Wathab Wash Project Officer (Urban Water Engineer)

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The WatHab Urban Engineer will play a pivotal role in managing and supporting urban essential services projects, with a primary focus on the Mazar urban water supply system. Working in close coordination with the UWASS and relevant authorities, the Engineer will contribute to the development of strategic and practical solutions for the Mazar urban water supply system that enhance service delivery and improve the sustainability and resilience of the system.

Based in Mazar the WatHab Urban Engineer, will plan, design and implement engineering projects, while also supporting the capacity-building approaches within the scope of the ICRC’s water and habitat assistance objectives   with supervision and coaching from her/his hierarchical superiors. S/he carries out needs assessment and surveys, and plans through technical assessments new projects. S/he monitor the full project cycle implemented from the assessment, project proposal until the closer and Monitoring & Evaluation following the institutional and the WatHab unit guidelines and the strategic framework.

By doing so, the engineer will facilitate the achievement of milestones that contribute to the overall objectives of the WatHab urban strategy. S/he has a close working relationship with internal and external stakeholders related to the projects.

The role requires a high degree of independence, with the WatHab Urban Engineer will work autonomously in Mazar with remote supervision from her/his functional manager, and directly while in Mazar-i-Sharif City. 

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Identifies needs through assessments, surveys, and engagement with communities and stakeholder.
• Supports the supervisor in conducting comprehensive analysis of existing processes and systems, identifying opportunities for improvement to strengthen the service provider’s capacity.
• Prepares technical documents (assessments, reports, drawings, bills of quantities, contracts, etc.) for engineering projects (main activity will be oriented on the water sector in urban setting) using approved formats; monitors project implementation for compliance with project documents, ICRC standards, and local codes/standards, ensuring corrective action is taken where necessary.
• Integrates water, environmental and climate change-related data from relevant stakeholders or specialised consultancies into project design; ensures alignment with national water resource management frameworks and regulatory standards to promote climate-smart, resilient projects.
• Assists the supervisor in developing detailed action plans to address identified challenges, implement projects effectively, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Carries out capacity building initiatives in line with strategic plans, and keeps regular contacts with local authorities, service providers, and communities.
• Acts as focal point of the relationship with local urban water authorities, namely UWASS/AUWSSC/Municipalities etc.
• Supervises consultants and/or contractors working on studies and/or project sites.
• Conducts quality control of acquired material and installed infrastructure.
• Creates project files in electronic databases such as SharePoint the Project and Activity Management application, PAM, and keeps them up to date.
• Prepares implementation/progress/feasibility reports and studies.
• Ensures that all project-related documentation is properly organized, filed, and maintained on Team Space in accordance with the WatHab filing structure and organizational guidelines.
• Provides regular information to colleagues on security, stakeholder issues and site progress.
• Contributes to the preparation and submission of institutional and delegation reports, including the Quarterly Operational Report (QTR), Quarterly Statistical Report (QSR), MfR, PAM, and other relevant documents, by providing accurate data, and narrative inputs.
• Manages project purchasing on labour and materials according to the delegation's financial rules.
• Administers hand-over of ICRC-provided infrastructure to end-users.
• Drafts Minutes of Meetings (MoM) with external interlocutors and internal ICRC departments, ensuring accuracy and clarity for record-keeping and follow-up purposes.
• Trains or organizes training for owners and end-users in the operation and maintenance of urban water infrastructure.
• Uses results-based management to evaluate project implementation.

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this

Reports to (role)

• Direct: Wathab Operations Manager
• Functional: WatHab Project Manager

People management responsibilities

No

Scope & impact

• Is responsible for on-site follow-up and basic design of complex water engineering projects, with supervision and guidance from (Functional manager position and site),
• Works within the geographical remit of the (site SD/Office),

Relationships

• Internally, daily contact with ICRC employees and water desk for the design and administration of WatHab projects.
• Externally, minimum weekly phone or in-person contact and negotiation with project stakeholders (e.g. community leaders and local authorities), consultants, contractors and suppliers, as a representative of the ICRC.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree in water engineering, civil, or similar with minimum relevant water-related experience water supply, water resource engineering etc-).
• Excellent command (spoken and written) of local language(s).
• Excellent command (spoken and written) of English.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of CAD, project management software and hydraulic modelling software EPANET, WaterGEMS, are required.
• Additional certificate in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering or hydrogeology is an asset.

Professional experience required

• 3-5 years' professional experience in a related urban water field of activity e.g. water/sanitation treatment plan and networks design, rehabilitation and/or construction.