Education:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulic Engineering, Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that provides assistance, protection, and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. NRC operates in some of the world’s most complex and fragile contexts, delivering life-saving support while strengthening resilience and long-term recovery.

In Ethiopia, NRC plays a vital role in responding to humanitarian emergencies and supporting vulnerable communities affected by displacement, climate shocks, and conflict. Through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs, NRC ensures access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene promotion services in underserved and crisis-affected areas.

Working with NRC means joining a values-driven organization that prioritizes accountability, innovation, and professionalism. Staff members are empowered to contribute to impactful humanitarian interventions while building strong technical and leadership skills in challenging environments.

Job Description

NRC is seeking qualified WASH Officers (Construction Engineers) to support WASH infrastructure projects in North Afar, Ethiopia. The position focuses on the design, supervision, and implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in emergency and development settings.

The WASH Officer will report to the WASH Project Manager and will be responsible for ensuring that WASH construction activities are implemented effectively, within budget, and in compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements.

This role requires strong technical expertise in infrastructure design, construction supervision, and quality assurance. The officer will prepare detailed plans, drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and cost estimates for prioritized WASH infrastructure projects.

The WASH Officer will develop work schedules and supervise construction activities to ensure quality standards, proper use of materials, and timely completion.

A critical component of the role is conducting detailed technical assessments, site surveys, and water quality monitoring to ensure infrastructure safety and compliance with standards.

The officer will also support procurement processes by preparing bid documents, advising on technical specifications, and contributing to contractor selection processes.

Community engagement is central to the position. The WASH Officer will facilitate community participation in infrastructure design and implementation, ensuring ownership and sustainability of WASH facilities.

The role includes capacity building for community groups, WASH Committees (WASHCOs), and local government partners. The officer will conduct training sessions and ensure proper operation and maintenance of WASH facilities.

Monitoring and reporting responsibilities include preparing regular progress reports, donor reports, and coordination documents such as the 5W matrix. Accurate documentation and proper filing of technical and financial records are required.

The WASH Officer will represent NRC in WASH sector meetings and coordinate closely with sanitation and hygiene teams to ensure integrated service delivery.

With 80% field travel across zones including Berhale, Assaita, Megalle, and Yallo, the position requires flexibility and the ability to work in remote and potentially insecure environments.

Educational Qualification

A Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulic Engineering, Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Strong academic grounding in infrastructure design, water systems, and sanitation engineering principles is essential.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in monitoring and supervising WASH infrastructure projects is required.

Candidates must have proven experience in water supply and sanitation infrastructure design and implementation, including tendering processes and construction site supervision.

Experience working in complex and volatile contexts is highly desirable.

Experience in hygiene promotion programs within humanitarian settings is considered essential.

Previous experience in capacity building and training of staff and community groups will be an added advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong technical knowledge of WASH infrastructure standards, construction processes, and quality control systems.

Proficiency in technical drawing and modeling software such as AutoCAD, WaterCAD, or EPANET is desirable.

Strong report-writing skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously.

Strong facilitation, negotiation, and mediation skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Amharic is an advantage.

Ability to work independently in a multicultural and results-oriented environment while managing competing priorities.

Behavioral competencies include handling insecure environments, planning and delivering results, empowering teams, building trust, and communicating with impact and respect.

Job Location

The position is based in North Afar, Ethiopia, with duty stations in Berhale, Assaita, Megalle, and Yallo.

Frequent inter-zone travel (approximately 80%) is required as part of field supervision and community engagement activities.

Employment Type and Salary

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract position for six months.

Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with NRC’s policies and salary scale, based on qualifications and experience.

This role offers significant professional development opportunities, including hands-on field experience in humanitarian engineering, exposure to complex emergency operations, and opportunities to strengthen leadership and coordination skills.

Working with NRC allows professionals to contribute to life-saving interventions while enhancing their technical expertise in infrastructure development and humanitarian programming.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the official NRC careers platform before March 11, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully complete their application profile and clearly highlight relevant technical and field experience.

Scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the initial stage of application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women, individuals from underrepresented communities, and qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you are passionate about improving access to safe water and sanitation services in vulnerable communities and want to build a meaningful career in humanitarian engineering, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact in Ethiopia’s Afar region.

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