The successful candidate will work with the UNICEF Nigeria Country Office and collaborate with relevant UNICEF teams to develop financial mechanisms that attract investment into the sanitation sector.
This opportunity is open to national and international consultants with substantial experience in finance, impact investing, blended finance, and international development. The assignment will last for 12 months and is classified as a consultancy contract.
Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements, prepare the necessary application documents, and submit their applications before the closing date.
The application deadline is November 5, 2026.
UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant Vacancy 2026: Overview
Here are the essential details of the consultancy opportunity:
- Organization: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- Job Title: Sanitation Finance Consultant
- Job Reference Number: #596531
- Contract Type: Consultant
- Consultancy Duration: 12 months
- Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
- Work Arrangement: Remote with travel
- Sector: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Recruitment Level: Consultancy
- Eligible Applicants: National and international consultants
- Required Language: English
- Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
- Application Method: Online through the official UNICEF recruitment portal
Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement and terms of reference for the complete assignment details.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is a United Nations agency dedicated to protecting children's rights, improving their wellbeing, and helping them reach their full potential.
The organization operates in more than 190 countries and territories, working with governments, communities, and development partners to improve children's access to essential services, including healthcare, education, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation.
UNICEF also supports initiatives that protect children from harm and promote healthier, safer environments in which they can grow and develop.
For more information about the organization, visit the official UNICEF website.
About the Sanitation Finance Consultancy
Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing safe and affordable sanitation services. Limited access to adequate sanitation, continued open defecation, rapid urbanization, and insufficient investment have increased the need for innovative financing approaches.
According to the background information provided in the vacancy announcement, only 18% of Nigeria's population has access to safely managed sanitation, while approximately 48% still practise open defecation.
The country's rapidly growing urban population is also increasing demand for sanitation infrastructure and services. However, households often struggle to afford sanitation facilities, while many sanitation businesses face difficulties obtaining loans and other forms of commercial financing.
Public institutions also experience challenges related to limited budgets, fragmented policies, and the implementation of sanitation programmes.
To help address these barriers, UNICEF is seeking a consultant to support the development of the Sanitation Programme Facility (SPF) in Nigeria.
The facility is intended to combine donor-backed guarantees with grant-funded technical assistance to help unlock commercial financing for household sanitation and businesses operating across the sanitation value chain.
The broader objective is to encourage investment, strengthen sanitation markets, and improve access to sustainable sanitation services, particularly in underserved urban and peri-urban communities.
What Is the Role of the Sanitation Finance Consultant?
The consultant will support UNICEF's efforts to mobilize catalytic financing for Nigeria's WASH sector and advance the preparation of the Sanitation Programme Facility.
The assignment will involve working with the UNICEF Nigeria Country Office and collaborating with relevant teams, including the WASH Innovation Hub and the Global WASH practice.
The consultant is expected to contribute financial expertise and development-sector experience to help design financing mechanisms that attract additional investment into sanitation services.
The work will also support the development of practical financing approaches that address barriers preventing households and sanitation businesses from accessing the funding they need.
Candidates should review the complete terms of reference to understand the specific deliverables, responsibilities, and technical requirements of the assignment.
Terms of Reference: Available through the official vacancy announcement linked in the application section below.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Applicants interested in the UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant position should meet the educational, professional, and technical requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement.
1. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have at least a master's degree in one of the following fields or a related discipline:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business
- International development
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, combined with five additional years of professional experience, may be accepted as an alternative to an advanced university degree.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications satisfy the requirements stated in the official terms of reference.
2. Professional Experience
The consultancy requires substantial experience in finance and development-related work.
Applicants should demonstrate the following:
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in finance.
- A strong understanding of impact investing, sustainable finance, or blended finance.
- Experience working in or supporting international development organizations or international financial institutions (IFIs) for at least two years.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience in Nigeria.
- Experience supporting the preparation of project concept notes or proposals for large-scale financing.
Experience in the public sector, private sector, or international organizations may be relevant, provided it matches the requirements of the assignment.
Applicants with experience in climate finance or financing water, sanitation, and hygiene programmes will have an additional advantage.
3. Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of a Nigerian local language is considered an advantage.
Candidates should be able to communicate financial concepts clearly and prepare professional documents for different audiences, including UNICEF personnel and development partners.
4. Financial Analysis and Project Management Skills
Applicants should have strong financial analysis and project management capabilities.
They must be able to develop and implement financial models that support development objectives and help address financing challenges.
The role also requires an understanding of how financial resources can be structured to support sustainable services and attract additional investment.
5. Knowledge of International Financial Institutions
Candidates should understand the operating procedures and working arrangements of regional development banks, international development banks, and other international financial institutions.
This knowledge is important for developing financing approaches and engaging with organizations involved in development investment.
6. Understanding of the WASH Sector
Knowledge of the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector is desirable.
Applicants should understand the financing challenges affecting sanitation services, including:
- Service tariffs and cost recovery.
- WASH sector financial planning and accounts.
- Sanitation market development.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Business models for water and sanitation services.
- Financing arrangements for sanitation infrastructure and service providers.
Experience developing financially viable sanitation projects will be particularly relevant.
7. Public-Private Partnerships and Investment Models
The position requires knowledge of public-private partnerships for service delivery.
Candidates should have experience conducting market assessments and developing financially viable models that can attract private investment.
They should also understand how public funding and other financial instruments can be used to reduce investment risks and encourage commercial participation.
8. Report Writing and Knowledge Management
Applicants should have demonstrated experience preparing professional reports and managing technical information for external audiences.
They must be capable of explaining complex financial concepts in clear, accessible language.
Experience preparing financing proposals, technical documents, or knowledge products will be valuable.
Desirable Qualifications and Additional Experience
Although the essential requirements should be prioritized, the vacancy also identifies several additional areas of experience that may strengthen an application.
These include:
- Approximately five years of work experience in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria.
- Previous experience working with the United Nations, national institutions, regional organizations, or development donors.
- Experience in innovation-focused environments.
- Involvement in developing or expanding new financing models.
- Experience working with development banks and international financial institutions.
- Experience supporting climate finance or WASH-related investments.
Applicants should clearly highlight any relevant experience in their CV and technical proposal.
UNICEF Core Values and Competencies
UNICEF expects its consultants to demonstrate professional integrity and a commitment to the organization's mission and values.
The relevant core values are:
- Care: Showing consideration for others and supporting their wellbeing.
- Respect: Treating colleagues, partners, and communities with dignity.
- Integrity: Acting honestly and ethically.
- Trust: Building dependable professional relationships.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
- Sustainability: Supporting approaches that deliver lasting benefits.
The organization also values collaboration, partnership building, innovation, adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to achieve meaningful results in complex working environments.
Candidates should demonstrate these qualities through their professional experience and application materials.
Documents Required for the Application
Qualified candidates must submit the required documents through UNICEF's online Talent Management System (TMS).
The vacancy announcement identifies the following application materials:
1. Updated CV and TMS Profile
Applicants should ensure that their online recruitment profile and curriculum vitae are current.
The CV should clearly describe relevant qualifications, employment history, financial expertise, and experience working on development projects.
2. Cover Letter
A cover letter should introduce the applicant and explain their suitability for the consultancy.
Candidates should emphasize their relevant financial experience, knowledge of development financing, understanding of Nigeria's sanitation challenges, and ability to contribute to the objectives of the assignment.
3. Financial Proposal
Applicants must submit a separate financial proposal using the specific template provided with the vacancy announcement.
Important: UNICEF states that the financial proposal must follow the linked template. Applicants should download and complete the prescribed document rather than submitting an alternative format.
4. Detailed Technical Proposal
A detailed technical proposal explaining how the consultant intends to carry out the assignment is mandatory.
The vacancy announcement states that applications without a technical proposal will not be considered.
Candidates should explain their proposed approach, how they would undertake the work, and how their expertise would support the consultancy's objectives.
Applicants must also provide samples of documents they have previously written or developed relating to financing proposals or knowledge management.
Before submitting an application, candidates should verify all document requirements and follow the instructions in the official terms of reference.
How to Apply for the UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant Job
Interested and qualified professionals can apply online through UNICEF's official recruitment system.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official application link provided below.
- Review the vacancy announcement and the complete terms of reference.
- Confirm that you meet the educational, professional, and experience requirements.
- Prepare your updated CV and ensure that your TMS profile contains accurate information.
- Write a cover letter highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience.
- Download and complete the prescribed financial proposal template.
- Prepare a detailed technical proposal explaining how you intend to conduct the assignment.
- Include relevant samples of previously developed financing proposals or knowledge management documents.
- Upload all required documents through the recruitment portal.
- Review your application and submit it before the deadline.
Official application link:
Apply NowTerms of Reference: Download the complete assignment document through the official vacancy announcement.
Financial Proposal Template: Access the prescribed template through the official vacancy announcement.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant vacancy is November 5, 2026, in West Central Africa Standard Time.
The vacancy was advertised on October 23, 2026.
Interested candidates should submit their applications and all required supporting documents before the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to avoid waiting until the last minute, particularly because preparing the financial and technical proposals may require additional time.
Important Information for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should note the following:
- The assignment is a 12-month consultancy, not a permanent staff position.
- The duty station is Abuja, Nigeria, with remote work and travel as indicated in the vacancy title.
- The opportunity is open to national and international consultants who meet the stated requirements.
- A detailed technical proposal is compulsory.
- The financial proposal must be submitted using the specified template.
- Samples of previous financing proposals or knowledge management documents must be provided.
- UNICEF does not charge application, recruitment, selection, interview, or appointment processing fees.
- UNICEF will not request applicants' bank account information as part of its recruitment process.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of recruitment.
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks, including verification of academic qualifications and employment history.
Applicants should rely on the official UNICEF recruitment platform for the latest information about the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant position?
It is a consultancy opportunity to support financing initiatives for Nigeria's water, sanitation, and hygiene sector, including the development of the Sanitation Programme Facility.
2. Where is the consultancy based?
The designated duty station is Abuja, Nigeria. The position is advertised as remote with travel.
3. How long is the contract?
The consultancy is scheduled to last for 12 months.
4. Who can apply?
National and international professionals who meet the educational, professional experience, and technical requirements may apply.
5. What educational qualification is required?
Applicants generally need a master's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, international development, or a related field. A relevant bachelor's degree with five additional years of professional experience may be accepted as an alternative.
6. How much work experience is required?
The vacancy requires at least 10 years of relevant finance experience, along with specific experience working with international development organizations or financial institutions and at least two years of relevant professional experience in Nigeria.
7. Is experience in sanitation financing compulsory?
Experience in financing the WASH sector is desirable. However, applicants must satisfy the essential qualifications and experience requirements specified in the vacancy announcement.
8. Which documents must applicants submit?
The required documents include an updated CV and TMS profile, a cover letter, a financial proposal using the prescribed template, and a detailed technical proposal. Applicants must also provide relevant samples of previously developed financing proposals or knowledge management documents.
9. Is the technical proposal compulsory?
Yes. According to the vacancy announcement, applications without a detailed technical proposal will not be considered.
10. Does UNICEF charge an application fee?
No. UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment and hiring process.
11. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 5, 2026, in West Central Africa Standard Time.
12. Where can I apply?
Applications should be submitted through the official UNICEF recruitment portal using the job reference number #596531.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Sanitation Finance Consultant opportunity offers experienced finance and development professionals the chance to contribute to efforts aimed at improving sanitation financing in Nigeria.
The successful consultant will support the development of innovative financing mechanisms designed to attract investment, strengthen sanitation businesses, and expand access to sustainable sanitation services.
Professionals with substantial finance experience, knowledge of blended finance and impact investing, and an understanding of international development institutions are encouraged to review the requirements.
Interested applicants should prepare their CV, cover letter, financial proposal, and detailed technical proposal before applying through the official recruitment portal.
Application deadline: November 5, 2026.
Job reference number: #596531.