Organization Mission

UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights of every Filipino child, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We work with the Philippine government to improve national policies, programmes and services for children and adolescents. Together with partners, we address common barriers to the realization of their rights.

Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions, her or his rights are violated. Equity accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. UNICEF Philippines mandate is to advance the rights and well-being of every child. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), UNICEF operates through its Mindanao Field Office based in Cotabato City, supporting government ministries in delivering equitable, climate-resilient, and child-centered services. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF’s mandate focuses on ensuring access to quality social services, strengthening systems, and reducing inequities affecting the most vulnerable children and communities. Through technical assistance, policy support, humanitarian action, and capacity-building, UNICEF BARMM works closely with ministries such as MOH, MILG, MBHTE, MENRE, MSSD, BPDA, and READi to advance the outcomes of the 2024–2028 UNICEF Country Programme, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience, emergency preparedness, and WASH systems strengthening. This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF’s Climate Environment and Resilience (CER) flagship programming under Outcome 5 of the 2024–2028 Country Programme, specifically contributing to Output 5.3: Climate-Resilient WASH and Social Services in BARMM. The initiative aims to ensure that by 2028, children, households, and communities in BARMM have improved access to resilient and at least basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and that government authorities, particularly the Ministry of Health have strengthened capacities to implement WASH service delivery in both development and emergency contexts. The project supports a wide range of interventions, including WASH in health facilities, climate-smart WASH infrastructure, emergency preparedness and response, WASH data and monitoring systems, water quality surveillance, sanitation behaviour change, and policy and regulatory development. Activities are implemented across municipalities and provinces in BARMM to strengthen systems, enhance emergency response readiness, and improve service delivery for children and vulnerable populations. The initiative forms part of UNICEF’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) Outcomes 1 and 3, advancing SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, and aligns with BARMM’s priorities on disaster resilience, climate action, and child-centered governance. (https://www.unicef.org/philippines/)

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WASH Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV WASH Officer will:
• Programme/Project Management. Provide technical support in ensuring the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for WASH programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Programme Efficiency and Effectiveness. Support programme efficiency through an evidence-based approach by collecting, organizing, and analysing information on UNICEF inputs, local conditions, supply flow, and WASH programme status.
• Work Plan and Programme Documentation. Compile and analyse collected data and contribute to the preparation of progress updates and programme documentation. Provide technical inputs to work plan adjustments and to identify required supplies and equipment for WASH activities.
• Programme Implementation Information and Data. Provide technical support in reviewing WASH programme financial, administrative and supply information for completeness and consistency with programme records. Flag discrepancies to the supervisor for follow-up. Support the Monitoring & Evaluation Unit in maintaining a gender- and equity-responsive approach in WASH data collection and reporting.
• Knowledge Sharing. Compile WASH programme implementation materials, preparedness tools, training inputs, and orientation materials to promote knowledge sharing among government counterparts, WASH stakeholders, partners, and relevant networks
• Communication and Networking. Support communication and knowledge exchange by sharing technical information with government counterparts and sector stakeholders on WASH programme implementation, capacity mapping, preparedness, and supply movement. Where appropriate, provide technical support to UNICEF staff participating in WASH Cluster preparedness and response activities.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or sub-national level in WASH programming, emergency response, climate and resilience work, community development, monitoring and evaluation, or other related fields.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant area such as Public Health, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Civil/Environmental/Sanitary Engineering, Climate/Disaster Risk Reduction, or Water Resources Management, combined with relevant professional experience and/or specialized WASH training
• Required experience working with government ministries (e.g., MOH, LGUs), humanitarian clusters, or WASH sector partners is an asset, as is experience within the UN system or other international development organizations.
• Knowledge of WASH in emergencies, climate-resilient WASH systems and DRR/CCA integration.
• Skills in accurate and professionalism in programme monitoring, data collection, field assessments, and reporting.
• Understanding of WASH supply chains, O&M, and basic infrastructure considerations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including strong drafting, analytical, and reporting abilities suited for technical briefs, updates, and programme documentation.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively with: BARMM ministries (MOH, MENRE, MILG, MBHTE, MSSD),grassroots community member and youth groups, civil society organizations, and displaced populations
• Familiarity with behaviour change communication and community engagement approaches is an advantage.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively in challenging environments, including disaster-prone and conflict-affected areas. Ability to function in a multicultural team of national and international personnel.
• Strong overall computer literacy including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, internet; familiarity with database management; and ability to work with standard office technology.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimum supervision, with strong ability to meet tight deadlines, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong motivation and affinity with UNICEF’s work in WASH, CER, and child rights, as well as commitment to volunteerism as a mechanism for community empowerment and sustainable development, and alignment with the values of the UN system.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Integrity
• Teamwork and respect for diversity
• Communication

Living Conditions

The UNV WASH Officer will be based in Cotabato City, Philippines, the location of UNICEF’s Mindanao Field Office serving the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Cotabato City is an urban center with access to basic services, but it also presents a unique cultural and security context that volunteers should be prepared for .Cotabato City and surrounding BARMM areas have a manageable security environment, influenced by local clan dynamics, political developments, and sporadic security incidents. UNDSS maintains regular security advisories and movement protocols; UN personnel must strictly follow MOSS/MORSS requirements and obtain movement clearances for specific field missions. While daily life in the city is generally calm, a heightened level of situational awareness is essential.

Cotabato City is accessible through the Cotabato Airport, with regular commercial flights to Manila and other major hubs. Road travel is common within BARMM, though routes require prior UNDSS clearance and adherence to security guidance. Travel schedules may be affected by weather conditions or local security developments.
The city experiences a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The region is prone to heavy rainfall, flooding, and occasional storm impacts, especially affecting transportation and field accessibility.

Cotabato City is predominantly Muslim, requiring strong cultural sensitivity. Modest dress is encouraged, especially when working with government ministries (MOH, MILG, MENRE, MBHTE) or visiting communities. Alcohol use is limited or discouraged in many establishments. Respect for local customs, prayer times, and gender norms is essential for effective engagement.

Cost of Living and Accommodation

Cotabato City has a relatively moderate cost of living compared to major Philippine cities. Accommodation options include apartments, boarding houses, and small hotels, but quality varies. The UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging his/her own housing and daily living needs.

Local markets and grocery stores offer a mix of local and imported products.

Utilities are available but may experience occasional interruptions; field travel may involve areas with limited access to safe drinking water. Cotabato City has functional hospitals and clinics, though advanced medical treatment may require referral to Davao or Manila. ATMs, banks, mobile networks, and internet services are widely available. However, connectivity may be limited during field missions.

“BARMM is a unique region and UNICEF’s work here is equally unique. It offers an enriching and meaningful environment, but also requires flexibility, stamina, cultural sensitivity, and commitment. The ability and willingness to work in challenging and occasionally unpredictable conditions is essential.”

Entitlements:

Entitlements of National UN Volunteer include Entry Lump Sum Allowance (USD400), Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) for the National UN Volunteer Specialist in Cotabato City, the Philippines, at about PHP 50,838(*); Insurance Coverage (Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance); Annual Leave of 2.5 days per month; Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources; and Exit Lump Sum Allowance (1-month VLA/12 months) payable upon successful completion of the assignment.
*VLA will be specified when the Offer of UN Volunteer assignment is issued.

For the full entitlements at the duty station check this link: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.