Wash Officer

Internal / External Vacancy Announcement

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) wants to recruit employees in the following vacant position the details of which are mentioned below.

About the Ethiopian Red Cross Society

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia. ERCS provides services to communities affected by natural and manmade disasters through the provision of emergency responses, ambulance and first aid, family reunification, essential drugs, water and sanitation, and other humanitarian services. ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. Currently the ERCS has a structure consisting of 15 Regional Offices, Zonal Branches and District/Woreda Branches, Woreda Red Cross Committee and Kebele Red Cross committees.

ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs relating to food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity building interventions, with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. ERCS works in partnership with the Ethiopian Government, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partnering National Societies, members, volunteers and the communities we serve.

Job Summary

The WASH Officer will provide technical support in the implementation of the WASH component of the EC2R project and other related projects. Responsibilities include the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of water supply and sanitation systems, hygiene promotion, and training of community volunteers. The role involves regular travel to field project sites and close collaboration with ERCS staff at both HQ and branch levels.

Key Responsibilities

Project Design and Implementation

• Conduct multi-sectoral rapid needs assessments in collaboration with humanitarian partners.
• In collaboration with team prepare detailed designs for water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Participate in multidisciplinary study teams and technical planning.
• Prepare bidding and contractual documents.
• Design and implement hygiene promotion campaigns.
• Mobilize community participation in project planning and execution.
• Manage resources, supervise engineering works, and oversee quality standards.
• Train branch-level WASH staff and volunteers.
• Ensure timely and quality implementation of hardware components.
• Oversee materials procurement and contractor engagement.
• Organize and facilitate project handovers to beneficiaries and local authorities.

Financial Management

• Support budget preparation and revisions.
• Ensure efficient budget utilization and quality procurement.
• Monitor sector expenditures in accordance with project plans.

Reporting

• Prepare and submit regular project reports (monthly, quarterly, biannually, and annually).
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all construction activities.

Networking and Coordination

• Ability to Collaboration with PNS, government stakeholders, and WASH clusters.
• Identify new funding opportunities and project partnerships.
• Integrate WASH activities with other sectors and partners.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Implement M&E activities as per ERCS and PNS standards.
• Document lessons learned and best practices.
• Participate in learning reviews and program evaluations.

Mainstreaming Cross-Cutting Issues

• Integrate gender, protection, accountability, disability inclusion, MHPSS, DRR, and climate change into project design and execution.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• MSc/BSc in Civil, Water Resources, Hydraulic, Irrigation Engineering, or related fields.

• Experience:

• Minimum 4 years (MSc) or 6 years (BSc) of experience in WASH and preferably in humanitarian/NGO contexts. Prior experience with Red Cross is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Water CAD, and MS Office.
• Strong project planning and construction management skills.
• Knowledge of public health promotion, community engagement, inclusive design (gender/disability sensitive).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work in remote and challenging environments.
• Fluent in English and Amharic (spoken and written).
• Commitment to the Fundamental Principles and values of the Red Cross