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Water and sanitation specialist

An MSF water and sanitation specialist managing water treatment at a distribution site in the Natiti neighborhood of Pemba, Tanzania. Caption
An MSF water and sanitation specialist managing water treatment at a distribution site in the Natiti neighborhood of Pemba, Tanzania.

Working with us as a water and sanitation specialist (WATSAN) is a diverse and stimulating experience.

From sourcing and delivering clean drinking water to thousands of people displaced by conflict in Nigeria, to siting and building latrines for people who have lost everything in an earthquake, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) WATSANs are essential to ensure that people in desperate situations access the basic necessities to survive.

Responsibilities

Our WATSANs usually work in the project, and manage a variety of work including hospital waste management, health promotion and clean water provision.

It’s an exciting and diverse role and you would be responsible for some or all of the following:

  • ​Managing a team of waste zone operators, hygiene promoters, WATSAN assistants and various others
  • Sourcing and delivering clean water to populations in need
  • Siting and constructing latrines and other sanitation facilities
  • Managing hospital waste
  • Supervising hygiene promotion

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

Role requirements 

  • Education in Civil Engineering, Water and Sanitation, Land and Water Management (preferably international), or similar
  • Significant work experience in water and sanitation
  • Experience in managing, supervising and training others
  • Available for a minimum of nine months
  • Minimum of three months’ work, volunteering or travel experience in developing countries
  • Willingness to work in unstable areas
  • Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
  • Flexible and able to manage stress
  • Able to provide training and supervision to others
  • Fluency in English

Languages​

We're currently looking for WATSANS with good French or Arabic skills.

If you can speak French or Arabic you're much more likely to be accepted onto our register.

Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.

One of the 10 water fetching points in the city of Buzi, with treated and provided by MSF

In their own words

Get behind-the-scenes insights from MSF logistician Cokie van der Velde

Before you apply

Make sure you read our application process guide for an overview of what to expect when you apply for an overseas role with the UK.

We take your safety, security and wellbeing seriously. Please watch these videos before you decide whether or not to apply for this job.

Apply to be a water and sanitation specialist

Please only apply for this role if you meet all of the requirements below. 

1/6

I have read and understood the role description, and feel I can fulfil this role

2/6

I have spent at least three months travelling or working in low- and/or middle-income countries

3/6

The UK is my place of residence and I have the right to live and work in the UK

4/6

I have a valid passport

5/6

I have managed a team of people

6/6

I am available for a minimum of nine to 12 months