WASH Project Associate (Technical)

Job Description

About the Company

Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based international health development organization, currently implementing more than 180 programs, reaching more than 40 million people across 35 African countries, and a staff complement of over 2,000. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in ten African countries – Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. An additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices are located in Europe and North America.

Amref Health Africa is driven by its vision of ‘Lasting health change in Africa’ and its mission ‘To catalyse and drive community-led and people-centred health systems while addressing social determinants of health.’ We believe that the power to transform Africa’s health lies within its communities and therefore strive to ensure that health systems are not only functional but communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for delivering of quality and affordable health care.

Job Summary

WaterStarters is a WASH program implemented by Amref Health Africa with funding  MegaGroup, DANIDA and Amref Flying Doctors – Netherlands. The program is testing an innovative financing and management model for rural water schemes which combines grants, community contributions and recoverable finance. The project seeks to demonstrate that use of smart-tech solutions coupled with professional management can guarantee revenue flows for rural water schemes, thereby ensuring sustainability and CapEx recovery. For more information of waterStarters visit www.waterstarters.org

The WASH Project Associate will support in the planning, design and implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions for the WaterStarters project. The successful candidate will report to the project Coordinator with indirect reporting to the WASH programme manager and work very closely with other team members.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Expertise and Support

• Support in identification and engagement of potential franchisees as per the WaterStarters selection criteria 
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for WASH infrastructure projects (e.g., water supply systems, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion infrastructure).
• Develop detailed engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for WASH infrastructure, including water sources, treatment systems, distribution networks, and sanitation facilities.
• Prepare Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and cost estimates for project activities.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international standards and best practices.
• Oversee the construction and installation of WASH infrastructure, ensuring quality control and adherence to project plans.
• Supervise contractors and subcontractors, providing technical guidance and monitoring their performance.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, identify challenges, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure that projects are completed within the agreed timeframe and budget.
• Manage material procurement and logistics.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Engage with franchisees, community members and local authorities to ensure their participation in project planning and implementation.
• Provide technical training and support to franchisees and community members on the operation and maintenance of WASH infrastructure.
• Support in training of community health volunteers on health promotion using project approved strategies Promote hygiene education and awareness within the project area.
• Work with local authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support in development of monthly, quarterly and annual reports per organization and donor requirement 
• Keep the Project coordinator regularly updated on all issues related to the project activities.
• Support in monitoring franchisees financial performance and provide advise on optimizing water sales
• Follow up with franchisees to ensure timely remittance of monthly payments as stipulated in their respective franchise agreements

Educational Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field.  
• At least 2 years of experience in WASH project implementation, preferably in an NGO setting
• Proven experience in designing and supervising the construction of WASH infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene principles and practices.
• Proficiency in using engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, WaterCAD, EPANET).
• Knowledge of relevant national and international standards and guidelines.
• Possess skills in proposal and report writing, project cycle management and participatory monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Experience in community engagement and capacity building.
• Experience with borehole drilling, rehabilitation and solar powered water systems
• Ability to speak local dialect, and understanding of the local socio-cultural context
• Able to deliver quality work within tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Hard working and results oriented.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Work Environment

• Normal office environment at the workstation. Will be expected to travel extensively and may be required to stay longer at the project sites

Hours of Work

• Job holder may be required to work outside normal working hours due to the nature of the work in general

Additional Information

Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Closing date will be Thursday 1st May 2025.

LOCALS OF KAJIADO COUNTY ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with recruitment. Although Amref may use different job boards from time to time to further spread its reach for applicants, all open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly also note that official emails from Amref Health Africa will arrive from an @amref.org address.

Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is is dedicated to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer with a non-smoking environment policy.