WASH Engineer

About Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world.  LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Ethiopia

LWF World Service Ethiopia is a registered foreign charity which has been operating in Ethiopia since 1973 implementing various development and humanitarian projects in different parts of Ethiopia. 

LWF World Service Ethiopia works closely with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Government, UN organizations and other funding partners. Its thematic areas include the promotion of food security and sustainable livelihood, sustainable natural resources management, emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and capacity building. 

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centered and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures.

LWF Safeguarding commitment

LWF-WS has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse of power, sexual exploitation, fraud and corruption, physical and psychological abuse, and criminal offences. Exploitation or abuse of children by LWF-WS personnel will result in criminal, civil, and disciplinary actions, including termination of employment. LWF-WS works to reduce the risks of child abuse and exploitation associated with delivering LWF-WS, or LWF-WS-funded activities, including training.

Job Purpose  

WASH Engineer who will be responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising the implementation of WASH activities in the Kumer Refugee Site/Settlement in liaison with the Project Coordinator.  

Key Role and Responsibilities

Program management

• Facilitate technical assessments for WASH activities.
• Facilitate community mobilization and selection of vulnerable communities and project priority groups jointly with the project team, local government representatives and communities.
•  Oversee the recruitment of incentive staff and conduct thorough briefings including the roles, project plans and LWF policies.
• Prepare technical designs, drawings, bill of quantities, construction specifications, and construction schedule for water and sanitation facilities to be implemented in the project.
• Prepare detailed project implementation work plan and procurement plan. 
• Carry out timely procurement of project supplies and services according to the procurement plan.
• Ensure that project supplies, materials and services are of the right quality and quantity according to specifications.
• Facilitate hygiene promotion initiatives jointly with the refugee welfare committee and the local government departments. Relevant messages should be developed and translated to the local language.
• Facilitate timely implementation and monitoring of project activities according to the implementation work plan and inform the Project Coordinator of any deviation for timely decision.
• Supervise WASH activities to ensure the desired quality is achieved in a timely manner.
• Ensure effective collection and filling of beneficiary lists, distribution lists, stories and pictures of the project at each stage in the project implementation.
• Lead the project team in reviewing implementation progress, identify gaps and share solutions with the Project Coordinator.
• Facilitate training of WASH committees in the Refugee Site to support proper operation and management of the WASH facilities.  

 Expenditure tracking and budget utilization

• Ensure an efficient utilization of resources such as construction materials, workforce, properties etc.
• Ensure that financial reports are reviewed and comments shared with the Project Coordinator.
• Ensure timely adequate budget utilization and expenditure control as per the expenditure plan. 
• Contribute to the development of new project proposals through the identification of funding opportunities in consultation with the Project Coordinator

 Networking and coordination

• Work together with the target community through the refugee welfare committee.
• Regularly participate in the regional and zonal level WASH Cluster meetings and provide updates to the immediate supervisor/project coordinator:
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the line manager or designate.

 Staff Management

• Identify and design appropriate training opportunities for WASH project staff.
• In consultation with the Project Coordinator, provide security briefings to the project staff in line with the security protocol.
• Report any disciplinary matters to the Project Coordinator

LWF Core Values and Principles

• Dignity and justice
• Compassion and commitment
• Respect for Diversity
• Inclusion and Participation
• Transparency and accountability

Experience, Knowledge & Competencies

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Water Resource Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Supply & Sanitation & Environmental Engineering, Public Health Engineering and related fields which can add value to the role.
• Relevant work experience in implementing WASH interventions in emergency settings, with a minimum of five (5) years for a Bachelor's degree or three (3) years for a Master's degree.
• Knowledge of project management in the humanitarian aspect is highly advantageous
• Experience in preparing drawings, designs, and BoQ of water supply schemes
• Knowledge of water supply design software including but not limited to EPANET, Water CAD, AutoCAD and Google Earth.
• Knowledge and Experience in the construction of sanitation facilities, CLTSH, SLTSH, and PHAST is highly welcomed;
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral)
• Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government bodies & stakeholders.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards, such as the SPHERE Standards.
• Proven Computer Literacy. 
• Previous related experience in NGO setup is an advantage

The employer may revise this job description at any time as deemed necessary.