Background;-The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions 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 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

The Environmental Health officer reports to the Environmental Health Manager and is accountable for technical oversight & support for water system development, and construction management of projects in Siti zone, Erer and Gota Biki Woreda intervention 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 WASHC, 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 the 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, and project review assessments. 

• Prepare design & detail bills of quantities, and budget estimates in response to emerging emergencies throughout the intervention area and forward to supervisor for review.

• Coordinate with HEALTH sector to conduct Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessments in health facilities, with Hygiene Promotion Specialists and other technical unit members to ensure targeted support and effective, quality programming. 

• Performs other related tasks as required and tasks assigned by the supervisor.  

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 client data reached by the interventions

Logistics /Finance

• Prepare weekly vehicle movement plan and submit it to program lead, 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.

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements

• University degree in civil, Hydraulics and water resource, environmental engineering, or other related fields. 

Work Experience 

• Minimum of 2 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 and knowledge of SPHERE standard and Project Cycle management is an asset. 

• Ability to work both independently and in a multifaceted, cross-functional distributed team structure. 

• Highly proficient in the 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

• 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. 

• Ability to speak the Local language is advantageous.

How To Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through THIS LINK

 Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short-listed and contacted.

 Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for

• Date of application

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

 IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

 IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.