Job Description

Expert, Soil and Water Conservation Engineer

Internal/External Vacancy Announcement #123/2020

GIZ-SDR Programme 

As an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the federally owned Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its development-policy objectives. GIZ promotes complex reforms and change processes.

The Ethiopian government recognizes the high economic value of the lowland areas and their products. Therefore, the pastoral and agro-pastoral population is supported in strengthening their drought resilience, allowing them to adapt their farming system to a changing natural and economic environment. German development cooperation participates with the support program to Ethiopian government “Strengthening Drought Resilience Programme in Afar and Somali regions”. SDR programme contributes to the priority area “Agriculture and Food Security”.

The project in Somali Region: Capacity Development for the Strengthening of Drought Resilience of the pastoral and agro-pastoral population in the Ethiopian arid and semi-arid lands – Somali Region (CDSDR-SR) – co-financed by Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) – aims to enhance drought resilience and improve livelihoods and food security of vulnerable communities in the Somali Region.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execution of SWC technical measures for dry valley rehabilitation (DVR) and erosion control;
• Capacity development of staff, partners and other organizations active for implementing technical measures for SWC and erosion control in Somali Region;
• Maintaining regular liaison to Bureau of Agriculture and Natural Resource Development (BoANR) and Woredas;
• Execute tasks according to the work plan.

Tasks:

Coordination and planning tasks

• Based on the operational planning and in concertation with program manager (regional), project manager, the other team members of the project and partners (BoANR, BoLPD, Woredas etc.) steering and conducting activities related to his/her field of expertise;
• Integrated in the participatory overall DVRPU approach, closely collaborate and exchange with the Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP) and governance of DVRPU Senior Expert, the Senior Expert for Gender and Durable Solutions (GDS) and the SWC team of the project;
• Assure that (agro) pastoralist and (agro) pastoral interests are integrated in DVRPU approach and particularly negative impacts on pastoralism are avoided.

Technical tasks

• Support BoANR and Woredas for the selection of appropriate sites for implementing technical erosion control, SWC and DVR measures;
• Planning the rehabilitation of a dry valley through appropriate SWC measures like water spreading weirs (WSW), check dams, dry stone measures combined with biological measures;
• Design and preparation of technical measures for DVR and erosion control such as water spreading weirs (WSW), check dams, dry stone measures, etc. according to SDR procedures, check lists and GIZ Headquarter construction department standards;
• Prepare all documents necessary for implementation (bill of quantities, preparation of purchase requests etc.)
• Responsible for the development of documents necessary for subcontracting of technical SWC and erosion control measures;
• Responsible to the evaluation of subcontracted technical measures;
• Responsible for the technical evaluation of project proposals for regarding technical SWC and erosion control measures;
• Responsible for monitoring and advice during the execution of technical SWC and erosion control measures;
• Supervise implementation of technical measures at all stages following standards of GIZ-SDR and providing solutions to problems;
• Ensure quality control and verify that quality related site activities are in accordance with the pertinent standards;
• Ensure professional reporting on regular basis;
• Responsible for the technical handing over of SWC constructions to relevant stakeholders.

Knowledge management and capacity development

• Monitoring of technical implementation and maintenance of technical SWC and erosion control measures according to GIZ-SDR monitoring system (master tables etc.);
• In cooperation with partners and organize technical trainings;
• Train partners and other pertinent organizations in site selection, design and implementation;
• Jointly with partners, monitor existing WSW, check dams and dry-stone measures and indicate maintenance needs;
• Responsible for the development of manuals, training materials for internal and external uses within his/her area of subject;
• Responsible for documentation and reporting within his/her area of subject.

Networking and cooperation

• Strengthen the cooperation and network with BoANR and other stakeholders regarding technical SWC and erosion control measures;
• Contribute to conferences organized by SDR-ASAL support programme and support the working groups or comparable platforms on the further development of the DVRPU approach.

Other duties/additional tasks

• Performs other official duties and tasks at the request of superiors on regional and program level. 

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in SWC engineering, civil engineering, landscape design, geography or similar area 

Professional experience

• General professional experience: More than 8 years of professional experience in rural development sector;
• 5 years practical professional experience in SWC engineering and technical erosion control measures in Ethiopian lowlands, preferably in Somali Region;
• Experience in design and construction of WSWs is an advantage.

Other knowledge, additional competences

• High level of motivation, proactivity, self-discipline, integrity and accountability;
• Capacity to work in a multi-national team with a service attitude towards internal and external partners;
• Ability to fulfil the tasks independently and to be creative and innovative;
• Willingness to travel frequently in the project region and to work under challenging conditions;
• ·Willingness to learn from the local communities and their knowledge;
• Excellent communication skills both in written and oral English, Somali language is mandatory;
• Gender sensitivity and knowledge;
• Computer skills in software application MS-Office is obligatory;
• Skills in Computer Animated Design Programs (CAD) is an advantage;
• Skills in Geographical Information System are an advantage.

How to Apply

Application procedure:

Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their motivation letter along with their non-returnable recent CV via Ethiojobs or Email: hreth@giz.de

Note: -

Please make sure you mention the Vacancy Title ‘Expert, Soil and Water Conservation Engineer #123’ in the subject line of your email application. 

Due to large number of applications we categorize applications with the vacancy numbers.

Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines might not be categorized in the appropriate folder and could be disqualified.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference.

Applications from qualified women are encouraged