Switzerland: REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST, CONSULTANCY ON EMERGENCY SPECIALIST WASH - COORDINATION FOR GLOBAL WASH CLUSTER

Background

The cluster approach was adopted to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian responses. It makes clear the respective roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and provides a framework for effective partnership among international humanitarian actors, host governments, local authorities, local civil society agencies and affected populations. The cluster approach is applied in relation to internally displaced populations and local populations affected by rapid onset or chronic emergencies, in agreement with governments. Globally, UNICEF is responsible for leading/co-leading three clusters: water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition and education (co-led with Save the Children) and two areas of responsibility (AORs): child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) (co-led with the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA), under the protection cluster. UNICEF commitment to coordination in humanitarian action is articulated under UNICEF Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in Humanitarian Action

Purpose of the consultancy

Under the guidance of the Global WASH Cluster Coordinator (GWCC), EMOPS, Geneva, Emergency Specialist – WASH coordination assists in ensuring predictable, timely and effective WASH response by the WASH cluster partners in humanitarian crises through direct and indirect field support.

The Emergency Specialist – WASH coordination supports the GWCC to ensure the GWC meets its obligation in term of supporting national WASH sector coordination mechanisms, for effective collective emergency response. Within the limits of delegated authority represent the GWC at relevant IASC fora and networks with operational organisations including UNICEF EMOPS, UNOHCA, IFRC, ICRC and other (I) NGOs.

This position will be stationed in EMOPS Geneva office, it will be supervised by the Global WASH Cluster Coordinator.

Description of Task

1. Assist the IASC Global WASH Cluster Coordinator in efforts to strengthen coordination of the WASH Cluster through the collaborative definition of roles and responsibilities of the different emergency WASH stakeholders as may be assigned and being responsible for routinely representing the cluster at global meetings and fora.
2. Deploy as part of the IARRM if a system wide L3 is activated and security/access allows
3. Deploy to humanitarian response as WASH cluster coordinator of last resort on a surge basis for a limited period
4. Deploy as part of inter-cluster Coordination Architecture review missions.
5. Support the roll out of policies, procedures and documentation to strengthen surge capacity through the creation and implementation of partnership and standby agreement for the recruitment of emergency personnel at short notice
6. Assist on the development and the strengthening of GWC partnerships by facilitating GWC working groups and ad hoc groups to complete the GWC work plan, organizing global meetings and liaising with Global technical groups.
7. Manage and provide oversight for key WASH Cluster projects and work streams
8. Activities related to the GWC are effectively coordinated and activities harmonised through the development of integrated strategies, workplans, proposals related to Cluster leadership.
9. Effective coordination and technical tools are in place to develop UNICEF’s leadership of the WASH cluster
10. Effective communication and capacity development are in place to maintain and strengthen the pool of WASH sector / cluster coordinators.
11. GWC activities are effectively represented in external fora and coordinated internally
12. WASH cluster partner agencies are increasingly involved and accountable for the success of cluster activities, management and leadership arrangements
13. GWC activities are effectively monitored and strategies/activities to improve efficiency and cost introduced

Deliverables

1. Organisation and Synthesis Report of the Global WASH cluster meeting which will take place on the week of the 12^th of October in Nairobi

1. End of deployment mission report with clear recommendations on coordination structure, way forward and modalities to support country offices
2. To finalise the Information Management tool kit consultancy in coordination with the consultant.
3. Organise and lead the induction / training for the new Field Support Team

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education: Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.

Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, or NGOs. Field work experience in humanitarian response/recovery, cluster approach preferred. Experience in management medium / large team. Good understanding of Emergency (preparedness and response) and the IASC Cluster approach.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required and knowledge of an additional UN language is highly desirable

Consultants should submit their expression of interest to dporteaud@unicef.org with subject line: “WASH consultancy”. The submission should include:

• Daily consultancy rate (US $) to be considered,
• Curriculum Vitae,
• Current UN P-11,
• Cover letter, explaining nature of interest