Watsan Specialist

JOB VACANCY

MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES FRANCE

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a non-profit, independent international humanitarian organization committed to delivering medical aid to populations facing crises, with a steadfast commitment to impartiality and without regard to race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. In Malawi, MSF collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and the local community, particularly in the Cervical Cancer project in the Blantyre and Chiradzulu districts, as well as the CBO Project in Zalewa and Dedza District.

MSFF is looking for its Blantyre Office:

WATSAN SPECIALIST – 1 POSITION

Workplace: Blantyre
Type of contract: 1 Year fixed term contract with possibility of extension
Start date: March 2026

Main Purpose of the Position

Supporting the Mission in the implementation of Watsan activities, including tools and materials employed according to MSF standards and protocols, to improve health and living conditions of the target population and ensuring the WASH basics are achieved in the project areas (E.g. Blantyre, Chiradzulu projects and coordination).

Main Responsibilities

• Defining procedures and ensuring the implementation, monitoring, maintenance and correct functioning of the Watsan technical work within his/her area of specialization
• Managing technical activities in support to and in close collaboration with the field responsible for the sector of activity (s) he is primarily supporting.
• Implementing waste management plan (WMP) for the mission in liaison with the relevant technical referents.
• Provide first line of emergency response in the country in collaboration with medical teams.
• Carrying out assessments and feasibility studies in the project to provide line managers with alternatives and possible solutions to Watsan challenges e.g. designing/installations/building/implementations and liaising directly with the staff to identify the project needs and managing response and prioritization of requests
• Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, (s)he develops protocols in collaboration with technical support seeking extensive feedback and tests to ensure its functioning as well as defining functioning standards and monitoring systems.
• Ensuring the proper documentation, filing and the compilation of the installation and maintenance done or required for Watsan works.
• Providing technical advice and oversight of quality and strengthening knowledge of the team, providing training sessions to technicians, medical and non-medical teams in specific topics.
• When required, acting as Flying expert in a mission and providing technical advice to teams.
• Performing delegated tasks specific to her area of specialty and as defined in his/her job description.

Specific Accountabilities

A. Water supply for the project(s)

• Ensure safe water supply, treatment, quality monitoring, and consumption tracking across projects.
• Conduct regular water quality testing and schedule tank cleaning every three months.
• Ensure all Watsan installations meet MSF technical and safety standards.
• Plan and oversee maintenance of water systems and equipment.
• Ensure accurate data entry and reporting in MEMO

B. Sanitation

• Ensure adequate excreta disposal facilities and proper hygiene and maintenance.
• Oversee drainage systems and wastewater treatment.
• Prevent stagnant water accumulation, especially during the rainy season.

C. Waste Management

• Implement and monitor the Mission Waste Management Plan (WMP).
• Ensure proper segregation, collection, treatment, and disposal of all waste types (medical, biomedical, chemical, electronic, plastic, batteries, tires, etc.).
• Maintain waste inventories and liaise with recycling agencies and service providers.
• Coordinate safe waste management practices, including oncology and cytotoxic waste.
• Introduce regular environmental health audits of WATSAN infrastructure.

D. Anti-vector measures

• Implement and monitor vector control measures in line with agreed protocols and schedules.

E. Managing orders and follow-up

• Technical support to the Storekeeper so that the Watsan material is arranged and stored in an organized and easily accessible manner
• Drawing up WHS orders in accordance with the material in stock, the work schedule and constraints in the field
• Participating in the reception of WHS orders, checking that the quantities received and exiting correspond to the quantities entered on the packing-list or the request form and checking material are correctly delivered and ensuring materials quality.

F. Emergency Preparedness (EPREP)

• Conducting necessary assessment on emergencies in the areas/region of jurisdiction in collaboration with medical and other log teams
• Provide first line technical support on emergencies response
• Ensure Eprep WatSan stock is maintained and keep inventory of materials
• Support the training and maintaining Eprep team in the mission •
• Draft and maintain context-specific Watsan emergency response plans (e.g., flood, epidemic, displacement scenarios).

G. R&D components

• Participate in R&D activities as and when they are rolled out in the mission
• Ensuring the maintenance according to schedule and procedures
• Collecting the data and compiling them in the documents provided for this purpose
• Reporting and updating as and when necessary

H. Reporting

• Drawing up an activity report to be passed on to the Logistics Coordinator/Technical Referent
• Participate with the Logistics Managers to define Watsan projects, budget, and activities.
• Submit monthly situational reports
• In case of official visit, propose relevant Terms of Reference and at the end submit concise report.

I. Technical Support & Integration

• Provide technical guidance to medical teams on infection prevention and control risks related to Watsan conditions.
• Ensure Watsan inputs are integrated into emergency and outbreak response planning.

J. Capacity Building

• Continuously build the capacity of medical staff and waste handlers on safe cytotoxic waste management practices.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of waste handlers to ensure compliance with MSF waste management protocols.
• Develop, display, and maintain clear and context-appropriate safety messages and MSF protocol reminders in all relevant work areas.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of incineration activities for various categories of waste.
• Establish and oversee the preventive maintenance plan for the incinerator to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Requirements

Education:
– Diploma/Degree in Civil/Environmental/ Architectural Engineering/ Public Health/Environmental Health
– Demonstrable technical skills and understanding of WHS in a hospital setup

Experience:
– Experience as a specialist Watsan technician (Minimum 3 years’ experience)
– Experience in waste management (medical/environmental/cytotoxic) is an asset

Language: Fluency in English and Chichewa

Knowledge: Essential computer literacy (word, excel, internet)

Competencies:
– Results and Quality orientation
– Teamwork and Cooperative
– Behaviour flexibility
– Commitment to MSF principles
– Stress Management

How to apply

Applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to send their Cover Letter, Updated CV, ID Copy, and relevant certificates, in Pdf or word format, to the Human Resources Manager at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) France through email to msff-blantyre-recruitment@paris.msf.org.

Please use the subject line “202601_WATSAN SPECIALIST, YOUR FULL NAME,” and ensure that each file is appropriately labelled, such as “CV – (Name)”.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Indicate only the Position and Your Full Name as the Subject Line of the email.

The closing date for receiving applications is Sunday, 8th February 2026 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer: all applicants will be equally considered under the same criteria and expectations. We encourage all suitably qualified people to apply, regardless of their ethnic, national or cultural origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, beliefs, disability or any other aspect of their identity. MSF does not charge any application/recruitment or training fees: if ever you are requested to pay any amount to process your application or access employment with MSF, do not pay and please inform the MSF administration on 0992 962 251 or email: msffblantyrerecruitment@paris.msf.org as soon as possible.