Consultant: Cholera Preparedness and Evidence-Based WASH Planning

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a consultant for a 4-month assignment in Maiduguri, Nigeria, to consolidate lessons from the 2026 cholera response and strengthen evidence-based WASH planning for cholera prevention, preparedness and risk reduction in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. The work supports government-led preparedness and coordination as WASH Cluster functions transition to government leadership.

Key responsibilities

• After-Action Review (AAR) of the 2026 cholera response in Borno and Yobe, assessing preparedness, coordination, surveillance, WASH interventions, resource mobilization and operational challenges, and producing a report with lessons learned and recommendations.
• Cholera hotspot mapping using the GTFCC PAMI methodology on historical surveillance data, validated with government and partners, to identify priority WASH actions in high-risk areas.
• Develop a prioritized WASH prevention and investment framework with phased actions, indicative costs and institutional responsibilities.
• Support government authorities in defining roles, activation triggers, information sharing and a transition roadmap for government-led cholera coordination.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in Epidemiology, Public Health, Environmental Health, WASH or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in cholera epidemiology, water and sanitation programmes, disease surveillance, public health analytics and humanitarian or development settings.
• Fluent English with strong technical report writing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Desirable: previous experience in Nigeria or similar cholera-affected settings, analysis of NCDC cholera data, and experience with GTFCC PAMI and National Cholera Plans.

Required skills

• Strong technical knowledge of cholera epidemiology, prevention, preparedness and response, especially WASH interventions.
• Cholera surveillance data analysis, hotspot mapping and interpretation of epidemiological and environmental risk factors.
• Knowledge of WHO AAR methodologies and GTFCC guidance on cholera prevention and control.
• WASH programme planning, investment prioritization, indicative costing and risk-informed interventions.
• Understanding of government-led emergency preparedness and multisectoral coordination.