Chief WASH (CEED) – Senior Leadership Role in Rwanda

About the role

The Chief WASH (Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction) leads UNICEF Rwanda’s water, sanitation and hygiene strategy. Reporting to the Deputy Representative, the role ensures equitable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services while strengthening system resilience to climate‑related risks.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement national and decentralized WASH programmes that improve service delivery in communities, schools and health facilities.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for policy development, sector coordination and partnership building with government and development actors.
• Strengthen national WASH systems and promote climate‑smart approaches to reduce disease burden and support nutrition and education outcomes.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and reporting to ensure results‑oriented delivery and alignment with UNICEF’s broader programme priorities.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in water resources, environmental engineering, public health or a related field.
• Extensive experience (minimum 8‑10 years) in WASH programme design, implementation and management at national or multi‑sectoral level.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior UN or international development context.
• Strong understanding of climate change impacts on water and sanitation systems.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape national WASH policies and impact child health and education in Rwanda.
• Professional development within a global UN agency.
• Competitive UN salary and benefits package.