Water System Operator Electromechanical -Jigjiga

Location: Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Deadline: February 12, 2026

Job Description

Role and responsibilities

This role is responsible for the comprehensive security, operational integrity, and maintenance of the water system compound, pump houses, generator houses, and associated equipment. Key duties include strictly controlling facility access based on prior authorization; ensuring all safety equipment is properly located and functional; maintaining site cleanliness; safely operating pumps, generators, water treatment systems, and solar power according to protocols under EMO direction; assisting technical staff with maintenance and repairs; monitoring and refilling generator fuel/oil; conducting water treatment operations (jar testing, chemical dosing, cleaning); managing chemical and spare parts inventory; continuously monitoring water supply levels and system performance; meticulously recording operational data; promptly reporting any malfunctions, hazards, or security breaches; and being available 24/7 to relay emergencies via radio/phone to relevant personnel.

Specific responsibilities

Maintain security at the water system compound, pump houses, and generator houses to prevent theft, burglary, vandalism, and ensure the safety assets.
Strictly regulate entry to all facilities, verifying that all visitors possess valid, prior authorization from NRC management before granting access.
Ensure all safety equipment (fire extinguishers, dust masks, first-aid kits) is correctly positioned, fully accessible, and functional.
Maintain the cleanliness, orderliness, and general upkeep of the water system compound, pump houses, and generator houses.
Safely operate pumps, generators, water treatment systems, adhering to all operational procedures.
Perform precise daily startup, operation, and shutdown for generators, pumps, and solar power systems according to the NRC protocols.
Perform scheduled inspections and maintain close observation of pumps, generators, control panels, and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues proactively.
Assist Electromechanical Officers/Assistants and Plumbers during scheduled servicing, maintenance, and repair activities for generators, pumps, and water systems.
Monitor generator fuel and oil levels; perform timely refueling and oil replenishment as required.
Conduct daily operational activities at water treatment facilities, including jar testing, precise chemical dosing (chlorine, alum), and cleaning of treatment units, service reservoirs, and clean water storage facilities.
Properly safeguard, store, and maintain inventories for water treatment reagents, chemicals, consumables, and spare parts.
Continuously monitor water supply levels and system performance to ensure adequate, reliable water delivery to the camp.
Record daily water meter readings, generator operating hours, fuel/oil consumption, and water quality test results meticulously and accurately in designated logs.
Implement daily water quality tests at reservoirs and treatment plants, ensuring optimal disinfection (chlorination) and coagulation (alum dosing) according to established technical protocols.
Immediately report any equipment malfunctions, damage, safety hazards, security breaches, operational problems (generators, pumps, solar systems, treatment plants) to the Supervisor, Electromechanical Officer (EMO), and relevant technical staff (EM Assistant, Plumbers).
Remain available 24/7 to receive and relay critical radio/telephone communications concerning water system emergencies or urgent operational issues to the Operations Team, EMO, Assistant EMO, and Plumbers without delay.
Perform any other reasonable tasks assigned by the Supervisor or Electromechanical Officer pertinent to the role’s responsibilities and site operations.

Qualifications

Competencies

Professional competencies:

Primary education complete and two years’ experience in similar position.
Self-motivated, honest, responsible, and punctual.
Ability to work under pressure in a potentially unstable security situation
Committed to serve the refugee and host communities
Basic English.

Behavioral competencies

The following NRC’s competencies are essential for this position:

Managing resources and achieving results
Handling insecure environments
Communicating with impact and respect
Working with people
Coping with change
Planning and delivering results.

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.

Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world’s most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.

At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.

Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:

• treat everyone with respect and dignity

• contribute to building a safe environment for all

• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)

• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH