Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in a related field (Check details)

About the Organization

Save the Children is a leading international non-governmental organization dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Operating in over 100 countries with a global workforce of approximately 25,000, the organization works on the front lines of humanitarian crises to provide essential healthcare, education, and protection. Our mission is built on the belief that children are the most vulnerable members of society and deserve a future free from preventable hardship and violence.

The organization is driven by three bold breakthroughs aimed for 2030: ensuring no child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, ensuring all children receive a quality basic education, and ensuring that violence against children is no longer tolerated. These goals inform every intervention, from local community projects to high-level global advocacy. In Ethiopia, Save the Children plays a vital role in responding to emergencies and building long-term resilience in regions facing water scarcity and public health challenges.

A career at Save the Children offers the chance to be part of a meaningful legacy of impact. We value ambition, creativity, and integrity, fostering a collaborative environment where professional growth is directly tied to the success of our missions for children. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we provide an inclusive workplace that thrives on a diversity of perspectives and a shared commitment to humanitarian values.

Professional development within the organization is characterized by high-level technical exposure and cross-sectoral collaboration. As a member of our team, you will be empowered to apply professional expertise to the highest standards, sharing best practices both within and outside the organization. We encourage our staff to take personal responsibility for delivering results that transform the lives of the most vulnerable children and their families.

Save the Children is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Our recruitment process is designed to find "determined optimists" who are ready to tackle the root causes of the challenges children face, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and their rights are realized.

Job Description

The WASH Coordinator role is a strategic leadership position focused on the design and implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions. Based in Sekota, this role is central to the ECHO-funded Area-Based Approach (ABA) program in Wag Himra. You will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary effort to reduce public health risks by addressing water scarcity, improving sanitation infrastructure, and closing hygiene gaps in high-need communities.

The strategic impact of this role lies in its integrated approach. You will ensure that WASH programming is not an isolated effort but is closely aligned with health, nutrition, and education outcomes. By strengthening system functionality and local coordination mechanisms, you will contribute to a joint analysis that prioritizes long-term sustainability alongside immediate emergency relief. This position offers a unique "day-in-the-life" experience of managing complex infrastructure rehabilitations and behavioral change campaigns simultaneously.

A primary responsibility involves the oversight of water system rehabilitations and the improvement of sanitation facilities in schools and health centers. You will regularly conduct water quality monitoring in collaboration with government teams to ensure clean drinking water reaches the household level. This role demands a high degree of technical oversight to ensure all interventions meet international Sphere standards and national health guidelines.

For a professional in the WASH sector, this position provides a robust platform for career growth. You will act as a key liaison between Save the Children, government offices, and various humanitarian clusters. Managing these partnerships and leading service mapping and gap analysis will refine your strategic planning and leadership competencies, preparing you for senior-level humanitarian management roles.

In times of humanitarian emergency, the WASH Coordinator must be adaptable, often working outside standard profiles to respond to urgent needs. This flexibility is critical for protecting children during crises. You will also serve as a safeguarding champion, ensuring that all WASH facilities are safe, inclusive, and accessible to everyone, particularly women and children who are most at risk during water-related crises.

Job Positions and Requirements

WASH Coordinator

Educational Qualification: Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Health, or a related field of study.

Work Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in humanitarian WASH programming, specifically within emergency and early recovery contexts.

Job Location: Sekota, Ethiopia (Wag Himra Zone)

Salary: Per Scale (Competitive Package)

No. Required: 01

Required Skills and Competencies

Candidates must demonstrate essential skills in system rehabilitation, particularly regarding water schemes and community sanitation infrastructure. Experience with the Area-Based Approach (ABA) or integrated sectoral programming is highly valued. Technical proficiency in infrastructure design, water quality testing, and the application of Sphere standards is required to maintain the quality of delivery across the program.

Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills are vital, as the role involves working closely with government bureaus and local partners. Applicants should be competent in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) integration to ensure data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in GIS or service mapping is desirable, as is prior experience managing ECHO-funded projects or working in the Sekota context.

Employment Type and Compensation

This position is offered as a one-year national contract, subject to the organization’s terms and conditions. Save the Children provides a competitive compensation package within the humanitarian sector, reflecting the significance of the role. The position offers a rewarding career path with extensive opportunities for collaboration and impact in a high-priority humanitarian zone.

How to Apply

The application process is streamlined to prioritize technical and professional suitability. At this initial phase, candidates are not required to submit scanned certificates or official attachments. We request that applicants focus on providing a clear and comprehensive CV and cover letter that highlights their relevant experience in humanitarian WASH projects.

Please be aware that original documents and academic certificates will be requested only for candidates who are invited for physical verification and interviews. Save the Children maintains a rigorous safeguarding policy, and pre-employment checks will be conducted to ensure the safety of the children and communities we serve.

As we receive a significant number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. If you do not receive communication from us within the standard processing timeframe, please consider your application unsuccessful for this specific vacancy. We appreciate the interest shown by all applicants in joining our mission.

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Save the Children recruitment portal or the provided link as the primary application channel Apply link

Application Deadline

May 7, 2026