WASH and Shelter Technical Assistant

Assist in the implementation of WASH and shelter activities and ensure adherence to policies and guidelines.

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NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Tuesday 10 Mar 2026 at 17:00 UTC

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Overview

Assist in the implementation of WASH and shelter activities and ensure adherence to policies and guidelines.

You have:

  • Degree in Hydraulics engineering, water engineering, Environmental Engineering, civil engineering or any relevant field
  • Minimum of two years of work experience working as a WASH/shelter Assistant or related in a humanitarian/development/recovery context.
  • Proven ability to use MS Office software (especially Word and Excel) is essential.
  • Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in local languages is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of the operating context in Tigray region.
  • Documented results related to the position's responsibilities.
  • Strong writing and reporting skills.
  • Ability to work independently according to established structures and guidelines.

Qualifications

Competencies

1. Professional competencies

Generic professional competencies:

  • Degree in Hydraulics engineering, water engineering, Environmental Engineering, civil engineering or any relevant field
  • Minimum of two years of work experience working as a WASH/ shelter Assistant or related in a humanitarian/development/recovery context.
  • Proven experience in record keeping, reporting and project implementation,
  • Ability to coordinate project activities with input from colleagues and external partners for the achievement of results,
  • Ability to build relations with local government authorities, civil society, beneficiaries and other stakeholders,
  • Ability to work independently according to established structures and guidelines, including administrative requirements, and maintain coordination with colleagues and supervisors.
  • Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team and with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
  • Proven ability to use MS Office software (especially Word and Excel) is essential.
  • Knowledge and experience of the application of SPHERE links to emergency and longer-term development practice.
  • Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in local Languages is highly desirable.

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

  • Knowledge of the operating context in Tigray region.
  • Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
  • Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
  • Working experience in WASH / shelter constructions, development and planning in humanitarian, development, recovery projects or comparable field,
  • Strong writing and reporting skills,
  • Familiarity with the International Organization, UN agency or diplomatic mission and asset.
  • Planning and delivering results
  • Empowering and building trust
  • Communicating with impact and respect
  • Handling insecure environment
  • Managing resources to optimize results
  • Working with people

2. Behavioral competencies

  • Planning and delivering results
  • Empowering and building trust
  • Communicating with impact and respect
  • Handling insecure environment
  • Managing resources to optimize results
  • Working with people

Responsibilities

Role and responsibilities

Generic responsibilities

  • Ensure adherence with NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines.
  • Implement delegated WASH and Shelter activities according to strategy, proposals, budgets and plans.
  • Mobilize communities and community leaders for implementation of WASH and shelter technical activities.
  • Suggest new methods and approaches in order to improve the quality of the activities.
  • Ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need and explore and assess new and better ways to assist.

Specific responsibilities

  • Mobilize beneficiary communities implementing WASH and Shelter activities through participatory approaches.
  • Facilitate appropriate community involvement in the design and delivery of essential WASH services and facilities.
  • Support in preparation of BOQ, Technical Specifications and Drawings for WASH and Shelter activities as deemed necessary.
  • Conduct WASH activities in IDP/Returnees settlements under the guidance of the WASH & Shelter officer and WASH and shelter coordinator.
  • Ensure mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues (i.e. gender and environmental protection) in implementation of activities.
  • Support technical needs assessments, baseline and end line survey and feedback findings for internal and external use
  • Implement WASH activities in line with relevant standards, codes of conduct and humanitarian principles
  • Coordinate with the entire WASH teams to ensure that all the aspects of the response (engineering and soft components) are integrated

Potential interview questions

Can you provide an example of a successful project you managed in a WASH or shelter context? This question assesses your practical experience and successes in similar roles. Share specific outcomes, your role, and the skills you utilized.
How do you handle working in complex and volatile contexts? This question gauges your adaptability and problem-solving skills under pressure. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you coordinated with local authorities or communities. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have with project reporting and documentation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach team collaboration in culturally diverse environments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you discuss your familiarity with WASH codes of conduct and humanitarian principles? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to assess community needs for WASH services? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a challenge you faced while implementing a project in WASH or shelter and how you overcame it. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: nrc.no