WASH Officer-Electromechanical Engineer | Afar

Position:                                   WASH Officer- Electromechanical Engineer (2)

Reports to:                               WASH Project Manager

Duty station:                             Asayita and Berehale

Role and responsibilities

The main purpose of the position 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 the development of NRC’s WASH programming for WASH infrastructures the monitoring the operation and maintenance of Electromechanical equipment’s, and sanitation and Hygiene facilities. 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 and 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.

Specific Responsibilities 

• Design and develop electromechanical systems for WASH infrastructure, integrating mechanical and electrical components to optimize performance.
• Prepare technical designs, specifications, and cost estimates for electromechanical aspects of WASH facilities, including water supply, pumping stations, and sanitation systems.
• Plan and oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems in WASH infrastructure to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
• Develop work schedules and supervise electromechanical construction works, ensuring quality, adherence to timelines, and proper use of materials and equipment.
• Ensure technical feasibility and resource planning by preparing electromechanical estimates, supporting bid preparation, and assisting in contractor selection.
• Implement WASH projects effectively within the allocated time and budget, ensuring compliance with project proposals and technical requirements.
• Review and validate electromechanical designs and BOQs to align with international standards, national codes, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation of electromechanical project activities, including system specifications, performance reports, and maintenance logs.
• Conduct site assessments and surveys to determine the feasibility and sustainability of electromechanical installations in WASH infrastructure.
• Ensure the security and safety of electromechanical systems, staff, and equipment in project implementation areas.
• Engage with community representatives to facilitate ownership and sustainability of electromechanical WASH systems.
• Advise on procurement needs for electromechanical equipment and submit requests to the WASH Project Manager.
• Provide technical support on-site to contractors, service providers, and project teams during installation, operation, and troubleshooting of electromechanical components.
• Prepare and submit technical reports and work plans to the WASH Project Manager, highlighting project progress, challenges, and recommendations.
• Collect and analyze data on electromechanical performance to inform decision-making and report findings to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with partners and stakeholders to align electromechanical interventions with broader WASH strategies and community needs.
• Ensure proper financial tracking and reporting related to electromechanical expenditures in coordination with the WASH Project Manager.
• Collaborate with hygiene and sanitation teams to ensure technical integration of electromechanical solutions in WASH interventions.
• Prepare and submit donor, government, and coordination reports, including the 5W matrix, in a timely manner.
• Represent NRC in WASH sector meetings and technical coordination platforms, providing expertise on electromechanical aspects.
• Perform additional related tasks as assigned by the line management to support WASH programming

Generic professional competencies: 

• A University degree in Hydraulic Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering or any directly related fields
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in monitoring and supervision of WASH projects with prior capacity in Electromechanical engineering
• Strong knowledge and experience in Electromechanical engineering and WASH infrastructure 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 (Water CAD, EPANET, 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 Amharic 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

Behavioral competencies 

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