Environmental Health Officer

Background: 

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation, and development support to vulnerable people and communities in over 30 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refugees in six regions in Ethiopia, 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: 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior HP Officer the EHO mainly involves undertaking rapid Environmental Health (EH) need assessments and implementing emergency WASH response. The EHO will be based in Harar East Hararge Zone of Oromia Region. The position holder is also responsible for Client’s selection & verification confirmation, couch EH assistant, undertake detail, precise and brief need assessment report, identify potential water supply scheme to rehabilitate and maintain, conduct rapid and detail project assessment, prepare engineering designs, prepare detail bills of quantities, prepare budget estimates in emergency project throughout the country and forward to supervisor for review.

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepared clear and detailed specifications for items to be procured and ensured procurement followed those specifications.
• Prepared takeoff sheets for quality WASH facilities, processed payments for contractors and skilled labor.
• Developed detailed Environmental Health physical and financial implementation plans for emergency responses.
• Sourced and monitored labor for emergency interventions and ensured accurate implementation according to standards.
• Monitored progress of subcontracted emergency response interventions in line with contracts.
• Identified, established, and followed up on water trucking and treatment sites.
• Worked closely with Zone/Woreda Water, Busa Gonofa, and Health Offices to ensure coordinated and efficient responses.
• Collaborated with IRC Hygiene Promotion Officers to promote safe hygiene practices, including health promotion activities.
• Produced activity progress reports according to reporting schedules and submitted them to supervisors and managers.
• Prepared brief monthly emergency updates.
• Took on additional tasks as assigned by supervisors.
• Collaborated with IRC staff, government partners, and key stakeholders.
• Provided technical support for rehabilitation and construction of water facilities (motorized boreholes, shallow wells, rainwater harvesting systems) and sanitation facilities.
• Monitored water trucking operations and water quality at source, distribution, and consumption points, conducting chlorine residual tests and acting according to WHO guidelines.
• Registered and reported daily chlorine residual test readings weekly to supervisors.
• Trained and guided water truck monitors on water quality testing and proper recordkeeping.
• Ensured availability of construction materials, tools, and equipment according to specifications.
• Conducted regular field visits to assess project progress, support staff, and resolve technical or implementation issues.
• Inspected construction materials delivered to sites to verify quality and quantity.
• Evaluated contractor performance by reviewing ongoing and completed work.
• Coordinated contractor activities by scheduling assignments, setting priorities, and directing work.
• Inspected WASH construction works and ensured timely corrections to defects.
• Organized and conducted training on Emergency WASH and water quality monitoring.
• Enforced safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment and addressed risks proactively.
• Coordinated data collection, maintained records, and monitored project implementation using established tools.
• Supervised water committees in the operation and maintenance of schemes.
• Ensured compliance with IRC policies, donor regulations, and government requirements in field offices.
• Trained water user associations on scheme management and sustainability.
• Prepared weekly and monthly reports on water supply activities for supervisors.
• Ensured projects were completed on schedule, within budget, and to high construction standards. 

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

Educational Requirements

• Degree/ or diploma / Post graduate degree in Water resource or Hydraulics Engineering, Environmental Engineering with community mobilization activities in the field and WASH experience. 

Preferred experience & skills: 

• At least 2 years of validated experience for first degree holders or diploma with 5 years of experience in Water resource or Hydraulics Engineering, Environmental Engineering or 1 year of relevant experience plus Post graduate degree with community mobilization activities in the field and WASH experience. 

• NGO experience is a plus. 

• Confirmed practical work experience in construction/rehabilitation of rural water supply systems especially in spring development, plumbing, construction/maintenance of hand dug wells, installation/repair of hand pumps is a must.

•  Experience on handling the construction and maintenance of large-scale motorized schemes specifically deep boreholes has added value.

•  Practical experience in leading labor and material at construction site.

• Knowledge of SPHERE standard and Project Cycle management is an asset.

• Experience of engineering software like AutoCAD, EPANET and basic computer skills have value.

• Flexible and committed to working under tight conditions.

• Having valuable experience to work with government partners and structures is relevant.

• Experience in budget management, Ability to use computers (basic operating systems, AUTOCAD, WATCAD, EPHANET)

• Demonstrated experience in supervising construction works, specially water supply schemes, is highly required. 

Language Skills: 

Good command spoken and written English and knowledge of local language is advantageous

How To Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: - 

IRC Career Site:- https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Harar-Ethiopia/Environmental-Health-Officer_JR00003303

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. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. 

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.