WASH and Infrastructure Technical Advisor II

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS has a significant presence in Moldova and Ukraine, especially following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine in 2022, where it has expanded its programming to reach over 500,000 people through various initiatives aimed at emergency response and recovery. The organization is committed to strengthening local partnerships and enhancing the capacity of local leaders to maximize impact and reach even more vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
As the WASH and Infrastructure Technical Advisor II, you will play a crucial role in leading the technical support for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, as well as energy and infrastructure projects for Caritas Ukraine under the USG Department of State funded program, Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine. Your responsibilities will include providing expert technical advice and guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, ensuring adherence to program quality principles, technical standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. This position requires a strong focus on WASH, leveraging your technical expertise and relationship-building skills to enhance the quality of programming aimed at supporting vulnerable and conflict-affected populations across Ukraine. You will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including CRS and CUA teams, to ensure high-quality implementation of WASH activities and contribute to the overall success of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities including: providing technical solutions for strategic planning and program design; leading the technical design and review of specifications and drawings for WASH infrastructure; offering on-site technical guidance and monitoring of rehabilitation works; supporting procurement and construction monitoring; developing strategies and tools for WASH programming; advising on program design and standards; contributing to business development efforts; strengthening the capacity of staff and partners through training and mentoring; promoting knowledge management and learning; establishing relationships with donors and peer organizations; and participating in coordination forums to share best practices. You will also need to be proficient in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols and manage emergency WASH programs in challenging environments.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate a strong application of technical principles in WASH, possess general knowledge of related disciplines, and have experience working with partner organizations on project management and capacity strengthening. Additionally, experience in business development, project design, and proposal development in WASH is essential, along with skills in mentoring and training. Strong networking abilities and relationship management skills are also required, as well as proficiency in MS Office and other relevant software.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Water Engineering, or Environmental Engineering is required for this position. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the technical aspects of WASH and infrastructure projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role, ideally within an international NGO context. This experience should include at least three years focused on programming interventions in WASH. Previous experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is also required, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex project environments and secure necessary resources.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on funding confirmation and may involve travel of up to 30% within Ukraine, primarily to partner offices. The role may include supervisory responsibilities, which will be determined based on the specific needs of the project. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.