WASH Officer-Climate Proof Water4Food Project

The Opportunity 

The WASH Officer provides technical leadership in climate-resilient water supply systems, flood and drought risk management, and WASH governance. S/he is responsible for the design, supervision, and quality assurance of solar-powered water supply systems, flood control and water conservation structures, as well as the rehabilitation and solarization of non-functional water schemes.

The post holder will report to the Project Manager (based in the GPA) and serve as the technical lead for the delivery of climate-resilient, gender-transformative, and sustainable WASH infrastructure and services under the project. Work closely with engineers, contractors, government institutions, and target communities to ensure coordinated design, implementation, and quality assurance of WASH interventions. Contribute to and influence project-wide sustainability and climate adaptation outcomes through high-quality technical leadership.

Lead and oversee water supply studies, system design, construction supervision, and WASH governance, including the humanitarian WASH component of the integrated Climate Proof Water4Food Project in Gambella Region. Ensure delivery of results in line with approved project plans, targets, and objectives, overseeing implementation across all stages of the project cycle.

Strengthen collaboration with government sector offices by fostering partnerships, supporting capacity development, and facilitating the achievement of project results. Lead the implementation of multi-purpose water supply systems for domestic and productive use, ensuring sustainable access to safe water for drinking, sanitation, hygiene, and agriculture, thereby improving livelihoods and resilience of target communities.

Other tasks may be assigned to the incumbent as deemed necessary

Safeguarding Children and Program Participants (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed per the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understand their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Program Participants and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day-to-day work.
• Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

The Individual

Qualifications/ Experience/Skills Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil or Hydraulic Engineering, Environmental Health, Sanitary Engineering, Public Health, or a related field (Master’s degree is an added advantage).
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience WASH programming, preferably in fragile and climate-affected contexts.
• Proven experience in the study, design, and supervision of multi-use, solar-powered rural water supply systems for both domestic and productive (agricultural/irrigation) use.
• Strong understanding of community-based WASH governance models, with practical experience in hygiene promotion and behavior change approaches.
• Experience in integrating WASH with food security and livelihoods (e.g., multi-use water systems) is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing BoQs, technical specifications, bidding documents, evaluations, contract management, and negotiation.
• Good knowledge of national standards (MoWE/MoA) and international standards, including Sphere, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WASH Cluster guidelines.
• Proficiency in engineering and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Water CAD or similar tools) is an added advantage.

Knowledge Specific to the Position

• Strong understanding of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector principles and practices.
• Solid knowledge of project cycle management and child-centered community development approaches.
• Awareness of key development challenges, climate risks, and opportunities relevant to WASH programming.
• Familiarity with participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) systems and processes.
• Experience in solar-based water system implementation is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and child-centered development principles.

Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, documentation, and professional presentations.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other relevant project management tools.

Languages required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic

How To Apply

How to apply 

The closing date for the application is June 07, 2026. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the links provided below.

• Internal Applicants: Link

• External Applicants:Link

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated links.
• Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply

More information about Plan International can be found on http://plan-international.org 

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required. As an international child centered community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with. Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.