MST WATSAN CELL 1

Main Purpose

This is a temporary position for a fixed term of 6 months. The MST Watsan will provide 1st and 2nd line (remote and/or in person) technical support to MSF missions of the in Cell 1 (Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan) on Water Supply, Hygiene, Sanitation and Vector Control (WHS and VC) and will contribute to capacity building of field staff through the application and transfer of technical know-how according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to enable the development missions in perfect working conditions and optimize the impact of the MSF projects.

Job overview

In collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator when in the programs, and under the hierarchical supervision of the Logistic Cell Advisor (TELOCO) and functional supervision of the Watsan Technical Coordinator, the MST Watsan will work with mission staff to promote relevant technical awareness and to improve technical delivery in Water Supply, Hygiene, Sanitation and Vector Control, providing supportand advice in accordance with the Terms of Reference agreed with the mission. Beyond immediate operational support, the role is also expected to contribute to strategic thinking and planning for the Watsan portfolio in Syria, Yemen and the broader Cell context.

Accountabilities

• • Follow up the Watsan activities in her/his portfolio countries.
  • Ensuring there is understanding and alignment of the Watsan interventions with MSF priorities and standards.
  • Carrying out field visits to the portfolio countries as needed or requested by the field teams.
  • Helping to revise the Watsan strategy of the mission according the current and future operations and provide advice when pertinent.
  • Carrying out a functional evaluation of the Watsan set-up, assessing the applicable technical installations, systems, structures, equipment and HR set-up, the compliance with procedures, policies and guidelines, within the framework of MSF standards in order to identify the main areas for improvement.
  • Assessing and validating local suppliers and local (sub-)contractors for quality of materials, systems, installations, parts etc. to ensure compliance with MSF quality standards.
  • Developing and initiating the implementation of the improvement plan based on the recommendations arising from the functional evaluation.
  • Assisting the logistics team with the design and installation of new (complex) systems and/or with the implementation of (new) protocols, tools etc.
  • Monitoring and supervising established and on-going work, systems and installations in the field of expertise and provide technical advice and solutions when necessary.
  • Assisting the logistics team in their HR tasks such as recruitment & selection of technical staff, briefing and debriefing of focal persons and logisticians.
  • Identifying training needs and contributing to the definition of training content for WHS and VC.
  • Facilitating team training and providing on-the-job training on technical basics related to area of specialization according to MSF standards to enable effective implementation of relevant methodologies, systems and tools and ensure best practice is delivered.
  • Upon request of the Watsan Technical Coordinator and in coordination with the Logistic Cell Advisor develop new policies, tools, protocols and SOPs related to his/her area of expertise (with a local, regional or even global approach).
  • Drafting reports and action plans following field visits to capture experiences and “lessons learnt”.
  • Contributing to the research and development of field tools, practices, guidelines and policies based on insights gained in the job.
  • Proposing and testing/piloting innovative solutions to overcome recurrent problems and technical challenges.
  • Developing and maintaining knowledge of practices and approaches within the area of expertise and sharing this knowledge with others to enhance operational effectiveness.

ROLE’S SPECIFIC ELEMENTS

• Field Support: regular support on field evaluation of needs, assessments, definition of strategies and field policies, and the implementation or launching of key activities to achieve the quality standards both in Health Structures and within Communities. S/he will have a portfolio of countries to follow throughout the year. 
• Training: will also conduct trainings on relevant topics to the staff of the mission, and will participate in the review, design and presenting of MSF training modules, and / or coaching of other human resources in the field. 
• Others: will support the Watsan Team in projects/activities to be defined which amongst other could include temporarily doing the backup of the Watsan Technical Coordinator. S/he could be representing MSF Watsan position in forums and meetings. 
• Close coordination and communication with other departments, to ensure a homogenous approach to responding to the emergency.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Essential: Minimum 2 years of NGO Watsan field experience; community and HCF Watsan, outbreak response; adult training facilitation; ability to work in remote and insecure settings. Watsan Manager, Watsan Coordinator or similar previous experience will be highly valuable
• Desirable: Middle East context experience, Experience in Watsan interventions or infrastructure design in climate-vulnerable or climate-affected contexts
• English (fluent written and spoken). Desirable: Arabic and French
• Sphere Watsan standards; water treatment and quality testing; excreta and wastewater management; healthcare waste management; community Watsan methodologies; vector control principles.
• Desirable: MSF Watsan protocols and tools; GIS and EPANET.

CONDITIONS

• • Frequently travels to the missions (at least 60% of the time). Homebased position when not deployed.
  • Full time position.
  • For the position and if the candidate selected is authorized to reside and work in Spain, the salary will be at 34,989 € (Level 5 according to IRP2 as entry point). If the candidate selected is resident out of Spain, the compensation will be subject to the local pay scale applicable to that country.
  • Practical working conditions while in the field are as per MSF-OCBA guidelines
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Starting date: September

HOW TO APPLY

• • To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter
  • Closing date: August 18th, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

INFORMATION ABOUT RECRUITMENT PROCESS STEPS

• • After the application deadline, the recruitment process usually takes between 6 and 8 weeks.
  • All candidates will be informed once the process is closed. Due to the high number of applications, individual feedback cannot usually be provided.
  • If you have not heard from us, it means the process is still ongoing and additional candidates may be contacted.
  • A reference check will be requested in the final stages of the process. Candidates will be required to provide references from former employers using professional or corporate email addresses (personal email accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc. will not be accepted).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination.