Environmental Health Officer (WASH Projects)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is hiring an Environmental Health Officer in Ethiopia to improve the health and socioeconomic well-being of target communities. The role increases access, builds capacity and fosters community and local government ownership of sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs. The officer prepares detailed designs, specifications and bills of quantities for water supply and sanitation facilities, supervises construction quality and hands over completed facilities to users and government partners. The officer reports to the Field Coordinator and monitors the Environmental Health Assistant.

Key responsibilities

• Identify water supply systems to rehabilitate and maintain, and carry out feasibility studies of proposed water options with user communities.
• Compile detailed designs, prepare specifications, bills of quantities and budget estimates for procurement.
• Prepare the environmental health physical and financial implementation plan for emergency responses and work with Zone/Woreda Water and Health Offices.
• Collaborate with Hygiene Promotion Officers on safe hygiene practices and health promotion during emergencies.
• Coordinate woreda partners in water quality testing and scheme disinfection, and ensure timely completion of testing and disinfection for all constructed or rehabilitated schemes.
• Provide technical support to Environmental Health Assistants on design, supervision and monitoring of emergency WASH projects.
• Supervise the quality and quantity of materials delivered by suppliers and transporters against IRC standards, and monitor project resources across the intervention woreda.
• Ensure construction meets quality standards, update progress reports on schedule and facilitate timely payments for completed works.
• Track community participation and contributions, and monitor subcontracted or own-force implementation against IRC standards.
• Follow up on corrective feedback from government partners and hand over completed schemes with proper documentation.

Required profile

• Degree (BSc or MSc) or diploma in hydraulic engineering, water supply and environmental engineering, civil engineering or related fields.
• 2 years of relevant experience after the first degree or diploma, or 5 years of experience; 1 year of relevant experience for postgraduate degrees (MSc).
• NGO experience is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English, Amharic and the local language (the latter is an advantage).

Required skills

• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word).
• Experience with ArcGIS and SPSS is an asset.
• Engineering software such as WaterCAD, EPANET and AutoCAD, and knowledge of domestic water supply hydraulic design.
• Strong communication, organization, time management and problem-solving skills, and basic supervisory skills.