are among the most affected locations as Storm Daniel caused two dams to burst and waves of water to inundate populated areas. Destroyed and flooded roads are severely hampering search and rescue efforts and limiting access for humanitarian partners to deliver assistance. Bridges over the Derna River, which connect the east and western parts of the city, have collapsed. Storm Daniel also caused significant critical infrastructure damage, particularly roads and bridges, disruptions to the telecommunications network and electricity grid across north-eastern Libya, severely hampering access, and relief operations. Preliminary information shows that at least 2180 buildings have been significantly damaged or destroyed by rushing floodwater. Derna city is the most devastated among affected cities. Access to Derna was highly challenging during the first few hours of the crisis, as one point of entry from the side of Tobruk existed, two additional access points were established, and two field operations rooms formed, one at upper Derna and another at Alsahel Bab Tobruk part of the city, the entirety of latter part of the city suffer complete electricity outage, medical and field teams are relying on generators, severe fuel shortages is another issue. DTM estimates 30000 IDPs from Derna alone; among them, around 500 families are in registered shelters: Medical college, Alamal school, and Al-Intefada school; reportedly, a small number of children staying in mentioned shelters are separated from their families. Official government spokespersons and the Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS) on the ground are reporting significant casualties, with over 6,000 confirmed deaths and nearly 10,000 people remain missing. There are reports of increasing numbers of children being separated and unaccompanied. However, the lack of accurate and reliable data across the affected regions and the challenging access due to collapsed dams and destroyed inner-city bridges remains a great concern. Current estimates suggest up to 35,000 people have been displaced from all affected eastern locations after their homes were either flooded or completely collapsed. Many of these individuals have already been displaced multiple times due to conflict. Many internally displaced people (IDPs) and migrants are now sheltering in schools and other public facilities in Benghazi and other affected eastern cities.

The Emergency WASH Specialist will support the response to the flood in Eastern Libya with a focus on water quality and hygiene awareness for the prevention of AWD/Cholera outbreaks.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of WASH or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV WASH Officer will: • Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information. • Contribute to the development/establishment of WASH-related outcomes and 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 outcome and/or output results in the Country Programme. • Review & prepare technical specifications for capacity improvement for Water & Sanitation systems supplies. • Prepare required documentations, materials & reports to facilitate review and approval processes for the WASH supplies, & Keep record of reports • Work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, provide solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned. • Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare reports on results for required action/interventions at the higher level of program management. • Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures, donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. • Undertake field visits and surveys, collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action. • Draft inputs for the preparation of WASH emergency preparedness, including the drafting of required supplies and services, long-term agreements, partnership agreements, and coordination mechanisms. • Participate in Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response including supporting drafting of required supplies and services, long-term agreements, partnership agreements. • 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 overall WASH sector development. • 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.; • 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.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o The support provided by the UNV WASH officer will enable the Country Office to achieve the WASH-related output results of the country programme. This, in turn, will contribute to the achievement of the outcome results of the Country Programme Document. When done effectively, the achievement of the outcome results will improve child survival, growth and development and reduce inequalities in the country.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• 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 towards UNICEF mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in NGOs private sector, social sectors or other relevant programmes; experience with water and sanitation is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • 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; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in Children centered, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Libya is classified as an “E “Duty Station. This means that the security context in the country is fragile. The Security Focal point for our Office is the Security Advisor. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) will cater to our safety. Benghazi is the second-largest city in Libya, located on the country's northeastern coast. It has a rich historical and cultural heritage, known for its ancient Greek and Roman ruins. However, in recent years, Benghazi has faced significant challenges due to the aftermath of the 2011 Libyan civil war, including political instability, security concerns, and sporadic clashes between rival factions. The situation in Benghazi can evolve rapidly, and it is advisable to consult up-to-date sources for the latest information.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Benghazi, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.