Chief WASH (Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction - CEED) P-4 at UNICEF Rwanda

 Chief WASH (Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction - CEED) P-4 at UNICEF Rwanda

Organization: UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Job Number: 593836

Position Type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Grade: P-4

Department: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children. The organization partners with governments, communities, and development stakeholders to ensure every child has access to health, education, protection, clean water, sanitation, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

In Rwanda, UNICEF supports national efforts to improve child survival, development, protection, education, nutrition, and access to safe water and sanitation services.

Position Overview

UNICEF Rwanda is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to fill the position of Chief WASH (Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction - CEED). Reporting directly to the Deputy Representative, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for UNICEF's WASH and CEED programmes.

The role involves managing programme planning, implementation, monitoring, partnership development, policy engagement, humanitarian preparedness, and team leadership to ensure sustainable and equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services for children and communities across Rwanda.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management

- Lead and manage the WASH and CEED section.

- Provide strategic direction and technical guidance to programme teams.

- Ensure effective planning, implementation, and achievement of programme objectives.

- Supervise and support staff performance and professional development.

Programme Development and Planning

- Lead the design and development of WASH and CEED strategies and work plans.

- Support evidence-based programme planning aligned with UNICEF priorities and national development goals.

- Promote integrated and child-centered programming approaches.

Programme Implementation and Monitoring

- Oversee programme execution and ensure delivery of planned results.

- Monitor progress, evaluate performance, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.

- Ensure efficient utilization of resources and compliance with UNICEF standards.

Technical Support and Advisory Services

- Provide high-level technical expertise in WASH, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction.

- Support policy development and sector reforms.

- Strengthen national and decentralized systems for sustainable service delivery.

Partnership Building and Advocacy

- Build strong partnerships with government institutions, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and development partners.

- Advocate for increased investment in WASH and climate-resilient services.

- Represent UNICEF in sector coordination platforms and strategic forums.

Humanitarian Preparedness and Response

- Lead emergency preparedness and response initiatives related to WASH and CEED.

- Support rapid deployment and coordination during humanitarian emergencies.

- Strengthen resilience and disaster risk reduction systems.

Knowledge Management and Innovation

- Promote innovation and evidence-based solutions.

- Facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and continuous learning.

- Support research, data analysis, and best practice documentation.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

- Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in:

  - Public Health

  - Engineering

  - Climate and Environmental Sciences

  - Water and Sanitation

  - Or another relevant technical field

Additional postgraduate training related to WASH, climate resilience, environmental management, or disaster risk reduction is an advantage.

Professional Experience

- Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in WASH-related programmes within developing countries.

- At least one year of field experience in a developing country.

- Demonstrated experience leading teams and delivering results.

- Minimum one year of humanitarian experience, including emergency response deployments.

Technical Expertise

- Rural and urban water supply systems.

- Sanitation and hygiene programming.

- WASH in schools and health facilities.

- Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.

- Disaster risk reduction and resilience programming.

- Budget analysis, sector financing, and policy advocacy.

- Humanitarian preparedness, response, and recovery.

Language Requirements

- Fluency in English is required.

- Knowledge of French or another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is an added advantage.

Required Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

- Strategic thinking and leadership

- Results-oriented management

- Partnership development and stakeholder engagement

- Innovation and adaptability

- Strong communication and advocacy skills

- Team management and people development

- Integrity, accountability, and professionalism

- Ability to work effectively in complex environments

Why Join UNICEF?

UNICEF offers an inclusive and diverse working environment where professionals can make a meaningful impact on children's lives. Staff benefit from continuous learning opportunities, international exposure, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and humanitarian action worldwide.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official UNICEF Careers Portal before:

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Important Notice

UNICEF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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