WATER AND SANITATIONS SPECIALIST PROFILE MSF

Your job as a water and sanitation specialist for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Water and sanitation (WatSan) play an important role in our projects, as water is the source of life, but can also spread diseases and cause death. Your objective will be to prevent and control diseases transmitted by contaminated water or by poor sanitation or hygiene, both within and beyond the health facilities we run or support. As a WatSan specialist, you will not necessarily be focused solely on the health facilities, but may also be responsible for the water and sanitation provisions of an entire refugee camp. Your job will involve maintaining a reliable water supply, constructing or upgrading sanitary facilities and supporting the promotion of hygiene, as well as organising appropriate (medical) waste disposal. You will work closely with the project team (medical and non-medical staff). Your work will include training and supervising locally hired staff.

© Robin MeldrumRequirements for WatSan specialists with MSF

  • At least two years’ relevant work experience in the field of water and/or sanitation
  • Hands-on experience in water, sanitation and environmental or public health, preferably in an emergency or development context
  • Experience in training, coaching and supervision of subordinate staff
  • Work or travel experience in developing countries
  • A good command of the English language
  • Ability to cope with stress and to organize and prioritize workload
  • Ability to work in an international team
  • Willingness to work in an unstable and insecure environment
  • Availability of at least 12 months

 

Assets

  • Experience in or familiarity with healthcare waste management and vector control
  • Experience with a similar non-governmental organization abroad
  • A good command of the French language

 

What MSF offers you

  • A contract for the duration of the mission, along with an international insurance package, a pension scheme and other benefits depending on applicable regulations and labour law
  • A net salary of about 800 euros per month for the first 12 months; after which salary increases within the MSF salary grid
  • 5 weeks’ holiday per year
  • A preparation course before departure and continued career development opportunities within the organization
  • Career guidance and training opportunities

 

May 2012