UN Youth Volunteer in WASH

UNHCR seeks a motivated UN Youth Volunteer to support their Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives within the Technical Support Unit (TSU) at the Regional Bureau. This role offers unique exposure to humanitarian WASH programming in one of the world’s most complex refugee situations.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: 12 months (Starting February 1, 2025)

Position Type: Fully Funded International UN Youth Volunteer

Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

About UNHCR

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) leads global action to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues worldwide. Established in 1950, UNHCR safeguards refugee rights and well-being, ensuring everyone can seek asylum and find safe refuge.

Regional Context

The East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes (EHAGL) region currently hosts:

• – 5.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers
• – 21 million internally displaced persons
• – Significant climate-related challenges including floods and drought
• – Multiple ongoing humanitarian emergencies

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support

• – Assist in reviewing WASH project proposals and strategy documents
• – Support engineering calculations for WASH infrastructure
• – Contribute to needs and resource assessments
• – Help develop detailed infrastructure drawings and cost estimates

Program Development

• – Support regional WASH data collection and analysis
• – Assist in developing strategic guidance for WASH activities
• – Participate in regional coordination meetings
• – Contribute to capacity-strengthening initiatives

Knowledge Management

• – Support regional knowledge exchange
• – Assist in documenting best practices
• – Contribute to training development
• – Help facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• – Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field (Civil, Environmental, Hydrology, etc.)
• – Czech/Kenyan nationality
• – Age between 18-29 years
• – Strong computer skills including MS Office Suite

Desired Skills

• – Experience in humanitarian relief
• – Knowledge of GIS and AutoCAD
• – Cross-cultural communication abilities
• – Project management skills

Language Requirements

• – Fluent English (Required)
• – Working knowledge of French (Desired)
• – Working knowledge of Arabic (Desired)

Benefits Package

• – Living allowance
• – Setting-up grant
• – Travel costs covered
• – Health insurance
• – Monthly volunteer allowance
• – Annual leave

Living Conditions in Nairobi

• – Modern medical facilities available
• – International standard schools
• – Good housing options
• – Well-developed banking infrastructure
• – High-speed internet access
• – International recreational facilities

Security Considerations

• – UN Security Level 6 location
• – Standard security protocols in place
• – Security briefing provided upon arrival
• – 24/7 security support available

Selection Process

• – Application review
• – Interviews conducted in November 2024
• – Position starts February 2025
• – Only shortlisted candidates contacted

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNHCR and UNV are committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from all qualified professionals regardless of background.