WASH Manager at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – Apply Now
Are you an experienced Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) professional seeking a leadership role with one of the world's most respected humanitarian organizations? The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is currently recruiting for the position of WASH Manager (P-4) in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in WASH programming, humanitarian response, public health, sanitation systems, and development sector leadership. The successful candidate will support UNICEF's efforts to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for vulnerable populations, particularly in humanitarian settings.
Job Overview
Position: WASH Manager (P-4)
Organization: UNICEF (United Nations Children's Emergency Fund)
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Sector: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Humanitarian Response, Public Health
Job Number: 591108
The WASH Manager reports to the Chief of Field Office and receives technical guidance from the Chief of WASH. The role involves leading the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of UNICEF's WASH programme while providing technical leadership and strategic direction for WASH interventions in Northeast Nigeria.
About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories to protect children's rights, improve access to essential services, and support vulnerable communities. The organization works to ensure every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential regardless of circumstance.
In Nigeria, UNICEF implements programs across health, nutrition, education, child protection, social policy, and WASH sectors, with a strong focus on reaching disadvantaged and crisis-affected populations.
About the Role
The WASH Manager will support UNICEF's field operations in Maiduguri and play a significant role in strengthening WASH programming across Northeast Nigeria. The position includes both development and humanitarian responsibilities, including co-leading the WASH Cluster and supporting emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Management Support
The successful candidate will:
- Support the Chief of Field Office in managing WASH operations.
- Provide leadership and guidance to WASH teams.
- Coordinate program implementation across multiple stakeholders.
- Ensure effective management of resources and project activities.
- Support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
Programme Development and Planning
Responsibilities include:
- Leading WASH programme design and planning processes.
- Developing strategies to improve access to water and sanitation services.
- Supporting integration of WASH interventions into broader development programs.
- Ensuring alignment with UNICEF priorities and national development goals.
- Identifying innovative approaches to improve service delivery.
Programme Management and Monitoring
The WASH Manager will:
- Oversee implementation of WASH projects and interventions.
- Monitor program performance and results.
- Ensure timely delivery of activities and outputs.
- Manage budgets and resource allocation.
- Strengthen accountability and quality assurance mechanisms.
Technical Support and Advisory Services
The role involves:
- Providing technical guidance on water supply and sanitation systems.
- Advising government agencies and sector partners.
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making.
- Promoting adoption of international WASH standards.
- Strengthening institutional and sector capacity.
Partnership Building and Advocacy
Responsibilities include:
- Building relationships with government agencies and development partners.
- Coordinating with international financial institutions and donors.
- Supporting advocacy initiatives related to WASH services.
- Promoting collaboration across humanitarian and development sectors.
- Representing UNICEF in technical forums and coordination meetings.
Humanitarian Response and Cluster Coordination
The successful candidate will:
- Co-lead the WASH Cluster in Northeast Nigeria.
- Support emergency preparedness and response activities.
- Coordinate humanitarian WASH interventions.
- Strengthen sector-wide collaboration and accountability.
- Ensure effective partner engagement and coordination during emergencies.
Innovation and Capacity Building
The WASH Manager will:
- Promote innovation in WASH programming.
- Support knowledge management and learning initiatives.
- Strengthen capacity development efforts for staff and partners.
- Document and share best practices and lessons learned.
- Encourage continuous improvement and sector advancement.
Qualifications and Requirements
Interested applicants should possess:
- An Advanced University Degree in:
- Geology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Behaviour Change Communication
- Sanitary Engineering
- Water Resources Management
- Or another relevant technical field.
Additional postgraduate training relevant to WASH programming may be considered an advantage.
Experience Requirements
Candidates should have:
- A minimum of eight years of professional experience in WASH-related programs in developing countries.
- At least one year of deployment experience in a developing country.
- Minimum six months of proven experience in emergency preparedness and response.
- Experience in protracted humanitarian settings.
- Experience working with governments, NGOs, UN agencies, or international development organizations.
- Cluster coordination experience is highly desirable.
Required Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Technical Competencies
- WASH programme design and management.
- Water and sanitation systems expertise.
- Public health programming.
- Humanitarian response coordination.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Capacity-building and knowledge management.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinking and planning.
- Partnership building.
- Team leadership and staff management.
- Communication and advocacy.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Why Work with UNICEF?
Working with UNICEF offers professionals the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Benefits include:
- Working with a globally recognized United Nations agency.
- Exposure to large-scale humanitarian and development programs.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Collaboration with international experts and partners.
- Meaningful contribution to improving children's lives.
- Opportunity to influence sustainable WASH systems and policies.
Who Should Apply?
This position is ideal for:
- WASH Specialists
- Public Health Professionals
- Water and Sanitation Engineers
- Humanitarian Program Managers
- Development Sector Leaders
- Environmental Health Specialists
- Emergency Response Coordinators
- International Development Professionals
Professionals with strong technical expertise in WASH programming and humanitarian coordination are encouraged to apply.
Application Closing Date
3rd July, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through UNICEF's official careers portal. Applicants should prepare an updated CV and supporting documents demonstrating relevant experience in WASH programming, humanitarian response, and leadership.
Application Deadline
March 4, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The WASH Manager (P-4) position at UNICEF presents an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals to lead critical water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions in one of Nigeria's most important humanitarian contexts.
If you possess strong leadership skills, technical WASH expertise, and experience working in complex development or emergency environments, this role offers a platform to create meaningful and lasting impact for children and communities in need.
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