Water Utility Engineer at Mercy Corps

The Position

 The Water Utility Engineer is responsible for all engineering and infrastructure aspects of construction work in Delta or Abia states under the small-town WASH program. The incumbent will supervise the infrastructure team and work closely with other program team members to select projects, develop project designs, and/or supervise contractors to implement them, apply quality control measures, and ensure the timely implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects. In addition to overall technical project implementation and management, the incumbent will work closely with local authorities, communities, private/public organizations, and other stakeholders to develop operations and maintenance (O&M) plans and increase the likelihood that these will be sustainably managed. 

Essential Responsibilities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

•  Work with program team members to understand infrastructure requirements, select sites, conduct scoping and feasibility studies, and design projects.
•  Develop and manage work plans for infrastructure projects.
•  Work with the M&E team, contractors, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are implemented on time, on scope, and on budget.
•  Conduct frequent site visits to determine any deviations or challenges and suggest appropriate solutions.
•  Ensure that Mercy Corps’ Infrastructure Minimum standards are understood and met for each project.
•  Develop detailed remote monitoring plans for less accessible sites.
•  Develop Standard Operating Procedures and ensure adherence to the same.
•  Develop site-specific safety plans and ensure adherence to the same.
•  Maintain a well-organized filing system for infrastructure project documentation.
•  Work with local authorities to develop O&M and handover plans.
•  Work with the CARM team to ensure that community members and other stakeholders have access to feedback channels before, during, and after construction.
•  Maintain clear and open lines of communication with all stakeholders.

TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT

•  Conduct feasibility and technical assessments for planned projects, using this information to inform project plans, adjustments, and decision-making.
•  Develop technical and design specifications, consulting with outside expertise as needed to ensure a full understanding of the work required. Ensure that design packages align with quality expectations and host government regulations.
•  Develop quality control procedures appropriate to each project. Ensure the implementation and documentation of quality control procedures.
•  Prepare technical documentation for tendering packages. If requested, participate in the tendering process for contractors, including pre-qualification and technical reviews.
•  If required, conduct training for pre-qualified vendors.
•  Provide construction management supervision, including oversight of onsite work, materials testing, report development, and verification of quantities. Support the processing of payments and handover procedures.
•  Develop or follow established guidelines on essential tests to be carried out prior to infrastructure or rehabilitation activities.
•  Prepare site visit and quality check reports and contribute to overall program reporting.
•  Contribute to environmental impact assessment and mitigation plans.

 TEAM LEADERSHIP (IF RELEVANT)

•  Identify staffing needs within the technical team and coordinate with program leadership to recruit, onboard, train, and supervise these team members.
•  Identify training needs and deliver resulting training plans.
•  Develop guidance notes and checklists for team members participating in construction management.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills: 

• Any skills you have gained through education, volunteer work, or life experience that are relevant to the position will be considered. Be sure to fully explain transferable skills and success factors, and how they apply to this position in your cover letter.
• BSc. in civil engineering or a related field. MSc preferred.
• 5-7 (for Engineer) or 8-10 (for Senior Engineer) years of experience in designing and implementing infrastructure projects.
• Ability to work effectively with team members of varied working styles and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to develop clear and concise documentation for tendering and oversight.
• Proven ability to deliver infrastructure projects in challenging and time-sensitive environments.
• Applicants who are currently residing in Abia or Delta states, and possess strong knowledge of the local language and context are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Strong construction management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with training development and delivery, and the development of high-performing infrastructure teams.
• Strong ICT skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and process information into action, avoiding delays.
• A clear understanding of ethical and regulatory compliance associated with infrastructure projects.