Senior Water Quality and Technical officer

International Rescue Committee

Position Summary:
The Senior Water Quality Technical officer is responsible for leading the technical design, implementation, and oversight of water infrastructure activities, with a focus on the deployment of Inline Chlorination (ILC) systems. The role ensures that engineering interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with national standards, while actively engaging with local authorities, including the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability
Key Responsibilities:
1. Technical Leadership and Infrastructure Development
• Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of ILC systems in targeted water supply schemes.
• Conduct hydraulic assessments, flow rate calculations, and pressure evaluations to determine optimal ILC placement.
• Develop engineering drawings, BoQs and technical specifications for water infrastructure upgrades.
• Ensure integration of ILC systems into existing water supply networks with minimal disruption.
2. Supervision and Quality Control
• Oversee construction and installation activities, ensuring adherence to technical standards and safety protocols.
• Conduct regular site inspections and verify contractor compliance with design specifications.
• Ensure that all infrastructure meets Sphere standards and WHO guidelines for water safety.
3. Coordination with Local Authorities and Stakeholders
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, municipal water departments, and other relevant government bodies.
• Facilitate joint planning sessions, technical reviews, and validation workshops with government counterparts.
• Support the development of regional water safety plans and contribute to policy discussions on chlorination and water treatment.
• Advocate for the integration of ILC technology into regional water strategies and budgets.
4. Capacity Building and Technical Training
• Train local engineers, technicians, and water operators on ILC system installation, calibration, and maintenance.
• Develop and disseminate technical manuals, SOPs, and maintenance guides in Somali and English.
• Support community-based water committees in understanding the technical aspects of chlorination and infrastructure management.
5. Sustainability and Handover Planning
• Develop sustainability plans for infrastructure, including maintenance schedules, spare parts planning, and cost recovery models.
• Facilitate infrastructure handover to local authorities and ensure proper documentation and training are completed.
• Monitor post-handover performance and provide technical support during the transition phase.
6. Strategic Planning and Reporting
• Contribute to project work plans, budgets, and donor proposals with technical input.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, progress updates, and documentation of lessons learned.
• Support evaluations and audits by providing technical evidence and field data.
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Provide rapid technical assessments and support infrastructure rehabilitation during waterborne disease outbreaks or emergencies.
• Ensure ILC systems are adaptable for emergency water supply scenarios.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor s degree in civil engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Engineering, or Environmental Engineering/hydrology
• Minimum 5 years of experience in WASH infrastructure projects, including chlorination systems.
• Proven experience working with government institutions and community-based water systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, EPANET, and other water system design tools.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills.
• Fluency in Somali and English is an asset.