WASH Officer-Construction Engineer

Role and responsibilities

The position’s main purpose is to ensure effective planning and quality implementation of the WASH activities in Refugee camps, IDP sites, and Host communities in the Afar region, Ethiopia. The WASH Officer-Engineer will assist the WASH Project Manager in providing technical support in developing NRC’s WASH programming for WASH infrastructures, and construction activities. He/she will also work closely with the other Project Officers and assistants in the field to ensure the timely delivery of quality WASH programs and will assist the WASH Project Manager in the overall planning and design of (future) projects. 

Generic responsibilities 

1. Ensure adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines
2. Implement delegated support function portfolio according to plan of action
3. Prepare and develop status reports as required by management
4. Ensure proper filing of documents 
5. Promote and share ideas for improvement of the support function
6. Help plan and carry out needs assessments, baseline studies periodic studies, and feedback findings to the stakeholders.
7. Collate data from the WASH technical Assistants and prepare regular reports on activities and WASH conditions for monitoring.
8. Assess and advise on capacity building needs within the team to ensure effective developments of the quality standards for WASH infrastructure works.
9. Promote safe WASH practices, including appropriate use and maintenance of WASH facilities and services 
10. Facilitate appropriate community involvement in the design and delivery of essential WASH infrastructure services and facilities.
11. Supervise WASH infrastructure construction activities in line with relevant standards, codes of conduct, and humanitarian principles.

Specific Responsibilities 

• Prepare plans, designs, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates of the prioritized WASH infrastructure construction works
• Prepare work schedule and supervise the quality, time, equipment, and material of the WASH infrastructure construction works
• Make sure that all required preparations are in place for technical estimates, design, and resource management plan, prepare bid documents, and support the project team for the bid selection
• Implement effectively and within the time and budget of the WASH project as per the project proposals and project requirements
• Develop and review project designs to ensure compliance with relevant standards, procedures, and codes
• Develop and review BOQs and technical specifications
• Ensure that accurate and detailed records of project matters are formulated and kept
• Conduct site assessments and surveys
• Ensure as far as possible the security of the project, staff, and equipment
• Coordinate with beneficiary leaders to ensure community participation and ownership
• Advise on procurement needs and submit all procurement requests to the WASH and Shelter coordinator.
• Provide on-site technical assistance to staff, contractors service providers, and beneficiaries during the process of implementation, including management of construction activities.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports and work plans to the WASH and Shelter coordinator.
• Collect data from the communities and local partners and prepare reports for submission to the WASH Project Manager
• Liaise with community leaders and other sectors and agencies working locally to coordinate within the WASH sector. This includes taking concerns regularly at every meeting with beneficiaries in the field and reporting as needed
• Keep proper records of field expenditures when appropriate and report on these to the WASH Project Manager
• Liaise with sanitation and hygiene officers/assistants for successful implementation of sanitation and hygiene activities as well as WASH NFI distribution 
• Provide donor, government, and weekly 5W matrix reports timely 
• Represent NRC in WASH meetings and coordination platforms 
• Carry out other related tasks as directed by the line management

Generic professional competencies: 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in monitoring and supervision of WASH construction projects
• A University degree in Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resource or Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Technology and Management or a directly related field
• Strong knowledge and experience in engineering and construction projects with related processes like tendering of works, monitoring of construction sites, etc.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts
• Report writing skills and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets. Skills in technical drawing software (preferably AutoCAD) and project management software are desirable.
• Good knowledge of English (speaking and writing)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and mediation skills and ability to work independently
• Good interpersonal and communication skills 

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge, and experience: 

• Experience in undertaking hygiene promotion in a relief program is essential.
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present technical information
• Possession of strong administrative and management skills with a willingness to follow relevant policies and procedures
• Experience in capacity building and training of staff and target groups
• Cultural awareness and experience of working where insecurity is a major issue 
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; fluency in Tigray and Afara is an advantage
• Ability to work independently in a result-oriented multi-tasking and multi-cultural environment and manage conflicting priorities.
• Proven ability to use MS Office software (especially Word and Excel) is essential. Experience with other computer programs such as SAP 2000 and Microsoft Project would be an advantage. 

Behavioral competencies

• Handling insecure environment
• Planning and delivering results
• Empowering and building trust
• Communicating with impact and respect

How To Apply

Apply here!

Female Candidates are highly encouraged to apply!