WASH CEED Officer

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child and support children and families affected by conflict through humanitarian response, recovery and systems-strengthening interventions.

In Ukraine, UNICEF supports access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene while helping local systems become more sustainable, energy-efficient and resilient to climate and environmental risks.

Context

Ukraine’s water, sanitation and hygiene sector faces major challenges due to ageing infrastructure, war-related damage and growing environmental and energy pressures. UNICEF has expanded its WASH programming from emergency repairs and life-saving assistance towards a more integrated approach that combines emergency response with long-term, climate-resilient recovery.

Current priorities include modernisation and energy efficiency of water utilities, climate-smart infrastructure, groundwater monitoring, water safety planning, circular economy approaches, renewable energy solutions and engagement in environmental action.

This assignment is part of UNICEF Ukraine’s flagship WASH programming integrated with the Climate, Environment, Energy and Disasters programme. The WASH CEED Officer will support technical coordination, evidence generation, capacity development and climate initiatives, helping advance equitable and climate-resilient WASH services for children and communities.

Key responsibilities

1) CEED integration and coordination

• Support integration of climate, environment, energy and disaster-related considerations across humanitarian and development WASH interventions.
• Coordinate with UNICEF programme sections to identify opportunities for integrated CEED programming.
• Facilitate coordination between WASH Cluster partners and technical working groups on climate-related priorities.
• Prepare technical inputs and coordination materials for inter-agency meetings, government counterparts and partners.
• Monitor climate policy and EU Green Deal developments and prepare concise updates for UNICEF teams.

2) Energy efficiency and climate-resilient WASH

• Support capacity-building activities and technical assessments related to climate-resilient WASH management.
• Contribute to projects involving groundwater monitoring and other climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Assist in developing guidelines, protocols and technical specifications for climate-resilient WASH interventions.
• Support quality assurance to ensure CEED considerations are reflected in project designs and implementation plans.

3) Evidence generation and knowledge management

• Document lessons learned, promising practices and scalable models from climate-resilient WASH interventions.
• Develop case studies, technical briefs and visual materials on solar energy, smart metering, circular economy solutions and other innovations.
• Manage CEED-WASH knowledge platforms, databases and programme documentation.
• Prepare analytical reports, concept notes and advocacy materials linking climate finance with WASH needs.
• Contribute to communications on children’s rights to water, environmental sustainability and climate justice.

4) engagement and capacity development

• Facilitate demonstration projects on energy audits, water monitoring and sustainable WASH practices.
• Coordinate with UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change team to integrate WASH-CEED messages into campaigns for children and young people.
• Support capacity building for leaders, partners and UNICEF staff on climate-resilient WASH and green skills.
• Document innovations and support peer-learning networks.
• Promote safeguarding and inclusive participation of vulnerable young people in climate action activities.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in climate resilience, water resources management, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, circular economy, engagement, knowledge management or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Languages: Ukrainian – Fluent; English – Fluent.
• Eligibility: Candidate must be a Ukrainian, legal resident or hold refugee status in Ukraine.

Essential skills

• Experience or academic background in environmental science, engineering, water resource management, climate change, sustainable development, social sciences or a related field.
• Knowledge of climate change impacts on water resources, the energy-water nexus and climate-resilient WASH approaches.
• Understanding of renewable energy integration, water safety planning and nature-based solutions.
• Knowledge of EU environmental standards, Green Deal requirements and climate finance mechanisms.
• Familiarity with SDG 6 and SDG 13 frameworks.
• Experience in knowledge management, documentation of lessons learned and preparation of technical briefs, reports and advocacy materials.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Ukrainian and English.
• Strong interpersonal, coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Solid computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and basic database management.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.

Desirable skills

• Experience with WASH, climate adaptation, energy efficiency or environmental programmes in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Experience in engagement, capacity development or climate education.
• Familiarity with UNICEF programming, the humanitarian-development nexus and conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Previous experience with the UN or another international development organisation.

Allowances

• Volunteer Living Allowance: USD 1,717 per month, paid in UAH equivalent and including the applicable Well-Being Differential.
• Entry lump sum: USD 350 as a one-time payment.

Medical and life insurance

• Medical insurance: UNV-provided coverage for the UN Volunteer and eligible dependants, where applicable, for the duration of the assignment.
• Life insurance: Coverage for the full assignment period.

Leave entitlements

• Annual leave: 2.5 days per completed month of assignment.
• Learning leave: Up to 10 working days per 12 months, subject to approval.
• Certified sick leave: Up to 30 days per 12-month cycle.
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 working days per calendar year.