UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a future refreshed

UNICEF Madagascar is seeking a dedicated and passionate WASH Specialist (MEAL) to drive impactful change in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programmes. As part of our dynamic team, you will play a key role in strengthening monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems that ensure every child’s right to clean water and a safe environment is upheld. In a country where equitable access to basic services remains a critical challenge, your work will directly contribute to improving child survival and development outcomes, reducing inequalities, and building sustainable solutions for Madagascar’s most vulnerable communities.

The WASH Specialist (MEAL) reports to the Chief of WASH for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist supports the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the WASH programme within the country programme. The Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes, to facilitate the administration and achievement of the WASH-related output results in the country programme.

How can you make a difference?

As a WASH Programme Specialist (MEAL), you will play a pivotal role in advancing UNICEF’s mission to ensure safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all children and families. Your expertise and leadership will drive critical programs from design to execution, enhancing national WASH systems, and strengthening partnerships. Here’s a breakdown of the key functions you’ll own:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Development & Planning
   • Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and WASH programme proposals aligned with government priorities and global strategies.
   • Collaborate with partners to design impactful programmes and set clear outcomes and targets.
2. Programme Management & Delivery
   • Monitor and evaluate WASH programmes, track progress, and report on key results.
   • Ensure efficient use of resources and resolve issues promptly to stay on track.
3. Technical & Operational Support
   • Provide hands-on support to government and partners to ensure high-quality implementation.
   • Advise on best practices and participate in key meetings to drive programme success.
4. Humanitarian WASH Preparedness & Response
   • Prepare UNICEF for emergencies by setting up monitoring systems and coordinating rapid response efforts.
   • Lead data collection during crises to inform decision-making.
5. Networking & Partnership Building
   • Build and sustain relationships with government and stakeholders to support programme success.
   • Advocate for WASH priorities and secure funding through effective communication.
6. Innovation & Capacity Building
   • Lead innovation in WASH solutions and drive capacity-building initiatives for UNICEF staff and partners.
   • Share knowledge and good practices to strengthen the sector.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEAL)
   • Ensure strong monitoring and evaluation systems to track programme impact and UNICEF’s contributions.
   • Maintain high-quality data systems for informed decision-making.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [ WASH Specialist Level 3 – P3 MEAL TMS.pdf]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering or another relevant technical field.

  Two years of additional relevant work experience that was gained after obtaining a bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree.

  Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main degree are a strong asset.

• Work Experience:A minimum of five years of professional experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries is required.

  Professional experience with sector monitoring and information system design, implementation and management, in collaboration with government partners is required.

  Proven experience with water resources tracking and putting in place water utility information management systems is required.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in French and English is required

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements