WASH Officer

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members

• Lead field activities related to reconstruction/rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure undertaken by Mercy Corps in program target areas in Herat province.
• Assist the Project Manager and other relevant staff in planning WASH infrastructure development programs and activities.
• Support all rehabilitation and construction activities with improved coordination and provide timely technical inputs to effectively meet the completion target.
• Oversee implementation activities such as design reviews, procurement of project materials, and implementation on the ground.
• Undertake extensive field visits to assess the quality of rehabilitation/construction activities undertaken directly under the Mercy Corps staff or through contractors.
• Maintain close coordination with relevant staff and stakeholders during rehabilitation/construction works on public water and sanitation facilities.
• Supervise WASH assistants and provide advice and support to help overcome any shortcomings in the rehabilitation/construction quality and management procedures.
• Provide guidance and practical training to staff working under his/her supervision.
• Design training modules and impart training to operators and caretakers of rehabilitated systems.
• Assist the Project Manager in preparation of Bi-weekly and monthly progress reports and project completion reports on relevant rehabilitation/construction activities.
• Contribute to the assessment and development of appropriate technologies for the water and sanitation program of Mercy Corps in the targeted area.
• Be able to design water network systems, prepare BoQs, familiar with the tender invitation, tender document, contract, and service contract.
• Prepare and analyze the reports related to the performance of water equipment in the field.
• Periodically inspect ongoing projects and report to the on progress, timelines, and any setbacks or alterations that may occur.
• Work with WASH assistants to develop implementation and action plans for project implementation including all technical specifications for project implementation in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Actively participates in finalizing BoQs by ensuring the BoQs, SoW, drawings, and designs are of high quality, participate in the preparation of tender and contracts, including technical specifications of works to be performed by contractors.
• Assist in the preparation of technical evaluations for the tender packages, and facilitate the tender and contract development process, supporting the Procurement Department as needed.
• Maintain online tracking sheets of all PRs for infrastructure, tender dates, contract start, and end date, and infrastructure documents, write monthly reports and other donor-based reports or organizational-based notes for the Project Manager to review and submit.
• Develop and maintain good lines of communication and relationships with local authorities and the local community.
• Ensure a safe working environment for all people involved in project implementation.
• Responsible for maintaining detailed work plans and written records of engineering work undertaken in the project.
• Document implementation of WASH infrastructure work and track progress towards program targets, keeping all team members apprised of achievements, delays, and issues.
• Provide written and oral translation for technical documents, including Bills of Quantity, Completion of Service Notes, government facilitation letters and permission documents, etc.
• Follow all MC protocols and regulations according to guidance provided by the direct supervisor.
• 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.
• Work closely with the field engineers to prepare internal weekly and monthly reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting and documentation in coordination with the Project Manager, and other team members.

• Represent Mercy Corps in community meetings and stakeholder engagements within the project areas.

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically

• Bachelor’s in engineering, Water engineering, Civil engineering or related degree.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in implementing water, sanitation, and community infrastructure in an emergency or post-disaster settings specifically construction/rehabilitation of water networks, motorized and solar pumping systems, well/hand pumps, household, and communal toilets, and solid waste management.
• Strong familiarity with Afghanistan water and sanitation standards and international WASH SPHERE standards.
• Extensive knowledge and work experience in Afghanistan, and preferably in the western & southern regions including Herat and Kandahar.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to achieve cooperation and agreement amongst diverse groups with competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently and with a calm attitude.
• Strong technical writing skills in Pashto and English.
• Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to details.
• Ability to engage with local communities and government authorities.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Honest and committed to compliance with all policies and procedures in all aspects of work.
• Good strategic thinking and planning skills with eagerness for innovation.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English and Pashto are required.
• Strong computer skills in basic, office programs, and engineering programs such as AutoCAD.

Mercy Corps