About the Organization
Winrock International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities, increasing economic opportunity, and promoting sustainable natural resource management. We implement programs across the world that focus on agriculture, clean energy, water, and inclusive development. Through innovative partnerships with governments, local communities, and private sector actors, Winrock drives scalable solutions that create meaningful social and economic impact.
Our Clean Energy and Circular Economy unit focuses on projects that advance renewable energy adoption and sustainable infrastructure while promoting equitable access to services. This position offers an opportunity to join a dynamic team implementing a transformative water and energy project in rural Ethiopia, contributing directly to community development and sustainability.
Job Description
The Assistant Engineer will play a key technical role in the second phase of the Ethiopia Community Solar Water Pumping project. The project aims to demonstrate a scalable revenue model for solar-powered water supply systems in 30 pilot communities across Ethiopia. Funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the project focuses on improving access to clean water while integrating private investment in sustainable energy solutions.
This is a full-time position based in Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to prospective pilot communities in Oromia, Central, and Southern Ethiopia. The role provides extensive exposure to government stakeholders, private developers, and local communities, offering significant professional growth opportunities in the clean energy and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sectors. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Activities
- Travel to communities to engage regional, zone, and woreda-level officials and water and energy bureaus, explaining the project and confirming interest in participation.
- Maintain and update a tracking spreadsheet for 50 prospective communities, ensuring accurate documentation of pre-feasibility assessments and readiness for solarization.
- Assist in conducting pre-feasibility assessments including inspection of reservoirs, boreholes, distribution pipelines, and public taps.
- Track site selection success rates from initial pre-screening through hydrogeology assessments to optimize project impact.
- Support equitable community engagement, ensuring meaningful participation of women and vulnerable groups.
- Draft clear scopes of work in English for hydrogeology surveys, solar developer applications, and GESI consultancy in selected communities.
- Assist in managing the work of hydrogeology consultants and solar developers, ensuring timely completion and compliance with contracts.
- Facilitate Expression of Interest collection and verification of community financial contributions for solar pump installations.
- Support lease-to-own contract facilitation between communities, developers, and local governments, ensuring contracts are accurate and enforceable.
- Oversee the implementation of solarization projects, monitoring installation quality, timely completion, and adherence to project standards.
- Troubleshoot post-installation challenges and recommend strategies for improved oversight by water committees.
- Maintain a detailed workplan and the Master Technical Spreadsheet for the 30 pilot sites.
- Ensure proper technical file management on the project’s WinShare collaboration site.
Stakeholder Partnerships
- Assist in dialogues, workshops, and meetings with government stakeholders, banks, and solar developers to build understanding and support for the project model.
- Facilitate the creation of Technical Working Teams within regional Water and Energy Bureaus to support contract facilitation and operational troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with the OneWASH National Programme to evaluate prospective sites for solarization and advise on leveraging private investment beyond community contributions.
Project Monitoring
- Work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist to collect and upload monthly project data, including water volumes, revenue collection, lease payments, and other indicators to project dashboards.
- Support non-revenue water analysis to guide corrective actions for mechanical repairs and improved revenue collection.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required, preferably in civil, mechanical, or electrical disciplines relevant to water and solar systems.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international donor-funded projects, preferably in the WASH sector.
- Hands-on experience with solar water pumping system sizing, installation, and commissioning.
- Practical knowledge of rural piped water system infrastructure.
- Experience engaging government stakeholders at ministry, regional, and woreda levels.
- Prior involvement in integrating private companies into donor-funded projects, including results-based grant management, is highly desirable.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including problem-solving, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
- Experience with gender and social inclusion (GESI) responsive strategies in project interventions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and work independently in a field-based environment.
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with regular travel to rural communities across Oromia, Central, and Southern Ethiopia.
Employment Type and Salary
Full-time position. Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Benefits include travel allowances, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to high-impact sustainable development projects.
Career Development and Impact
Joining this project offers a unique opportunity to build expertise at the intersection of renewable energy, water infrastructure, and rural development. The role allows for hands-on learning in community engagement, technical engineering, and project management while contributing directly to improving water access and promoting private sector participation in sustainable development. The Assistant Engineer will gain significant exposure to government systems, donor-funded project implementation, and large-scale community-based renewable energy projects, preparing them for senior technical and leadership roles in the sector.
How to Apply
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Scanned certificates or attachments are not required for initial applications.
To apply, submit your application via the Winrock International careers portal or email your CV along with a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and skills. Ensure your application demonstrates your interest in clean energy, rural water systems, and community engagement.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
This role represents a chance to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in Ethiopia while building a rewarding career in engineering, renewable energy, and WASH project implementation.