WASH Officer/Engineer

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified WASH Officer/Engineer

About the job

The WASH Officer will be directly involved in ensuring the day-to-day implementation of water, Sanitation, and Hygiene activities, especially in the areas of intervention, under the guidance of the Area Program Manager, to ensure the efficient and compliant execution of all activities. The Engineer will be responsible for conducting site assessments, preparing technical designs, supervising contractors, and ensuring that all infrastructure works meet DRC standards, national WASH guidelines, SPHERE standards, and environmental safeguard requirements. The role also includes capacity building of local partners and communities, conducting awareness campaigns, and facilitating effective coordination with key stakeholders, including local authorities, the Ministry of Water Resources Development, water agencies, and communities of IDPs and host populations, primarily in Galkayo District, with outreach to Puntland and Galmudug States

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

 1. Technical Implementation & Supervision

• Conduct technical assessment and feasibility study for all WASH infrastructures.
• Prepare and draft TORs for conducting geophysical/hydrogeological site assessments for exploring underground water aquifers and potential areas.
• Prepare detailed engineering designs, technical drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities -BOQs for all WASH infrastructures, including but not limited to:
• Water Sources (Borehole drilling, underground water reservoirs, shallow wells): Construction of water source ancillary facilities, including (Installation of solar-powered water pumping systems, Construction of elevated RCC tanks, Gain link fencing, water kiosks, animal troughs, Extension and installation of water pipelines, and Water storage tanks.
• Hygiene and sanitation facilities. (Latrines, hand-washing basin, Incinerators, placenta pits, etc.)
• Emergency WASH activities (preparing technical documents for water Trucking, distribution of NFI WASH, and IDP temporary shelter houses).

Support the procurement system, including the tendering process, evaluation and awarding.

 2. Project Planning & Management

• Adopt into implementation the PMTs (Project Management Tools) aligned with project indicators and budgets.
• Conduct site monitoring and Supervision during construction and installation works.
• Provide technical guidance and directions to the technical team and contractor during implementation work.

• Prepare progress reports, field reports and monthly reports based on the progress of the activities
• Ensure compliance with technical specifications, safety, and environmental standards.
• Track project progress, monitor expenditures, and prepare reports, including RIFs, PRs, and beneficiary documentation.
• Conduct needs assessments, feasibility studies, and technical evaluations for future WASH interventions.
• Support emergency preparedness and response in case of drought, floods, or disease outbreaks.

3. Hygiene Promotion & Community Engagement

• Contribute to the design and delivery of community-based hygiene promotion campaigns and IEC materials adapted to the local context.
• Facilitate participatory training for community hygiene promoters (CHPs), water committees, and school clubs.
• Promote safe hygiene practices and water conservation at the household and community levels.

• Ensure inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable groups throughout the project cycle.

4. Coordination & Representation

• Liaise with local authorities, WASH cluster, NGOs, and community structures to ensure coordination, compliance, and alignment with broader humanitarian goals.
• Participate in inter-agency and cluster coordination meetings, providing inputs and updates on project progress.
• Support DRC’s integrated programming approach, linking WASH with CCCM, protection, and livelihood sectors.
• Represent DRC professionally in the field and uphold organizational integrity and visibility.

5. Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of technical works, GPS mapping, community agreements (i.e. MoUs, handover notes, infrastructural completion reports, certificate with/without defect liability, etc), and contractor documentation.

• Produce timely technical and narrative reports highlighting progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to donor and internal reporting requirements as per project and organizational timelines.
• Uphold DRC’s values and principles, and strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct (CoC) throughout the data collection period.

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:

Required

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in WASH, civil engineering, or infrastructure projects within humanitarian or development contexts.
• Proven experience in design and supervision of WASH facilities (water systems, sanitation, drainage).
• Demonstrated capacity in community mobilization, participatory planning, and hygiene promotion.
• Familiarity with WASH cluster standards, Sphere guidelines, and government regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.

• Strong communication, coordination, and reporting skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Public Health Engineering, or Environmental Health Science (Master’s preferred).
• Training in WASH in Emergencies, project management, or environmental safety is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office, AutoCAD, and basic GIS tools.
• Somali: Native fluency and English: Fluent (spoken and written)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 6 months

Band: Employment Band Non-Management H

Work location: Galkacyo

Start date: 1th November 2025

Reporting to: Area Program Manager

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for

employees on national contract.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 19th October 2025
 

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.