Alumni interview: Jagadishwar Barun, WASH Specialist, UNICEF

In his 20-year career, Barun has managed WASH programmes  for UNICEF, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other UN organizations. He has also worked for  the Foundation of Dutch Volunteers (Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers), Oxfam Great Britain, the Red Cross, and local and international non-governmental and humanitarian organisations.

What’s the impact of your work?

My work in the WASH sector directly improves the health and well-being of children, women, and men.

As a humanitarian worker, I always prioritize equity, equality, and sustainability in delivering WASH services to every human being without discrimination. Access to adequate quantity and quality of water supply and sanitation facilities improves people's health. When individuals are healthy, they can engage in income-generating activities that help reduce poverty and injustice.

What achievement are you most proud of?

After graduating from IHE in 2009, I have served in seven different countries, both in humanitarian and development contexts. 

My contribution to refugee operations in South Sudan and Tanzania, as well as work with internally displaced persons and host communities  in Somalia, were my most rewarding experiences so far. Through WASH interventions, we have been able to save thousands of lives. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to save lives and see the survivors’ smiling faces.

What mission was the most challenging for you?

My mission to South Sudan was my first time within a humanitarian setting. The refugees really taught me a lot, especially how to deal with humans. Although I had years of experience in my field, I had  barely dealt with people’s very basic needs. This was my  very first emergency response, and I listened to the refugees’  social problems in order to adopt and adapt practical solutions. I also learned practical tips and techniques on how to deal with groundwater. I value this experience because it taught me something priceless that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. This is a lesson not even a PhD can teach you: it’s real-life experience. A master’s degree and a PhD are just an addition, but cultivating life experiences are essential if you want to work in WASH or any other field.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis in your current job?

In Liberia, I conceptualized, developed, planned and managed the country’s WASH program and staff.  I participated in strategic discussions on WASH policies, strategies and guidelines, and I provided technical advice on climate-resilient WASH solutions and conducted field visits whenever required. I worked closely with national and sub-national governments and partners, and I prepared learning/knowledge products to support WASH sector development and share what we have learned in the programme. I advised my manager on work plans and priorities for the WASH unit.

In Ukraine, my tasks will focus on providing technical and managerial support to the government of Ukraine on the rehabilitation and recovery of WASH infrastructures damaged by the war.

What’s challenging about your job?

In Liberia, there are several challenges: there is a high rate of open defecation, as 38% of Liberian still go relieve themselves in open areas. In addition, water supply services are poor: only 75% of the population have access to a basic water supply. More than 50% of schools and health care facilities have no access to the basic water supply and sanitation facilities. Infrastructure is limited, as are the resources, including government funding, for the WASH sector and staff capacity.

In addition, the region suffers from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, and the coordination among government ministries, particularly regarding roles and responsibilities, could be improved. We also struggle to make a lasting impact: ensuring the sustainability of WASH interventions beyond the initial implementation phase is critical.

I just started in Ukraine, but here, there are several challenges, too, as is expected in a war-torn country.  The ongoing war in Ukraine has devastated critical infrastructure across the country, mostly in the northern, eastern and southern parts. Access to clean water is becoming a major challenge now. UNICEF was a key sector player before the escalation of the conflict and is now playing a leading role for the WASH response in Ukraine, responding to the most urgent humanitarian needs alongside WASH recovery and reconstruction interventions.

How do you apply what you learned at IHE Delft in your work?

I apply the technical expertise I gained at IHE Delft in water supply system planning and design, including the development of monitoring frameworks and project evaluation. Additionally, the knowledge I acquired in research and innovation, an integrated approach, project management, and financial management is also applicable to my work.

How was studying at IHE Delft for you?

Arriving at IHE Delft was an odd experience. When I came to the Institute, I was shocked because it was so small as compared to Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus back home in Nepal, where I did my undergraduate studies. However, there was a welcome party that impressed me: It was amazing to see that a Rector was serving food and beverages to every newcomer. I was not very used to this culture of a rector and professors serving drinks to students, and professors sitting together in the canteen during lunch and interacting with each other like friends. It humbled me.

IHE Delft’s family-like environment was very helpful - coming to a foreign land is already a tough choice. Being among many different types of people really helped me improve my social skills without thinking about the separating notion of ‘respect’ that I have from Nepal’s culture. I had a wonderful time and it changed me forever.