Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Advisor

MSF is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people.       

The Public Health Department (PHD) is responsible for providing strategic direction and integrated advice on medical and public health issues to the countryprogrammes and headquarters. The PHD plays a key role in developing and maintaining the medical humanitarian identity and image of MSF-OCA, and in continuing to develop and improve intervention strategies so as to be relevant and effective.

The department is made up of a group of generalist Health Advisors (based in Amsterdam and Berlin) and medical and public health specialists (paediatrics, nutrition, water and sanitation, mental health, HIV/TB, etc.) who provide expert support in a range of fields. Within the PHD sits the water and sanitation team (WatSan team).

The Emergency Support Department (ESD) is part of operations and plays a key role in responding to (new) humanitarian crises and emergencies. The ESD conducts exploratory assessments; initiates and manages large scale or complex interventions to support people in precarious situations. The ESD also provides support to the wider organisation in promoting and guarding emergency response capacity.

This role is part of two teams: within the Watsan team (of the PHD) as part of a team of four WatSan Advisors, one medical entomologist, and 2 IPC specialists, and as part of the ESD. 

With immediate effect, our Public Health department is looking for a:

Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Advisor (100%)

Supporting emergency operations

 Based in Amsterdam 

Main objective

You provide expert advice and support primarily to emergency operations and the Emergency Support Department. Additionally, to support Operations department and colleagues within the PHD on water, hygiene, sanitation and vector control (WatSan). You also initiate, implement, develop and improve operational policies. 

Key responsibilities

• Provision of technical and strategic support to emergency projects, both from Amsterdam and through country programme visits. You will mentor WatSan staff in country programs.

• Contribute to the assessment and/or intervention, design and implementation in emergencies as advisor or WatSan Coordinator. This could mean last-minute travel and up to 40% of your time spent in the country programmes.

• Provide expert oversight to enhance program quality, contributing to the development of strategies, resources, and tools like guidelines and standard operating procedures. Monitor programs through reports and country programme visits, recommending adjustments as needed.

• Offer technical advice and support to functional reports in country programs and the ESD, as well as other colleagues. 

• Contribute to development and facilitation of staff training.

• In collaboration with ESD members as well as with PHD topic leads, gradually take over WatSan contributions on the topic of climate change in relation to emergencies and translate into practical implementation tools/practices such as heat & health, floods, droughts and water scarcity/quality. This work links strongly with EPREP in countries most impacted by climate change so it is expected that the support will extend to HQ and country teams to update/review their country EPREP plans as well as when they implementation phase during emergencies.

• In line with the new SP 2026-2031, initiate a review of the WatSan support provided by the PHD to the emergency operations and the ESD in order to identify the necessary shifts or changes to meet the objectives. This shall cover many areas, including the WatSan team, the WatSan pool and profiles of WatSanCos, training needs, ways of working development, etc.

• Initiate discussions in view of elaborating a strategy and practical ways to increase volume and quality of interventions covering sanitation in emergencies.

• Based on specific knowledge and experience related to hydrogeology, develop further MSF-OCA groundwater expertise and effectively becomes the focal point for this matter.

   

• Within your field, lead operational research, analyze data, and initiate innovation projects to align our strategies with other MSF sections and the wider sector.  In general, represent the WatSan Unit, Public Health department and ESD, both internally and externally.

• Knowledge & experience in hydrogeology, water networks, fecal sludge management and solar energy are a benefit, as well as knowledge and experience with bio-safety (Ebola, Covid 19, Cholera). 

• In times of emergencies, due to the nature of the job, Amsterdam office presence up to 100% might be required

• Fluency (written and spoken) in English and preferably French; other languages are an added value;

• Good team-player, flexible, ability to work independently and under pressure.

We offer   

A 12-month Dutch employment contract based on 40 hours per week.

A gross monthly salary range between 4,875 and 6,711 euros depending on relevant work experience, based on a fulltime appointment (if based in the Netherlands).    

Other benefits include:  

• 30 days off (based on a full - time employment) 

• A premium free pension where MSF covers 100% of the monthly pension contribution 

• 8% holiday allowance paid out with the salary in May 

• Discounted daily lunch at the office 

• Commuting allowance (terms and conditions apply) & work from home allowance 

• An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and background 

• Annual personal development budget 

• L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses 

Application