Environmental Health Officer

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Under the direct supervision of the Senior HP Officer, the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) involves undertaking rapid Environmental Health (EH) need assessments and implementing emergency WASH responses. The EHO will be based in Harar, East Hararge Zone of the Oromia Region. The position holder is responsible for client selection and verification, coaching EH assistants, and producing precise need assessment reports. Key tasks include identifying water supply schemes for rehabilitation, preparing engineering designs, detail bills of quantities, and budget estimates for emergency projects.

Major Responsibilities

Technical Design and Procurement

• Prepare clear and detailed specifications for items to be procured, ensuring strict adherence during procurement.
• Develop engineering designs and prepare takeoff sheets for quality WASH facilities.
• Process payments for contractors and skilled labor based on verified work.
• Utilize engineering software such as AutoCAD and EPANET for project design and modeling.

Project Planning and Implementation

• Develop detailed Environmental Health physical and financial implementation plans for emergency responses.
• Provide technical support for the rehabilitation and construction of water facilities (motorized boreholes, shallow wells, rainwater harvesting) and sanitation facilities.
• Source and monitor labor for emergency interventions, ensuring implementation according to standards.
• Monitor the progress of subcontracted interventions in line with contract terms.
• Ensure availability and quality of construction materials, tools, and equipment at project sites.

Water Quality and Operations

• Identify, establish, and follow up on water trucking and treatment sites.
• Monitor water trucking operations and water quality at source, distribution, and consumption points.
• Conduct chlorine residual tests according to WHO guidelines, registering and reporting readings weekly.
• Train and guide water truck monitors on quality testing and proper recordkeeping.

Coordination and Capacity Building

• Work closely with Zone/Woreda Water, Busa Gonofa, and Health Offices to ensure coordinated responses.
• Collaborate with IRC Hygiene Promotion Officers to promote safe hygiene practices.
• Supervise and train water committees and water user associations on scheme management, operation, maintenance, and sustainability.
• Organize and conduct training on Emergency WASH and water quality monitoring.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits to assess project progress, support staff, and resolve technical issues.
• Inspect construction works and ensure timely corrections of defects.
• Evaluate contractor performance by reviewing ongoing and completed work.
• Produce activity progress reports and brief monthly emergency updates for supervisors and managers.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values.

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Job Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Degree, Diploma, or Postgraduate degree in Water Resource Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, or Environmental Engineering.
• Background in community mobilization activities and WASH experience.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• First Degree: At least 2 years of validated experience.
• Diploma: At least 5 years of experience.
• Postgraduate: 1 year of relevant experience.
• Technical Necessity: Confirmed practical work experience in construction/rehabilitation of rural water supply systems (spring development, plumbing, hand-dug wells, hand pumps).
• Value Add: Experience with large-scale motorized schemes (deep boreholes), budget management, and government partnership structures.
• Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, EPANET, and basic operating systems.
• Standards: Knowledge of SPHERE standards and Project Cycle Management.

Language Skills

• Good command of spoken and written English.

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Additional Information

• Equal Opportunity: 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.
• Disclaimer: IRC never requests any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.

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