Emergency Watsan Coordinator H/F

Context

To fulfill its mission of assistance to victims of conflicts, epidemics or natural disasters, MSF-Switzerland has created an Emergency Pool, of which members are experienced individuals capable of evaluating a situation, opening and coordinating emergency projects.

The candidate is expected to

• work in all contexts set by the emergency cell
• have the flexibility to work in different positions depending on his/her profile
• work in emergency contexts with regular cells and fill gaps in regular projects if needed.

Duty Station

All countries where the emergency desk opens activities, which require an urgent response. On call, the Emergency Watsan technical Referent should be available within 48 hours for rapid and short interventions. He/she is part of a core group of medicals, para-medicals and support staff responsible for responding to:

• epidemic outbreaks
• nutritional crises
• displaced populations and/or refugees’ camps
• conflict contexts
• natural disasters
• exploratory missions
• Short gaps filling in the field on regular missions

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Emergency Watsan Coordinator are structured in 4 main activities:

• Direct technical support to field operations (regular missions and emergencies)
• Contribution to missions' operational strategies
• Management and supervision of Watsan team
• Follow up of WASH specific supply and budget line in mission.

1. Direct technical support to field operations

• Promote and implement water & sanitation activities of the mission (implement or facilitate)
• Participate in:
• Exploratory missions
• Program support visits
• Assume the post of WATSAN Coordinator, where appropriate, in emergencies.

1. Contribution to missions’ operational strategies

• Share information with medical and logistic coordinators to identify potential Water, Hygiene and Sanitation related activities to develop
• Participate in the development of appropriate project strategies based on analysis of the situation
• Advise on Emergency preparedness capacity when appropriate

1. Management and supervision

• Contribute to the definition of Watsan team required in emergency
• Organize and prioritize the Watsan team members according to needs.
• In the field provides coaching to Watsan and logistic teams both local staff and expatriate

1. Follow up of WASH specific supply and budget line in mission.

• Compile orders coming from the team he/she supervises
• Validate orders according to the finance validation grid
• Follow up and ensure dispatch according to priorities
• validate local suppliers.
• Clean up stock and Eprep stocks

Your Profile

Field Experience

• 18 months of Watsan field experience with MSF with at least two missions in an emergency context with MSF.
• Or experience with other humanitarian organizations, with 24 months of field experience in emergency contexts in a Watsan role.
• Experience in at least 2 of the following emergencies: cholera, ebola, displacement (refugies/IDPs), and natural disasters.
• General knowledge of MSF in emergency management, Public Health, Rapid Water and Hygiene Assessment, and MSF standard Watsan protocols,
• Knowledge of basics in logistics to work as an Emergency filed logistician desirable

Technical, strategic and Interpersonal Skills

• Capacity to quickly evaluate an emergency on ground and to propose an appropriate Watsan strategy
• A demonstrable understanding of the need to integrate Medical and Public Health/WatSan activities,
• Proven hands-on experience of deploying and using MSF WatSan kits in the field
• Excellent knowledge of the necessary Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures required in emergency medical facilities.
• Knowledge of surface water treatment, groundwater, water quality and water trucking management.
• Proven skills in negotiation, diplomacy and decision-making skills
• Strong people management skills.
• Strong coordination and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in volatile and insecure environments, with strong resilience and stress management skills.
• Strong adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing priorities, dynamic operational environments, and evolving team dynamics.
• Responsible behavior that contributes to the safety and integrity of everyone - prevent, report, and refuse any abusive behavior and/or behavior that goes against MSF's values.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural environment and demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, inclusive and non-discriminatory attitudes and behaviors.

Language skills

• Fluency in both French and English is highly desirable. Alternatively, candidates must demonstrate an excellent command of either language and at least B1 proficiency in the other.
• Knowledge of other mission languages is an advantage (Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic).

Terms of Employment

• Field-based contract. One year fixed-term contract, renewable based on operational needs and performance.
• Duration of field assignments: 4 weeks to 3 months (flexibility required according to needs).
• Accommodation and travel arrangements such as visa-related costs will be taken in charge by MSF.

We encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, abilities, and all other characteristics of diversity.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including Sexual harassment.

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference and criminal record checks.

How to apply

How to apply

Interested candidates should forward their complete application in English or in French (5MB max) through this link

https://msfsuisse-career.talent-soft.com/Pages/Offre/detailoffre.aspx?idOffre=315&idOrigine=502&LCID=2057

The deadline for applications is 30.11.2026 at 5pm.

The applications will be treated confidentially.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.