Specialist in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Environment

Overview

Support WASH initiatives for children’s health and safety in Peru.

You have:

• Experience at the national and/or international level in the design and implementation of development programs, policies, and projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, or other relevant programs.
• Experience in gender issues, behavior change, resilience, and climate change.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, refugees, and migrants.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent analytical, proposal, project, and report writing skills.
• Solid computer skills, including intermediate proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Peru continues to face major challenges in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), with persistent inequalities in access—especially in remote and underserved areas. One in four children lacks access to safe drinking water, and poor sanitation and hygiene contribute to waterborne diseases, undermining children's health and development. Addressing these gaps is essential to improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

UNICEF Peru is leading efforts to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education through partnerships with government, civil society, and communities. Initiatives focus on schools, health centers, and marginalized areas, with an emphasis on sustainability and behavior change. We also support WASH responses during emergencies, such as El Niño, and provide assistance to migrants.

To strengthen impact and advance SDG targets, the UNV national WASH position will enhance coordination, stakeholder engagement, and innovation—helping ensure access to safe water and sanitation for all children in Peru.

Under the direct supervision of the UNICEF’s Health Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

The UN Volunteer will provide technical and programmatic support to UNICEF Peru's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) area. Their work will be part of UNICEF's strategy to improve sustainable, equitable, and safe access to WASH services, both in development and emergency contexts, with a focus on children's rights, gender equality, and climate resilience.

• Support the development of policy documents, promotional materials, and technical summaries for donors and authorities through the provision of technical assistance. • Participate in intersectoral dialogue spaces and advocacy initiatives that promote sustainable and comprehensive public policies on water, sanitation, and hygiene. • Provide technical assistance to local governments, educational institutions, and health facilities to improve the quality and sustainability of WASH services. • Participate in the development of tools, protocols, and educational materials with an intercultural and gender-sensitive approach that are adapted to the climate context. • Support the implementation and monitoring of WASH interventions with a climate resilience approach, ensuring the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. • Incorporate a gender perspective across all WASH activities, promoting equitable access and the active participation of women and girls. • Contribute to the systematization of good practices in WASH linked to climate risk reduction, equitable access, and community sustainability. • Monitor key indicators in the WASH sector, including those related to climate and gender, and contribute to technical and accountability reports. • Oversee the use of program resources and report compliance issues. • Participate in monitoring exercises, field visits, evaluation, and preparation of progress reports for management and partners. • Support UNICEF's humanitarian response to WASH emergencies, including deployment of supplies, field coordination, and technical assistance. • Contribute to inter-agency coordination for humanitarian response and familiarize UNICEF staff with established procedures. • Participate in capacity-building processes aimed at communities, especially those vulnerable to climate change and gender gaps. • Collaborate with government counterparts, civil society, and strategic partners for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH interventions at the national level. • Support the preparation of requisitions for supplies and services, both in development and emergency contexts.

Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

• Experience at the national and/or international level in the design and implementation of development programs, policies, and projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, or other relevant programs; • Experience in gender issues, behavior change, resilience, and climate change is valued; • Experience working with vulnerable populations, refugees, and migrants is valued; • Desirable experience with the UN or other international development organizations is valued; • Motivation to contribute to peace and development; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent analytical, proposal, project, and report writing skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in the production and editing of documents; • Excellent interpersonal skills; cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with communication tools and approaches for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of national and international staff; • Solid computer skills, including intermediate proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) as well as email/internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure. • Awareness of security issues;

Visa process: The host entity requires the following information: The chosen Peruvian Consulate by the selected candidate (City/Country), as the selected candidate will need to stamp their passport there. A copy of the passport (biographical pages) of the selected candidate. The estimated travel date of the selected candidate.

Lima is the capital of Peru, located on the central west coast of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest city in Peru and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

Lima has excellent connectivity, with various means of transportation available. You can access the city by land, sea, or air. Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in the district of Callao, is the main gateway for domestic and international flights, connecting Lima with destinations around the world. Public transportation within Lima is mainly based on a network of buses and the Lima Metro. Buses cover a wide variety of routes, while the Lima Metro offers a rapid transit system to alleviate traffic congestion.

Lima enjoys a unique climate due to its coastal location. It experiences a mild, desert climate with very little rainfall throughout the year. The city is often shrouded in a coastal fog, known locally as “garúa,” which contributes to its characteristic gray skies during the winter months. The average annual temperature in Lima is around 66°F, making it comfortable for both residents and visitors.

Lima's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods. The historic center of Lima, known as the “City of Kings,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully preserved colonial architecture. In short, Lima is a dynamic and bustling metropolis that combines modernity with tradition, making it a fascinating destination for tourists and residents alike.

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Potential interview questions

Added 8 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org