WASH/IPC Specialist for Ebola Preparedness (6-month TA)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a WASH/IPC Specialist to lead Ebola preparedness and response in Western Equatoria, South Sudan. The specialist will be based in Yambio for a six‑month technical assistance assignment, working closely with the Government, WHO, health partners and humanitarian actors to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems in high‑risk border counties.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on Ebola risk assessment, readiness planning and cross‑border coordination.
• Strengthen IPC and WASH systems in health facilities, including environmental cleaning, disinfection, safe healthcare waste management and water quality monitoring.
• Build capacity of government staff and partners through training, mentorship and on‑the‑job support.
• Support the establishment and operation of Infectious Disease Units and points of entry, ensuring compliance with hand‑hygiene and IPC protocols.
• Contribute to emergency response reporting, data collection and information sharing with UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in public health, environmental health, water and sanitation or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in WASH and IPC, preferably in humanitarian or epidemic contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in Ebola or other viral hemorrhagic fever preparedness and response.
• Proven ability to work in multi‑stakeholder environments and coordinate with government, UN agencies and NGOs.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Required skills

• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) implementation
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) system design and monitoring
• Ebola risk assessment and readiness planning
• Environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Safe management of healthcare waste
• Water quality monitoring
• Hand‑hygiene compliance monitoring
• Capacity‑building and training delivery

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to life‑saving public‑health interventions in a high‑impact humanitarian setting.
• Professional development within UNICEF’s global network.
• Competitive UN‑scale remuneration and benefits for a fixed‑term assignment.