WASH Officer, NO-2, Temporary Position, Lesotho, 364 days, Maseru, Lesotho, #00138338
Job no: JPR0003922
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Duty Station: Maseru
Location: Lesotho
Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Under the supervision and guidance of the WASH Specialist, the WASH & Construction Contracts Officer will oversee a range of construction and contract management functions to ensure effective and timely delivery of WASH infrastructure projects. This includes ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, managing contractor performance, and supporting capacity building initiatives for local stakeholders.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
- Contract Management: Oversee the development, negotiation, and management of construction contracts, ensuring adherence to UNICEF standards and regulations.
- Project Monitoring: Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, ensuring quality and timeliness of project delivery.
- Capacity Building: Provide training and support to local contractors and government counterparts to enhance their skills in construction management and WASH service delivery.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with government agencies, community groups, and external partners to ensure coordinated implementation of WASH projects.
- Reporting: Prepare regular progress reports, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvements.
- Financial Oversight: Monitor project budgets and expenditures, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with financial regulations.
- Supply Chain Management: Manage the supply chain operations for the country office, including participation and oversight of procurement processes by National Departments and Councils.
- Tender Evaluation and Contracting: Participate in tender evaluation and contracting processes, ensuring compliance with UNICEF procurement policies, procedures, and standards.
- Quality Control: Ensure quality control of invoices and undertake site visits in collaboration with the WASH Officer to verify work progress and quality.
Key responsibilities:
- Contract Development and Management:
- Project Monitoring and Quality Assurance
- Capacity Building and Training
- Coordination and Collaboration
- Reporting and Documentation
- Financial Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Quality Control
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: Job Description
To qualify as a/an [champion or advocate] for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements
Education: Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in Public Health,Engineering,Environmental Science/Health,Social Science, public health, engineering, water resources, environmental management, social science and any other related fields.
Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience in Water & Environmental Sanitation,Construction, contract management, construction management, water and sanitation, project monitoring, procurement, supply chain management, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, financial management. and any other related fields.
Skills: Construction Management, contract management, WASH.
Language Requirements : English – Proficient/Fluent
Desirables
Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language
Additional UN Language, Humanitarian experience, Fragile setting experience, UN system experience
Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it.
Deadline: 02 Sep 2026 South Africa Standard Time