Project Officer WASH at Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. 

Job Summary: 

As Project Officer-WASH/Project Engineer, you will supervise the implementation of WASH activities including construction of water supply infrastructures and provide technical support to community-based water supply organizations on the operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems. Under the directive of Project Manager, the project engineer will provide technical guidance and support on the planning, designing, coordination and construction & maintenance of community water supply schemes. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Assist community-based water supply organizations in creating and implementing operation and maintenance plans for water schemes, along with water quality monitoring plans, and oversee their execution
• Carry out inspections of water supply services delivery, including water quality monitoring.
• Assist the WASH Manager in monitoring project progress throughout the project cycle from feasibility, designing, construction and O&M.
• Provide technical supervision of the construction work, ensure that it is completed within the timeline and as per the approved BOQ.
• Prepare and submit weekly activity reports and field visit reports at key stages of project construction activities.
• Develop drawings and BOQs for the construction and rehabilitation work required for the water supply systems as well as sanitation and hygiene in schools based on assessment and program requirement.
• Coordinate with beneficiary leaders to ensure community participation and ownership.
• Execute other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Basic Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in civil, water, or environmental engineering.
• Registration as a Graduate/Professional Engineer with ERB.
• At least four years of similar experience with I/NGO and Government specifically in rural water supply facilities and community-based water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in Tanzania.
• Technical expertise in assessment, planning, design, and report writing.
• Ability to use designing tools and capable of designing SPWS.
• Proven experience in designing water and sanitation engineering projects.
• Experience working with RUWASA and Local Government, coupled with an understanding of the rural community environment.
• Capacity building and facilitation skills in planning and implementing development projects in accordance with an agreed work plan.
• Knowledge of water resource management issues and their impact on local water supply projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply local policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations.

Required Languages – English and Swahili.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% within the project region. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities   

• Basic engineering principles and practices.
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems. Proficient in Word.
• Knowledge of word processing, CAD and spreadsheet skills (engineering software like Epanet, Auto CAD and Arc CAD).
• Ability to work in a complex environment and work under deadlines and minimal supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate engineering records.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and maps.
• Ability to develop and monitor expenditure budgets.
• Ability to place project work in the context of WaterAid’s strategic objectives and to steer that work towards making a strategic contribution.
• Good time management skills with ability to work on multiple tasks
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• High level of integrity
• Adaptable, flexible, willingness to learn and innovative.
• Rational, organized and take pride in a job well done Self-starter – can with minimum supervision
• A commitment to equity and pro poor development.
• Team player and Gender sensitive

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)   

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.  

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: NONE 

Key Working Relationships:   

Internal: Project team, CRS staff from other departments and projects

External: Communities, Government officers and other stakeholders  

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.   

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.   

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.