WASH & Shelter Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational since 194

• It focuses on assisting people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. NRC operates in approximately 31 countries and employs around 14,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC employs a rights-based approach, advocating for the rights of displaced individuals as outlined in national and international laws. The organization is committed to principles of humanity, neutrality, independence, and impartiality, and works to secure the acceptance of local stakeholders for its activities. NRC also engages with various actors to promote respect for the rights of vulnerable populations and to ensure access for humanitarian operations, aiming for durable solutions for those affected by crises.

Job Overview:
The WASH & Shelter Technical Assistant plays a crucial role in the planning, implementation, quality assurance, and monitoring of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and shelter activities. This position is essential for ensuring that affected populations have access to safe and sustainable services. The role involves providing technical oversight for the construction of water systems and shelters, managing water quality, coordinating with partners and authorities, supporting procurement and contracts, and reporting on project progress. The Technical Assistant is expected to translate annual operational plans into actionable schedules, prepare technical reports, and represent NRC in various coordination meetings. This position requires collaboration with other technical teams to ensure an integrated response and adherence to organizational strategies and guidelines. The Technical Assistant will also facilitate community feedback mechanisms to ensure accountability to affected populations and supervise construction and maintenance works to ensure compliance with technical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WASH & Shelter Technical Assistant include conducting needs assessments and evaluations, preparing implementation schedules, and producing timely technical reports and documentation. The Assistant will represent NRC in WASH & Shelter sub-cluster meetings and liaise with local authorities and community leaders. They will coordinate with other teams to ensure an integrated response and facilitate community feedback mechanisms. The role also involves supervising and monitoring construction works, inspecting sites, resolving technical issues, and preparing designs and cost estimates. The Assistant will manage procurement and inventory of water treatment chemicals, coordinate joint water safety plans, and train operators on water quality testing protocols. Additionally, they will ensure compliance with NRC policies and humanitarian standards, maintain technical quality of interventions, and perform any other tasks assigned by the WASH Project Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in civil/water engineering, construction management, architectural engineering, or a related field. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in water and construction, preferably in humanitarian settings. Proven experience in rural water supply systems and building construction is essential. Strong skills in Microsoft applications and advanced proficiency in civil engineering software such as AutoCAD, BIM, WaterCAD, and Epanet are required. Candidates should also possess technical report writing skills and have prior experience working with NGOs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as civil/water engineering, construction management, or architectural engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of WASH and shelter activities and for effectively managing construction projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in water and construction, ideally within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing rural water supply systems and construction projects, as well as familiarity with the challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Somali language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in insecure environments. NRC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against such issues. NRC only advertises job openings on its official website and through Ethiojobs, and any other advertisements should be considered unofficial.