Environmental Health officer – International Rescue Committee – IRC

Development and Project Management

International Rescue Committee – IRC

The International Rescue Committee is a nonprofit organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. In more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, our dedicated teams provide clean water, shelter, health care, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.  

The IRC will put in place high-impact, cost-effective solutions that help people affected by crisis. We'll also use our learning and experience to shape humanitarian policy and practice in ways that improve the lives of more people worldwide. And in all of our work we will focus on breaking down each of the barriers faced by women and girls

BACKGROUND: 
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview:  
Reports to Environmental Health Manager and is accountable for technical oversight & support for water system development, construction management of projects in Hargele, Dolo bay areas as per the requirements.
Major key Responsibilities: 
Project implementation: 
  • Coordinate with the relevant government partners and communities to identify WASH needs of communities.
  • Monitor & supervise water supply systems structures construction which include rehabilitation of surface water systems , water trucking ,construction of sanitation facilities , service reservoirs, public tap stands, pipe laying of pressure mains & distribution networks and providing capacity building training to government water offices and WASHCos , etc; 
  •  Ensure that EH projects are implemented in a timely and professional manner, according to design specifications and performance indicators and in line with donor requirements and beneficiary needs. 
  • Ensure accurate documentation of EH activities and experiences at field and office level; 
  • Maintain close contact with Environmental Health Manager within the IRC field sites to ensure effective technical, logistical and management support for all aspects of project implementation. 
  • Conduct regular monitoring and technical support visits to project sites. 
  • Conduct needs assessments, project review assessments. 
  • Coordinate with HEALTH sector to conduct Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessments in health facilities, with Hygiene Promotion Specialist, Senior MEAL Officer, and other technical unit members to ensure targeted support and effective, quality programming. 
Monitoring & evaluation: 
  • Maintain a regular system of project progress monitoring and evaluation. 
  • Strive to increase program quality during project of implementation. Develop/maintain systems to measure impact and quality in assigned projects. 
Capacity building: 
  • Organize/coordinate capacity-building training to WASHCos , woreda, and zonal water and health office experts 
  • Prepare detailed capacity-building training reports, 
  • Track and document sex-segregated clients data reached by the interventions.
Logistics /Finance: 
  • Prepare weekly vehicle movement plan and submit to program lead, HRM, finance and Supply chain.
  • Prepare the item forecast of the required materials and follow up on purchase requests, conduct equipment and materials inspections and ensure timely supply of materials to the site. 
  • Develop and maintain tools to report project progress updates.
  • Prepare and draft the program implementation plan and share to the EH manager. 
Reporting: 
  • Provide timely trip reports and/or monthly reports to EH Manager 
  • Ensure and coordinate timely production of monthly reports by EH staff based on qualitative and quantitative indicators of project status. 
  • Complete and share monthly reports within the agreed timeline. 
Safeguarding Responsibilities: – 
  • Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
  • Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
The requirements should establish a baseline (minimum) for educational background, previous work experience, professional knowledge or certification, specific skills and strengths, and any other skill necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.  
Educational Requirements:
  • University degree in civil, Hydraulics and water resource, environmental engineering, or other related fields. 
Work Experience Experience 
  • Minimum of two years for degree holders and one year of relevant experience for postgraduate and five years of relevant experience for diploma holders
  • +2 years’ experience in WASH project implementation. 
  • Ability to work both independently and in a multifaceted, cross-functional distributed team structure. 
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite 
  • Confirmed skill to work effectively with partners at all levels. 
  • Ability to lead and work through change in a proactive and positive manner. 

Preferred experience & skills: 

  • Mandatory Committed to the mission and principles of the International Rescue Committee, Excellent computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet functions, excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, attention to detail, ability to communicate clearly and work under pressure to meet deadlines.]
  • Confirmed experience in construction /WASH facility design, construction monitoring, and contract management. 
  • Confirmed experience in construction and water system design software and Aids; EPANET, AutoCAD, Google Earth, and Global Mapper. 
  • experience in a humanitarian setting (refugee camps, rural development, or emergency response). 
  • Have proficient in Windows, MS office programs, email, and database tools. 
Language Skills:  
  • Proficient in English writing and speaking skills and ability to speak the Local language is advantageous.

Lien