WASH and Shelter Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has been at the forefront of providing aid and support to millions of individuals in crisis situations. The organization operates in over 30 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC's mission is to help those in need by providing essential services, promoting protection, and ensuring that the voices of affected populations are heard. The organization is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees.

Job Overview:
The WASH and Shelter Project Officer will play a crucial role in implementing and managing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Shelter activities in accordance with NRC's strategic objectives and guidelines. This position requires a proactive approach to mobilizing communities and engaging with local leaders to ensure effective delivery of essential services. The officer will be responsible for conducting technical needs assessments, facilitating community involvement in project design, and overseeing construction activities to ensure compliance with quality standards. The role also involves preparing technical documentation, coordinating with various teams, and providing training to community members. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering or a related field, with a minimum of four years of experience in humanitarian or recovery contexts, particularly in WASH and shelter projects. The officer will be expected to work independently while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH and Shelter Project Officer will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Ensure adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines in all project activities.
• Implement delegated WASH and Shelter activities according to established strategies, proposals, budgets, and plans.
• Mobilize communities and community leaders for the effective implementation of WASH and Shelter technical activities.
• Suggest new methods and approaches to improve the quality of activities and ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need.
• Support project implementation through field deployment, including distributions, hygiene awareness raising, and construction works.
• Facilitate community involvement in the design and delivery of essential WASH services and facilities.
• Conduct technical needs assessments, baseline and end-line surveys, and provide feedback for internal and external use.
• Prepare Bill of Quantities (BOQ), technical specifications, and drawings for WASH and Shelter activities as necessary.
• Oversee day-to-day construction activities, ensuring quality standards are met and promptly addressing any defects with contractors. 1
• Prepare take-off sheets for completed work, issue work completion certificates, and coordinate the final handover process with Finance, M&E, and Logistics teams. 1
• Conduct WASH and Shelter activities in IDP/Returnee settlements under the guidance of the WASH and Shelter coordinator and supervise community mobilizers. 1
• Carry out technical training sessions for community members based on identified needs.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the WASH and Shelter Project Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree in Hydraulics Engineering, Water Engineering, Construction/Civil Engineering, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of four years of work experience as a WASH/Shelter Project Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Experience in project start-up and implementation, including training of staff or target groups.
• Proven ability in record keeping, reporting, and project implementation.
• Strong coordination skills to work effectively with colleagues and external partners to achieve results.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and build relationships with local government authorities, civil society, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office software (especially Word and Excel) is essential, while knowledge of technical software (e.g., AUTOCAD, GIS, EPANET) is an asset.
• Familiarity with SPHERE standards and their application in emergency and longer-term development practices is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the WASH and Shelter Project Officer position should have a relevant educational background, specifically a degree in Hydraulics Engineering, Water Engineering, Construction/Civil Engineering, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of WASH and Shelter projects and ensuring effective implementation of activities in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, specifically in WASH and Shelter project implementation. Candidates should have experience in project start-up, training of staff or target groups, and a proven track record of successful project management and execution in complex environments. Familiarity with the operating context in the Tigray region and previous experience working in volatile contexts will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in local languages is highly desirable, as it will facilitate effective communication with community members and stakeholders during project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in complex and volatile contexts. The Norwegian Refugee Council is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to building a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation, abuse, or harassment. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against such issues. The organization values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.