Education:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulics Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required.

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people forced to flee. NRC provides life-saving assistance and supports displaced communities in rebuilding their lives with dignity and resilience.

Operating in some of the world’s most challenging and fragile environments, NRC delivers programs in sectors such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Food Security, and Protection. The organization emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and innovation in all its humanitarian interventions.

In Ethiopia, NRC works closely with local authorities, civil society, and affected communities to deliver emergency and recovery assistance. In regions like Tigray, where humanitarian needs remain significant, NRC’s integrated WASH and Shelter programs are essential in restoring safe living conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees.

Joining NRC offers professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to life-saving operations while gaining valuable experience in humanitarian programming and community-based development.

Job Description

NRC is seeking a qualified WASH and Shelter Technical Assistant to support the implementation of WASH and shelter activities in Shire, Ethiopia. The role is central to ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to safe water, sanitation services, and dignified shelter solutions.

The Technical Assistant will work under the supervision of the WASH & Shelter Officer and Coordinator, implementing delegated project activities according to approved strategies, budgets, and work plans.

A key responsibility will be mobilizing beneficiary communities and local leaders to actively participate in WASH and shelter interventions using participatory approaches. Community engagement is vital to ensuring sustainability and local ownership.

The position requires supporting the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs), technical specifications, and drawings for infrastructure works when necessary. The Technical Assistant will contribute to ensuring that construction and rehabilitation works meet required quality standards.

The role also involves conducting WASH activities in IDP and returnee settlements while ensuring that cross-cutting issues such as gender inclusion and environmental protection are fully mainstreamed.

The Technical Assistant will support needs assessments, baseline and end-line surveys, and assist in compiling findings for internal and external reporting purposes.

Close coordination with other WASH team members is required to ensure that both engineering and “soft” components, such as hygiene promotion, are well integrated.

The role demands adherence to humanitarian principles, SPHERE standards, and NRC’s internal policies and guidelines at all times.

Working in Shire requires flexibility, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively in complex and sometimes volatile contexts.

Educational Qualification

A Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulics Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required.

A strong technical foundation in water systems, sanitation, and shelter construction is essential for effective performance in this role.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience as a WASH or Shelter Assistant in humanitarian, development, or recovery contexts is required.

Candidates should have proven experience in project implementation, record keeping, and reporting.

Previous experience working in complex and volatile environments, particularly in the Tigray region, is highly desirable.

Experience in WASH or shelter construction, development planning, and humanitarian response projects will strengthen the application.

Familiarity with international organizations, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions is considered an asset.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong ability to coordinate project activities with colleagues and external partners to achieve results.

Ability to build positive working relationships with local government authorities, civil society organizations, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

Strong writing and reporting skills, with the ability to document project activities and outcomes clearly.

Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.

Knowledge and practical application of SPHERE standards in emergency and development contexts.

Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Fluency in local languages is highly desirable.

Behavioral competencies include planning and delivering results, empowering and building trust, communicating with impact and respect, managing resources effectively, working collaboratively with diverse teams, and handling insecure environments.

The ability to work independently within established guidelines while maintaining close coordination with supervisors and colleagues is essential.

Job Location

The position is based in Shire, Ethiopia.

The role involves field-based activities within the surrounding operational areas and close engagement with beneficiary communities.

Employment Type and Salary

This is a full-time position under NRC’s Ethiopia program.

Salary and benefits will be provided according to NRC’s salary scale and organizational policies, based on qualifications and experience.

This role offers meaningful professional growth opportunities in humanitarian engineering and community-based programming. Staff gain hands-on experience in integrated WASH and shelter responses while strengthening technical and coordination skills.

Working with NRC provides exposure to international humanitarian standards and the opportunity to contribute to impactful emergency and recovery operations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official NRC careers platform before March 10, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to complete their online application carefully and clearly demonstrate how their experience aligns with the role requirements.

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 and qualified candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you are passionate about improving access to safe water, sanitation, and shelter for displaced communities and want to build a career in humanitarian response, this position offers an excellent opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

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