The WASH Engineer will organize all activities related to the implementation of water programs including irrigation, and infrastructure projects, from design to implementation, including logistics and monitoring.
S/he responsible for the identification, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all water supply and sanitation program activities and associated administrative tasks on the LMS program.
The Water Engineer will supervise all water and sanitation personnel and activities in order to effectively implement planned projects and manage all administration and security of MC engineering activities in the LMS counties.
S/he will have to coordinate closely with county teams and ensure that all projects implemented are demand-driven and communities comply with MC and USAID requirements in terms of contribution.
The WASH Engineer will also provide leadership and oversight to the project’s WASH and nutrition component.
S/he will work closely with our partner ACDI/VOCA, and look for opportunities to link programming and clients with the greater programming across the LMS.
S/he will work with the management team to coordinate and plan closely with USAID’s other water initiatives, private partners, county governments relevant departments, ward planning committees, and any other community groups to ensure assistance in well-coordinated, leverages each other’s programming and is not duplicative
Essential Responsibilities
Program Management
Develop and maintain good relationships and lines of communication with relevant county government, local administrative authorities and communities, explaining MC’s and USAID role as liaising with them during all phases of the project.
Identify suitable locations for the implementation of the water and sanitation engineering project in the LMS counties, through agreed upon survey methodologies and established prioritization criteria.
Guarantee community involvement at all phases of the project (identification, design, implementation, and monitoring) to ensure the development of community ownership for the projects. This shall be done in coordination and cooperation with LMS county teams
Develop plans for the implementation of the LMS AA2 water and sanitation engineering project in the LMS counties. This include planned delegation of responsibility to appropriate staff, plans and rationale for projects (including technical designs), plans for material and cash needs over the course of the project, and work schedules (timelines) for the various phases of the project.
Get initial approval for all plans from County Teams and final approval from management staff before commencement of project implementation.
Prior to commencement of project implementation, complete standard Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with community representatives and local authorities for each community identified for project activities. Ensure that all elements of MoU are adhered to. Report any problems relating to the MoU to LMS AA2 management.
Implement projects as planned according to developed technical standards, schedules and timelines. This will include site selection based on community agreement (the site should be suitable hydro geologically, physically and socially) and supervision of installations. Ensure correct surface engineering around the well to allow correct drainage of excess water using soak away pits and aprons.
Keep detailed technical records for every drill and well site as per the instructions and formats.
Promotion of information on basic water hygiene and sanitation issues as well as management and conservation practices.
Ensure that there is community contribution during the implementation phase either through labor or in kind financially.
Provide feedback to the Monitoring and Evaluation system in order to assess the effectiveness of the projects and impact and propose recommendations for improvements.
Provide regular written and verbal reports to LMS management
Organizes site-visits to the projects sites and hostess missions/consultants.
Promote and adhere to the principles and objectives of the LMS and Mercy Corps.
Plan and implement the project’s WASH and nutrition Social and Behavior Change (SBC) including designing compelling informational messages (edutainment), culturally sensitive Information Education Communication (IEC) materials and mass media outreach, as appropriate, to effectively influence behavior change at the individual and community level;
Ensure SBC concepts and/or messages achieve project objectives, such as increasing knowledge, changing attitudes, enhancing motivation to change behaviors, and increasing the perceived benefits of new behaviors. Lead in the research design, pretesting, production and distribution of SBC/IEC materials;
Pursue other innovative ways to deliver compelling messages such as the use of schools and other culturally sensitive media/channels of communications to reach adolescent girls, women, Youths and Men;
Develop and maintain harmonious relationship with partner organizations, line ministries and audience groups. This includes planning activities and coordinating closely with the greater LMS partners and Kenya Rapid;
Monitor project implementation, document processes and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated;
Regularly visit field activities to assess progress and provide formal and informal feedback.**
Influence & Representation
Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events, in close coordination with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and country leadership;
Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.
Security
Work closely with the country team’s security focal point to develop and maintain systems that promote the safety and security of all team members;
Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security.
Other
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills
A BSc or Master’s Degree in Water Systems Engineering, Water Resources Management, Water Treatment Technologies or related field.
5-10 years of management of development programs including water infrastructure rehabilitation projects. Experience with development of WASH infrastructure and systems including architectural drawings, development of BoQs, environmental impact assessments;
Previous experience working on USAID grants is preferred;
Excellent and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including report writing, in English and Kiswahili is required. Fluency in Northern Kenyan regional dialects also are desirable;
Previous working experience in Northern Kenya desirable;
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members
Success Factors
The WASH Engineer will have a strong understanding of WASH infrastructure approaches and contextual knowledge of northern Kenya.
S/he will combine technical leadership skills, communication skills and capacity to manage relationships with different stakeholders.
A heavy emphasis will be placed on coordination with other actors implementing in the areas of intervention.
S/he will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities at the community level.
Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential.
The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.
