Senior Adviser WASH (Global Acceleration Programme and Global Initiatives- GAP), P-5

How can you make a difference?

If you are driven to influence global systems and partnerships to deliver results for children at scale, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of WASH globally.

The Senior Adviser, Global Acceleration Programme and Global Initiative lead, reports to the Director WASH (D2) and is responsible for managing and supervising all stages of WASH partnerships and global programme—from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of results.

About the Role

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership in establishing a Global WASH Acceleration Programme and shaping UNICEF’s engagement with public and private sector partners. You will ensure coherence between programmatic priorities, strategies and partnerships, leveraging these to maximize results for children. You will influence global WASH agendas by leveraging UNICEF’s leadership, experience and partnerships. You will lead and coordinate collaboration with key stakeholders, including private sector, international financial institutions and global initiatives. You will strengthen country-level programming by supporting scalable solutions and innovative approaches across diverse contexts. You will represent UNICEF in global fora and networks, contributing to shaping policy discussions and global priorities. This position also serves as a deputy to the Director WASH, contributing to the overall leadership, coordination and strategic direction of the WASH function.

Key Responsibilities

• Global partnerships and acceleration programme for WASH: Provide strategic leadership to design and drive global WASH partnerships and programmes, from planning through to delivery.
• Advisory services and technical support: Offer expert guidance across global, regional and country levels.
• Advocacy, networking and partnership building: Influence global WASH agendas and position UNICEF as a leader in shaping scalable, sustainable solutions for children.
• Supporting overall WASH leadership: Deputise for the Director when required, contributing to the strategic direction of the WASH function.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

Education: An Advanced University Degree in public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering, communication and advocacy or other specialist field related to WASH is required.

Work Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in WASH related programmes, including work across multiple country contexts, with demonstrated experience in the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of large scale and/or multi country initiatives.

Skills:

• Strategic partnership development, including public and private sector engagement.
• Analytical and evidence-based decision making, including synthesis of complex information for senior audiences.
• Advocacy and influencing skills, with the ability to position UNICEF effectively in global and multi stakeholder settings.
• Strong communication skills, including high-quality written products and confident, engaging public speaking.
• Programme and project management, including planning, coordination, and delivery at scale.

Language Requirements: Knowledge of English language at a Proficient/Fluent level is required.

Desirables

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language.
• Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement / supplement the main degree will be an asset.
• Experience working in fragile and conflict affected, humanitarian, arid, climate vulnerable, and low access contexts.
• Experience designing, managing, or contributing to large, multi-year, multi country investment portfolios, including urban sanitation and water supply programmes.
• Experience engaging with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including negotiation, programme design, and implementation support.
• Experience in market shaping and/or innovative financing approaches for WASH.
• Experience influencing or contributing to global WASH agendas and initiatives.
• Experience representing an organization at senior level in high level meetings, partnerships, or global fora.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Join our team and help deliver results for children at scale.