WASH and Shelter Assistant

WASH and Shelter Assistant

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

March 2, 2026April 16, 2026Ethiopia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is a humanitarian organization established in 194
  • NRC's mission is to help people forced to flee by providing assistance and protection to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization operates in over 30 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. NRC focuses on various sectors, including education, shelter, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), aiming to ensure that displaced individuals have access to essential services and can rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The WASH and Shelter Assistant position is crucial for implementing and managing WASH and shelter activities in the field. The role involves working closely with communities to mobilize them for participation in the design and delivery of essential services. The assistant will be responsible for ensuring that the projects adhere to NRC policies and guidelines while also suggesting innovative methods to enhance the quality of the activities. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable beneficiaries, ensuring that the assistance provided is effective and impactful. The assistant will work under the guidance of the WASH & Shelter officer and coordinator, contributing to the overall strategy and objectives of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH and Shelter Assistant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring adherence to NRC policies and guidelines; implementing delegated WASH and shelter activities according to established strategies, proposals, budgets, and plans; mobilizing communities and community leaders for effective implementation; facilitating community involvement in the design and delivery of WASH services; preparing Bill of Quantities (BOQ), technical specifications, and drawings as needed; conducting WASH activities in IDP and returnee settlements; ensuring the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and environmental protection; supporting technical needs assessments and surveys; coordinating with WASH teams to ensure a comprehensive response; and maintaining accurate records and reports of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Hydraulics Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in a humanitarian, development, or recovery context is required. Proven experience in project implementation, record keeping, and reporting is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate activities with colleagues and external partners, build relationships with local authorities and stakeholders, and work independently while adhering to established guidelines. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a relevant engineering field, such as Hydraulics, Water, Environmental, or Civil Engineering. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of WASH and shelter activities and for effectively contributing to project planning and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of work experience as a WASH/Shelter Assistant or in a related role within humanitarian, development, or recovery contexts. Candidates should have documented results related to their responsibilities and experience in WASH/shelter construction, development, and planning. Familiarity with complex and volatile contexts, particularly in the Tigray region, is highly desirable.

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 communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in insecure environments. The role requires a commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and the ability to manage resources effectively to optimize results. The NRC is committed to recruiting internationally and may offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract qualified candidates.
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