WATSAN TECHNICAL COORDINATOR (BASED IN NAIROBI)

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

At its core, MSF is a civil society initiative, bringing together individuals committed to assisting other human beings in crisis. Each individual working with MSF does so out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF. The global MSF movement is built around six operational directorates supported by more than 25 sections and offices worldwide.

MAIN PURPOSE

Define, lead and ensure the implementation of MSF OCBA and Ubuntu’s WASH & Vector Control (Watsan) technical support, strategies, and standards, in order to guarantee safe, quality, coherent and context-adapted water, sanitation, hygiene and vector control solutions that effectively support medical and operational activities across the OCBA and Ubuntu portfolio.

JOB OVERVIEW

The WASH & Vector Control (Watsan) Technical Coordinator is a strategic technical leadership role within the LogTech Unit of the Log&SC Department, with an extended scope covering both OCBA and Ubuntu operations. The position ensures the definition, coherence and quality of Watsan policies, standards, and technical support to field operations.

The role combines strategic oversight, technical guidance, policy ownership, people management, and interdepartmental coordination, working in close alignment with Medical, Operations, HR and Finance across OCBA and Ubuntu.

The Technical Coordinator represents MSF OCBA and Ubuntu in relevant global and technical forums, contributes to innovation and partnerships, and ensures that Watsan systems effectively enable safe, dignified and quality medical care in complex and volatile contexts.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAIN TASKS

1.Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Define and implement the WASH & Vector Control strategic orientation, priorities and objectives for OCBA and Ubuntu, ensuring alignment with operational needs, medical priorities and organizational strategies.
• Define and oversee the Watsan support model, ensuring that technical support is context-adapted, needs-driven and aligned with operational priorities.
• Contributes to mid/long term strategy for MSF OCBA Logistics & Supply Chain department, integrating Ubuntu perspectives and synergies.

2. Policy and Technical Oversight

• Define, validate and oversee the development, revision and dissemination of WASH & Vector Control policies, guidelines, standards procedures, tools, strategies and technical documentation, ensuring consistency, quality and compliance across OCBA and Ubuntu operations.

3. Technical Oversight and Field Support

• Ensure the quality, coherence and accountability of WASH & Vector Control technical support to field operations, monitoring implementation of standards, identifying risks, and proposing corrective or improvement measures to safeguard patient safety and quality of care. Eventually provide direct technical advice to specific operational portfolios and ensure compliance with MSF Watsan standards.

4. People Management and Functional Leadership

• Manage and lead the WASH & Vector Control workforces by exercising full hierarchical responsibility over all HQ-based positions and functional leadership over MSTs and MIOs across OCBA and Ubuntu, including technical performance follow-up, technical supervision, mentoring and professional development.
• In collaboration with OCBA and Ubuntu HR and PM, define job profiles, participate in recruitment and assignment processes, and ensure follow up of WASH & Vector Control field positions (LHS and IHS).

5.Capacity Building and Learning Frameworks

• Define and oversee the WASH & Vector Control learning strategies, training frameworks, and competency development pathways, ensuring structured capacity building for field and HQ staff and alignment with OCBA and Ubuntu learning systems.

6.Networking, Representation and Partnerships

• Represent MSF OCBA and Ubuntu in intersectional working groups, technical platforms and external networks related to WASH & Vector Control, and define strategic partnerships that strengthen technical coherence, innovation, preparedness and organizational learning in Watsan.

7.Research and Developments (R&D)

• Lead R&D initiatives to explore emerging trends, technologies, and approaches related to WASH & Vector Control. Establish and maintain collaboration agreements with external stakeholders, research institutions, and international organizations.

8.Budget, Resource and Product Management

• Define annual objectives, priority portfolios, and group activity plans for WASH & Vector Control, ensuring consistent follow-up and reporting across OCBA and Ubuntu.
• Prepare, monitor and oversee the WASH & Vector Control team’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and financial sustainability.
• Ensure technical validation and governance of WASH & Vector Control products, kits, catalogues and databases in coordination with Supply Centres.

ROLE’S SPECIFIC ELEMENTS

• OCBA and Ubuntu representative of the Watsan Working Group.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Degree in relevant technical area like Civil Engineer, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Health / Public Health Engineer or similar technical education related to the job profile.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in WHS-VC within MSF or in a low resource setting.
• Experience with people and team management.
• Experience in Project Management and Coordination.
• Experience in training design and delivery.
• Strong analytical, communication and reporting skills.
• Good IT knowledge as an advanced user.
• Fluent written and spoken English; French and/or Spanish is an asset.

CONDITIONS

• Position based in Nairobi. 
• Full-time position. 
• Annual gross salary: 27.145 euros and secondary benefits according to MSF-EAS reward policy 
• Duration of position: permanent position. 
• Starting date: As soon as possible. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: April 8th, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time). 

MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, race, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to achieving a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

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. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.

Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the¨Ley General de la Discapacidad de 2013 (LGD)¨ invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above-mentioned position.