About IRC: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades in the world addressing both the immediate, lifesaving needs of conflict-affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post-conflict societies. IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships, and detailed accountability to those we serve.

Scope and background: IRC has been present in Ethiopia since 2000 to respond to artificial and natural disasters. IRC is currently operational in five regional states and 24 refugee camps implementing a diverse range of multi-sectoral interventions. IRC currently responds to the needs of vulnerable HHs affected by drought in four Zones (Jarar, Fafen, Shebelle and Afder) in Somali region and surrounding districts through a multi-sector intervention that address both short- and long-term needs. Under the program “Emergency life-saving and complimentary assistance to communities affected by draught in the four zones”, IRC intends to implement a multipurpose cash transfer project in the two zone in collaboration with the government, INGOs, and government partners to mitigate the impact of draught on the most vulnerable households (women, children, old people, and the person with a disability). The project intends to meet both food and non-food needs of the target households and their family members.

The Environmental Officer reports to Emergency Rapid Response (ERR) Manager and is responsible to assist ERR manager in planning, management and monitoring of EH intervention around Weredas. The program focuses on maintaining to ensure adequate environmental health conditions are met in drought affected area. The principal role of the EH Officer is to do assessment/planning, designing, development/rehabilitation of water supply and water trucking and the day-to-day operation of the EH programs. Furthermore, the EH Officer will Assist the ERR Manager in maintaining effective operational processes between EH and procurement and logistic department, HR, Finance teams and managers, and demonstrates consistent representation and coordination with partners.

MAJOR/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS: Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following

• In collaboration with other team members, the EHO undertakes detail need assessments.
• Identify water supply systems to rehabilitate and maintain.
• Prepare design & detail bills of quantities, budget estimates in response to emerging emergencies throughout the woreda and forward to supervisor for review.
• Prepares detail Environmental Health physical & financial implementation plan for emerging emergency responses.
• Source and monitor labor required towards implementation of emergency response interventions and ensure the proper implementation of the same as per set norms and standards.
• Monitor the progress and implementation of subcontracted emergency response intervention as per the contract.
• Prepare detail specification for items to be procured and ensure its procurements are as per set specifications.
• Identify and establish water trucking and water treatment sites.
• Monitor water trucking operations and water treatment systems.
• Works closely with, Zone/Woreda Water and Health Offices towards efficient and effective implementation of the response.
• Works in collaboration with IRC Hygiene Promotion Officers in promotion of safe hygiene practices in Emergency responses which includes Health Promotion activities.
• Produces activity progress reports as per the preset reporting schedule and submit to the supervisor and Emergency Rapid Response Manager.
• Prepare brief emergency related monthly updates and submit to Emergency Rapid Response Manager and copy technical team at Addis Ababa.
• Takes additional tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience for first degree holder and 1 year experience for Post graduate holder with Water Supply and Sanitation design and supervision activities.
• Demonstrated practical experience in construction/rehabilitation of rural water supply systems especially in spring development, plumbing, construction/repair of hand dug wells, installation/repair of hand pumps is a must.
• Experience on managing the construction and maintenance of large-scale motorized schemes specifically deep boreholes has added value.
• Demonstrated experience in managing labor and material at construction site
• Knowledge of SPHERE standard and Project Cycle management is an asset
• Experience of engineering software’s like AutoCAD and basic computer skill has value
• Flexible and committed to work under pressure
• Having a demonstrated experience to work with government, other partners and structures is essential
• Demonstrated experience in supervising construction works specially water supply schemes is an asset
• Experience in NGO will be an asset.

How to apply

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

External Link

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.

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.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal 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, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.