Emergency WASH Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization founded in Norway, operating in over 25 countries worldwide. Established in 2001, NRC has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since its inception, focusing on various sectors including Education, Rapid Response to Population Movements (RRMP), Protection and Humanitarian Mediation, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Information, Counseling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) for displaced populations. The organization aims to assist millions of people in areas where others cannot, addressing some of the world's most dangerous and challenging crises. NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture and open dialogue with management, while also emphasizing safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Emergency WASH Technical Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities through technical, administrative, and organizational assistance. This position is integral to the effective execution of projects aimed at improving the living conditions of displaced populations in the DRC, particularly in the Ituri province, which faces significant security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges. The assistant will contribute to problem-solving, resource management, and the sharing of technical knowledge to ensure the successful delivery of WASH services. The role requires a proactive approach to addressing daily challenges in the field, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and guidelines, and maintaining a high standard of work in a complex and volatile environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency WASH Technical Assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: ensuring compliance with NRC policies, tools, manuals, and guidelines; assisting in the implementation of the WASH program portfolio according to the action plan; independently executing procedures and activities within their area of expertise; organizing and executing tasks according to priorities and standards; developing and maintaining specialized knowledge in the WASH field; proactively addressing daily issues in line with agreed procedures and standards; preparing and compiling reports as required; ensuring proper documentation and filing; creating technical drawings and cost estimates for construction/rehabilitation of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructures; facilitating and supervising construction/rehabilitation work; supporting capacity building for skilled and unskilled workers and local populations; conducting physical-chemical and bacteriological analyses of constructed/rehabilitated water facilities; collecting and sharing weekly evidence and verification sources for WASH installations; and monitoring the procurement process for WASH activities while providing continuous feedback on quality to management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess the following qualifications: a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, rural engineering, hydraulics, public works, or a related field; a deep understanding of the humanitarian context in the assigned territories and health zones; knowledge of standards, particularly SPHERE; proven expertise in water quality and treatment; experience with participatory methodologies in construction work and team management; proficiency in technical drawing software (AutoCAD, Sketchup, ArchiCAD, etc.) and calculation tools (Epanet, Robot SA, etc.); strong skills in office software, particularly Excel and Word; and good planning and activity monitoring capabilities. Familiarity with mapping and GIS software such as QGIS is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as civil engineering, rural engineering, hydraulics, or public works. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of WASH projects and ensuring effective implementation in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant professional experience in the WASH technical field, particularly with a focus on construction-related aspects. Experience working with NGOs, preferably in an international humanitarian context, is highly desirable. The ability to travel and work regularly in the field, especially in complex and volatile environments, is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Proficiency in Swahili and local languages in the intervention area is also required, as these skills are crucial for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment. Candidates are required to submit a detailed and updated CV, a cover letter, copies of diplomas, certificates or attestations of professional training in the field (if available), and proof of previous services rendered. A copy of the job seeker card from ONEM is strongly recommended to be included in the application. Late applications will not be considered, and paper applications will not be accepted.