Water & Sanitation Specialist

Water & Sanitation Specialist © Veronique Terrasse/MSF

 If water sources are contaminated it can quickly turn into a medical crisis. Water and sanitation specialists are responsible for the design and management of water and sanitation or construction projects. Water projects can range from drilling bore-wells in remote areas to setting up clean water sources in a camp for displaced people or managing the emergency provision of drinking water after a natural disaster. Sanitation work could involve appropriately siting and building latrines or taking care of waste management in a hospital.

 

Oliver McGrath from Tipperary, currently in Democratic Repubilc of Congo with MSF"A cholera epidemic has been sweeping parts of the country since last year with more than 500,000 people affected by the disease. As a water and sanitation specialist (watsan), my main role is to help people get safe water and proper sanitation facilities to prevent cholera, along with other water-borne diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea, and some types of hepatitis. I’m involved in stopping the problem at its source."  Read Oliver McGrath's article about his work as an MSF Water and Sanitation Specialist in Democratic Republic of Congo

 


Basic Requirements: 
  • Commitment to the aims and values of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
  • Minimum two years of significant and relevant professional experience post-qualification
  • Demonstrated ability to work well as a part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
  • Experience in supervising, training and managing others
  • Flexibility and ability to cope with stress
  • Willingness to work in unstable environments
  • Minimum of 3 months' relevant travel or work experience in developing countries
  • Available to work in the field for a minimum of 9 months

MSF is always looking for people with language skills and at the moment we are particularly looking for field workers with good French.

You should meet all the basic as well as the essential requirements relevant to your profession before applying to MSF.

Essential Requirements: 
  • Education in Civil Engineering, Water and Sanitation, Land and Water Management (preferably international), or related education
  • Extensive work experience in their area of speciality
  • Proven ability as manager, foreperson or team leader
  • Ability to train and coach people
Desirable Requirements: 
  • Knowledge of languages, particularly French, Spanish or Arabic
  • Interest and/or experience in international humanitarian rights issues, international relations, anthropology
  • Previous field experience in a similar role with a non-government organisation

Ideally, you should apply 3-6 months before you are thinking of going overseas.

If you feel that you meet our basic and specific requirements you can complete the application form online by clicking here