The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist at its Kaduna Field Office in Nigeria. The organisation is seeking a professional who can provide technical guidance, strengthen programme planning and support the implementation of WASH interventions that improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.
The position is offered under a temporary appointment lasting 364 days and is classified at the NO-3 level. It is particularly suitable for experienced professionals with a strong background in public health, water and sanitation, environmental engineering or related disciplines.
Applicants must possess a relevant master’s degree and at least five years of professional experience in WASH-related programmes. Experience in WASH systems strengthening, advocacy, stakeholder coordination and humanitarian preparedness and response is also required.
Interested and qualified candidates should carefully review the requirements and submit their applications through UNICEF’s official recruitment portal before the application deadline.
UNICEF WASH Specialist Job Details
- Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Job Title: WASH Specialist
- Job Number: 596824
- Position Level: NO-3
- Duty Station: Kaduna, Nigeria
- Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
- Contract Duration: 364 days
- Job Category: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Application Deadline: 12 November 2026
- Closing Time: 11:55 PM West Central Africa Time
About the UNICEF WASH Specialist Position
UNICEF works with governments, development partners and communities to protect children’s rights and improve their access to essential services. Water, sanitation and hygiene are important parts of this work because inadequate access to safe water and sanitation can expose children and families to preventable diseases and other health risks.
The WASH Specialist will support UNICEF Nigeria’s WASH programme through strategic planning, programme development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The successful candidate will provide technical guidance and management support to help achieve programme results in Kaduna and other relevant programme areas.
According to the official vacancy announcement, the position will also contribute to strengthening the evidence base, strategic direction and results orientation of UNICEF Nigeria’s WASH programme. An important part of the assignment involves supporting the quality implementation and oversight of the DGIS-funded Accelerating Sanitation and Water for All (ASWA III) project.
The project includes both service delivery and systems-strengthening components. The specialist will therefore need to understand not only the technical aspects of WASH interventions but also the institutional arrangements, partnerships and monitoring systems required to make those interventions sustainable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants interested in this opportunity must meet the academic, professional and language requirements specified by UNICEF.
1. Educational Qualification
- Master’s degree in Public Health.
- Master’s degree in Water and Sanitation.
- Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering.
- Or a master’s degree in another relevant discipline.
A relevant bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Environmental Science, Sanitary Engineering or a related field is an additional advantage. However, applicants should note that the minimum education requirement stated in the vacancy is a master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Professional Experience
- At least five years of professional experience in WASH-related programmes.
- Experience in WASH systems strengthening.
- Experience in advocacy and stakeholder coordination.
- Experience in humanitarian preparedness and response.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical experience supporting WASH programmes and working with relevant institutions and partners. Experience in programme implementation alone may not be sufficient if the applicant cannot demonstrate the required systems-strengthening, advocacy and humanitarian experience.
3. Technical Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should have expert knowledge of selected WASH components, including:
- Rural and urban water supply systems.
- Sanitation and hygiene programming.
- WASH services in institutions.
- National WASH policies and strategies.
- Public financing for basic WASH services.
- Climate-resilient construction and engineering.
- Programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Humanitarian WASH preparedness, response, recovery and coordination.
The vacancy also requires strong skills in theory of change, results-based planning, situation analysis, bottleneck analysis, programme design, monitoring and evaluation.
Applicants should be capable of preparing high-quality donor proposals, strategic briefs, policy papers, progress reports and other knowledge products.
4. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish, is an advantage.
- Knowledge of a local language is also desirable.
Desirable Qualifications and Additional Experience
In addition to the minimum requirements, UNICEF identifies several qualifications and areas of experience that may strengthen an applicant’s profile.
- A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Environmental Science, Sanitary Engineering or a related field.
- Experience with market-based approaches to WASH programming.
- Knowledge of public-private partnerships in the WASH sector.
- Experience supporting climate-resilient WASH interventions.
- Knowledge of WASH service sustainability.
- Relevant country-level experience in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
These are desirable qualifications and experiences rather than replacements for the mandatory master’s degree and five-year professional experience requirements.
Key Responsibilities of the WASH Specialist
The successful candidate will contribute to the strategic and technical management of UNICEF-supported WASH programmes. The official vacancy identifies the following major areas of responsibility.
1. Programme Development and Planning
The specialist will support the development and planning of WASH programmes. This includes contributing technical knowledge, analysing programme needs and helping establish clear strategies and expected results.
Effective planning is essential for ensuring that WASH interventions respond to the needs of communities and are supported by appropriate resources, implementation arrangements and monitoring systems.
2. Development, Implementation and Monitoring of WASH Strategies
The role involves developing, implementing and monitoring WASH strategies and project activities. The specialist will help ensure that planned interventions are implemented effectively and contribute to the expected programme outcomes.
This responsibility also requires the ability to assess progress, identify implementation challenges and recommend improvements where necessary.
3. Technical and Operational Support
The WASH Specialist will provide technical and operational support to programme implementation. This may involve advising programme teams and partners on relevant technical approaches, helping address operational challenges and supporting the quality delivery of WASH activities.
4. Humanitarian WASH Preparedness and Response
UNICEF’s WASH work also covers humanitarian settings. The specialist will contribute to preparedness and response activities, including support for interventions that protect vulnerable communities during emergencies.
Experience in humanitarian preparedness and response is therefore an important eligibility requirement for this position.
5. Networking and Partnership Building
The position requires engagement with government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders. The specialist will help strengthen collaboration and partnerships that support effective and sustainable WASH programming.
6. Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
The specialist will support innovation, knowledge management and capacity-building activities. These functions help improve programme quality, strengthen institutional knowledge and enable teams and partners to apply effective approaches to WASH service delivery.
UNICEF Core Values and Competencies
UNICEF expects its personnel to demonstrate professional integrity and behaviour consistent with the organisation’s core values. The vacancy highlights the following competencies:
- Building and maintaining partnerships.
- Demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness.
- Driving results for impact.
- Innovating and embracing change.
- Managing ambiguity and complexity.
- Thinking and acting strategically.
- Working collaboratively with others.
Applicants should demonstrate these qualities through their professional experience, examples of previous responsibilities and achievements.
How to Apply for the UNICEF WASH Specialist Recruitment
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through UNICEF’s official careers portal. The recruitment process is conducted online, and applicants should read the complete vacancy announcement before submitting their information.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official UNICEF vacancy page using the application link below.
- Read the complete job description and confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting your relevant WASH experience and academic qualifications.
- Clearly demonstrate your experience in WASH systems strengthening, advocacy, stakeholder coordination and humanitarian preparedness and response.
- Include relevant experience in programme planning, climate-resilient WASH, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership engagement.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, educational and employment information.
- Review the information entered before submitting the application.
- Submit the application through the official UNICEF recruitment platform.
- Keep your application confirmation details and monitor your email for recruitment updates.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 12 November 2026 at 11:55 PM West Central Africa Time.
Applicants are advised to complete their applications before the closing date. Do not wait until the final hours, as technical difficulties or incomplete application information may prevent successful submission.
Important Information About the Appointment
This is a temporary appointment lasting 364 days, not a permanent employment contract. The position is classified at the NO-3 level and is based at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office.
It is a National Officer position. Applicants should pay attention to UNICEF’s stated residence and work-authorisation conditions: the organisation will not facilitate visas or work authorisation for candidates being considered for National Officer positions. Candidates should therefore ensure that they meet the applicable requirements to work in Nigeria.
UNICEF also conducts background and reference checks. These may include verification of academic qualifications and employment history, as well as safeguarding and misconduct-related checks. Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the required checks and medical clearance.
Does UNICEF Charge Application or Recruitment Fees?
No. UNICEF does not charge any processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection or hiring process. Applicants are not required to pay for application submission, interviews, validation, appointment or training.
Be cautious of individuals or agents who claim they can guarantee selection or influence the recruitment process in exchange for money. Do not share bank account information with anyone claiming to represent UNICEF recruitment officials.
Submit your application only through the official UNICEF careers website and use the contact and application instructions provided on the vacancy page.
Who Should Apply for This Vacancy?
This opportunity is most suitable for experienced WASH professionals with a relevant master’s degree and a strong record of working in water, sanitation and hygiene programmes.
Professionals with backgrounds in public health, water and sanitation, environmental engineering and related disciplines may consider applying if they meet the experience requirements.
However, candidates should not apply based only on having a relevant academic qualification. UNICEF specifically requires at least five years of WASH-related professional experience, including experience in systems strengthening, advocacy, stakeholder coordination and humanitarian preparedness and response.
Applicants should also demonstrate their ability to prepare technical documents, support programme design, monitor results and work with government institutions and development partners.
Final Advice to Applicants
The UNICEF WASH Specialist vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to water, sanitation and hygiene programmes supporting children and communities in Nigeria. The successful candidate will support programme planning, technical implementation, humanitarian preparedness, partnership building and the strengthening of sustainable WASH services.
Before applying, carefully assess whether you meet the master’s degree requirement, the minimum five years of relevant experience and the specific technical and humanitarian experience requirements. Prepare a professional CV that clearly explains your previous responsibilities and achievements in the WASH sector.
Qualified candidates should submit their applications before 12 November 2026 through the official UNICEF recruitment portal. Remember that UNICEF does not charge application or recruitment fees.
Apply Here: UNICEF WASH Specialist Recruitment 2026 – Kaduna.