UNICEF, Strengthening WASH Response in Humanitarian Action – Geneva, 2016

The cluster approach was adopted to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian responses. It clarifies the respective roles and responsibilities of the various agencies and provides a framework for partnership among host governments, local authorities, humanitarian actors, local civil society agencies and affected populations. Globally, UNICEF is responsible for leading the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) cluster.

The overall goal of this positon funded by SDC is to support UNICEF in its role of Gloabl WASH Cluster Coordinator. Since 2013, the team was renamed Field Support Team (FST) to ensure increased efficiency and quality and streamlining of the GWC operational support to National WASH platforms. The initial structure was reviewed and there should be 10 people based in Geneva. As it stands only 5 people have been identified so far, and this funding will partly fill  the gap of skilled people.

All partners of UNICEF, and more globally all humanitarian actors active in the Water and Sanitation sector, which provide emergency assistance after a natural disaster or during a conflict situation. This can include local authorities, local and international NGOs as well as other UN agencies.

Activities related to the GWC are effectively coordinated and activities harmonised through the development of integrated strategies, workplans;

Effective coordination and technical tools are in place to develop UNICEF’s leadership of the WASH cluster.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

The effectiveness of the GWC response is improved, either through direct support during acute emergencies or indirectly by enhancing the local response mechanisms through trainings and preparedness initiatives.

Central in this position as it implies improvement of the global coordination mechanism.

Phase 1 01.01.2016 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)