Senior Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and community development. The organization partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities. In South Sudan, Mercy Corps has been active since 2005, addressing the needs of displaced and disenfranchised populations affected by ongoing conflict. The organization is funded by various donors, including the UK Department for International Development (DFID - FCDO), Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), European Union, NORAD, and private foundations, enabling it to empower communities to recover from crises and improve their livelihoods.

Job Overview:
The Senior Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE) will play a crucial role in the Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (SADEP), a seven-year initiative aimed at enhancing resilience, food, and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for rural communities in South Sudan. The RIE will be responsible for the full implementation of Subcomponent 2.1 activities, focusing on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems and fisheries-related civil works. This position requires collaboration with local communities, government authorities, and project teams to ensure that infrastructure interventions are technically sound, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. The RIE will also engage in community outreach to understand infrastructure needs and promote participatory planning and decision-making, ensuring that the projects align with the priorities of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Rural Infrastructure Engineer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Infrastructure Planning, Design, and Implementation: Lead the design, construction, and maintenance of rural infrastructure under SADEP Subcomponent 2.1, ensuring that all works meet technical standards, safety regulations, and sustainability criteria. Supervise contractors, field teams, and service providers to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of infrastructure interventions.
• Community Engagement and Field Coordination: Engage with local communities to understand their infrastructure needs and ensure participatory planning and decision-making. Collaborate with community-based organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote ownership and sustainability of infrastructure projects. Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and provide on-site technical guidance.
• Technical Advisory and Compliance: Provide expert technical advice to the project management team on all aspects of rural infrastructure development. Ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational standards, and national regulations. Prepare technical reports, documentation, and recommendations for project management and donors.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Support training and capacity-building initiatives for project staff, community representatives, and contractors on rural infrastructure best practices. Promote knowledge sharing and documentation of lessons learned from infrastructure interventions.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Actively learn about safeguarding and integrate it into work, including identifying risks and mitigations related to infrastructure projects. Encourage openness and communication within the team and promote reporting mechanisms for any concerns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Infrastructure Engineering or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in rural infrastructure management is required, with specific expertise in irrigation or fisheries-related civil works. Proven experience working in field-based rural development projects is essential, and experience with internationally funded projects is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to engage and collaborate with local authorities and communities on infrastructure development, as well as possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Infrastructure Engineering or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is a solid educational foundation in infrastructure engineering principles and practices.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of professional experience in rural infrastructure management, with a strong focus on irrigation systems and fisheries-related civil works. Experience in managing field-based rural development projects is crucial, as is familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in conflict-affected areas. Candidates with a background in internationally funded projects will have a competitive advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and requires up to 40% field travel to support project delivery, which may include travel to insecure locations with limited amenities. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning and encourages team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization promotes a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse experiences and perspectives within the team. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to strict safeguarding and ethical standards, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all team members.