Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Community development, Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Water, sanitation, waste

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

Mission and objectives

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 favouritism. 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. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, hygiene/sanitation and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It 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.

Assignment context

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aim at ensuring access to water and sanitation for all. Despite efforts made in the past decades, current water and sanitation coverage in Mozambique is amongst the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa with only 63% having access to safe water and 42% to adequate sanitation (JMP, 2022).

UNICEF Mozambique is implementing a comprehensive WASH programme under its 2022–2026 Country Programme, supporting both development and humanitarian priorities in collaboration with national and decentralized authorities. In Zambezia, natural hazards such as flooding, which often results in displacement, and other climate-related shocks continue to severely affect access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly in rural and urban areas with large populations of displaced people.

Zambezia Province, the second most populous province in the country, faces significant challenges related to limited access to water supply and sanitation services. In recent years, the province has been frequently affected by extreme climate events, including cyclones, floods, and periods of drought, as well as recurrent outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and cholera, coupled with high levels of chronic malnutrition.
Furthermore, due to its strategic location as a corridor connecting the provinces of Sofala, Nampula, and Niassa (through Cuamba and the Gurue access route), as well as neighboring Malawi, Zambezia is exposed to a high risk of the introduction and spread of disease outbreaks. Whenever diarrheal disease or cholera outbreaks occur in neighboring regions or in areas connected through these corridors, there is a significant likelihood of transmission to the province. As a result, Zambezia experiences recurring public health emergencies throughout the year, requiring continuous and strengthened interventions in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector, integrated with broader public health and nutrition efforts.

The WASH programme in Zambezia leads humanitarian and early recovery interventions focusing on the elimination of open defecation through integrated sanitation and hygiene promotion services alongside the construction and rehabilitation of water supply infrastructures. This includes boreholes equipped with handpumps or solar-powered systems, multi-use solar water supply schemes, support and strengthening of operation, maintenance and management of water supply sources and systems in rural communities, schools, and health facilities.

In the sanitation portfolio, UNICEF has expanded the implementation of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) across multiple districts through community triggering, the introduction of Market Based

Task description

The UN Volunteer will provide technical and coordination support for the implementation and monitoring of WASH activities in Zambezia, with a primary focus on:
A. Programme Implementation Support
B. Monitoring, Coordination, and Quality Assurance
C. Procurement and Contract Management Support
D. Community Engagement and Capacity Building
E. Data Management, Reporting, and Documentation

Under the direct supervision of the WASH Specialist based in Zambezia and in coordination with the other members of the WASH team Zambezia, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

A. Programme Implementation Support
• Support the implementation of WASH interventions in both rural and small-town contexts,
• Provide technical support for WASH in Schools (WinS) and WASH in Health Care Facilities (HCFs) to ensure compliance with standards and sustainability.
• Support planning, implementation of water supply systems in resettlement sites, host communities, small towns, and other rural or urban settings.
• Support planning, implementation and monitoring of WASH services focusing on CLTS, market-based sanitation and sanitation voucher approaches in resettlement sites, host communities, small towns, and other rural or urban settings.
• Ensure quality assurance in the sanitation services delivers including sanitation infrastructures.
• Conduct regular field visits to verify technical compliance, progress, and functionality.
• Liaise with contractors, government stakeholders, and implementing partners to address challenges and follow up on agreed corrective actions.

B. Monitoring, Coordination, and Quality Assurance
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to ensure quality, timeliness, and adherence to technical standards.
• Ensure quality assurance in the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes, installation of handpumps, and development of multi-use solar-powered water supply systems.
• Coordinate closely with government counterparts, implementing partners, and stakeholders to align activities and address challenges.
• Support review meetings, progress tracking, and performance assessments of partners.

C. Procurement and Contract Management Support
• Assist government-led procurement processes by:
• Providing technical input into specifications and scopes of work
• Supporting bid evaluation processes where required
• Follow up on contracts to ensure timely delivery, compliance with agreements, and quality of outputs.
• Support development and review of tender documents, technical specifications, and workplans for WASH infrastructure implemented through government-led contracts.
• Monitor progress of contractor deliverables including physical execution, payment requests, work completion certificates, and final reports.
• Assist in tracking implementation of Project Documents (PDs), Service Contracts, and public works contracts managed by government counterparts (e.g., DPOP, SDPI, SDEJT, SPI).
• Ensure alignment with national procurement regulations and procedures; knowledge of Mozambican government procurement systems and workflows is essential.

D. Capacity Building, Community Engagement, Sustainability & Knowledge Management
• Support documentation of good practices and technical lessons learned in implementation of CLTS, market-based sanitation, safely managed sanitation approaches and declaration of Open Defecation Free Communities in Zambezia province.
• Facilitate community mobilization and participation in WASH interventions to enhance ownership and sustainability.
• Provide technical guidance and deliver capacity-building sessions and training for government staff, partners, and community structures.
• Promote behavior change initiatives related to hygiene and sanitation.
• Promote sustainability mechanisms, including local O&M structures and cost-recovery models. Support communication and visibility activities related to water and sanitation achievements.

E. Data Management, Reporting, and Documentation
• Support systematic data collection, verification, and analysis for WASH activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, situation updates, and donor reporting requirements.
• Ensure proper documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and field experiences.
• Contribute to WASH needs assessments, feasibility studies, hydrogeological surveys, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM), and KAP studies.
• Support updating and management of WASH databases, including 5Ws and Aqua track.
• Assist in drafting technical reports, donor sitreps, and field briefs highlighting progress and impact of WASH interventions.

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in WASH programming, with demonstrated expertise in community mobilization, sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Excellent computer skills in word, excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with GIS applications would be an asset.
• Analytical mindset, and people orientated.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.
• Have affinity with or interest in issues relating to children’s rights volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
• Experience working in humanitarian or development settings is an asset.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa. The country lies on the east coast of Southern Africa and borders the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 km square from North to South. The land borders have a length of 4,445 km, while the coastline measures 2,515 km. Monte Binga, culminating at 2,436 m over the Zimbabwe border, is the highest point of Mozambique. With a total population of roughly 34 million people, based on the 2017 census, Mozambique is a country where 73% of the population is under 30 years old. Portuguese is the official and business language, although English is also widely spoken in business and academic settings, particularly in the capital city of Maputo. There are 11 provinces, and a wide array of local languages spoken, including Shangane, Bitonga, Xitswa, Chope, Ronga, Elomwe, Chuabo, Sena, Shona, Ndau, Nyandja, Emakua, Kimwani and Chimakon.

Mozambique's climate ranges from tropical and subtropical in the north and central regions to dry, semi-arid steppe and arid desert in the south. The hottest and wettest period occurs between December and February, with average daily temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. The rainy season spans from October to April, while winters, from June to August, are mild with average daily temperatures between 13°C and 24°C. Maputo, the country's capital, serves as both its commercial and cultural hub. Housing in Maputo, which includes apartments and houses, can be rented for $600 to $2,000 per month, depending on the amenities and size. Restaurant meals typically cost between $10 and $15. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained from the Mozambican Embassy prior to travelling. The metical is the local currency, and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 64.38 meticais (MZM) as per February 2026. Commercial banks are operational in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels. Maputo is categorized as a family duty station offering a variety of different accommodation options. It has a vibrant international community whilst also providing excellent opportunities to work in a national, Mozambican context.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based at UNICEF office in Quelimane, Zambezia. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.