Kevin Rudd’s post-politics career has taken a detour down the S-bend – for a very worthy cause.

The former prime minister has been appointed chairman of UNICEF’s Sanitation and Water For All partnership.

The global partnership is aimed at improving sanitation, water and hygiene in some of the poorest parts of the world.

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UNICEF published a statement overnight welcoming the appointment.

“Mr Rudd brings to the position leadership, passion, drive and enthusiasm, which will be crucial as we strive to meet the sanitation, water, and hygiene goals in the new 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” wrote UNICEF on Thursday.

The appointment has renewed speculation that the former PM is gunning for the role of UN Secretary-General, Fairfax reported, as the current Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon prepares to vacate his post by the end of 2016.

Since his departure from politics, Mr Rudd has been occupied with appointments and fellowships at universities, including Harvard University and working groups in the United States, Britain and China.

He was also last year named the inaugural head of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York.

“With over 800 children dying each day from diseases linked to the lack of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, the cause is urgent,” read the UNICEF statement.

“We wish Mr Rudd all success and pledge to work with him to advance the mission of the SWA partnership.”

– with AAP