CESVI has been active in Ethiopia since 2018, with ongoing operations in multiple regions. The organization focuses on strengthening community resilience and supporting humanitarian responses, particularly in areas affected by climate-related and socio-economic challenges. Its activities include promoting climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry to enhance the productivity and food security of smallholder farmers. This involves introducing resilient crops such as sorghum, encouraging the cultivation of moringa and legumes, and improving soil health through sustainable practices. CESVI also supports the development of local value chains by fostering farmer associations—especially among women and youth—and linking producers to micro-enterprises for processing and marketing. The agency combines technical expertise with community engagement and academic collaboration to promote sustainable, inclusive development aligned with global sustainability goals. CESVI’s intervention “Borena A.S.P.I.R.E.S.: Sustainable Agriculture, Pastoralism, and Inclusion for Economic Resilience and Stabilization in Borena”, funded by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, adopts a systemic approach to strengthen community resilience by addressing urgent needs while building long-term solutions. The program includes the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and hygiene services, alongside support for agriculture and pastoralism through cash transfers and livestock restocking. Farmers receive seeds and tools, and agricultural and veterinary extension workers are trained to ensure ongoing support. Efforts also target improved nutrition and health for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Additionally, disaster risk reduction is a key focus, with community-based early warning systems and response plans in place. The initiative incorporates a Survivor and Community-Led Response (SCLR) approach, ensuring that local actions are integrated with regional and national strategies, helping to reduce inter-community conflicts and enhance disaster resilience.

Job Description

Job summary: The WASH Expert will be responsible for leading and providing technical guidance in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Irrigation structure development, water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with communities, stakeholders, and partner organizations to enhance access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities, and improved hygiene practices, ensuring all activities align with local regulations, international standards, and the project’s overall objectives.

Responsibilities:

1. Technical Leadership:

• Design and implement WASH programs and strategies that respond to community needs and align with project objectives.
• Develop technical specifications for irrigation and WASH infrastructure, including water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and drainage networks.
• Ensure that all WASH activities comply with Sphere Standards and other relevant guidelines and best practices.
• Ensure all WASH activities comply with local regulations, donor requirements, and environmental safeguards.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with WASH infrastructure, service delivery, and community engagement.

2. Assessment and Planning:

• Conduct community assessments to identify gaps, risks, and needs related to WASH services.
• Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and project proposals for WASH interventions.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring WASH services are effectively integrated.

3. Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

• Train and support local staff, community members, and stakeholders in WASH best practices.
• Lead hygiene promotion campaigns to raise awareness about safe water use, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors.
• Collaborate with community leaders to ensure cultural and social acceptance of WASH solutions.

4. Activities management and monitoring:

• Oversee the implementation of WASH activities, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, preparing comprehensive reports on progress, challenges, and impact.
• Collaborate with monitoring teams to establish and maintain effective data collection and reporting systems.

5. Coordination and Partnership:

• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other partners to coordinate WASH efforts and prevent duplication of activities.
• Represent the organization in WASH cluster meetings, technical working groups, and other relevant forums.
• Advocate for the integration of WASH priorities into broader development and emergency response plans.

Essential requirements

• A degree in Irrigation Engineering, Civil Engineering, and related field.
• Advanced studies (e.g., Master’s degree) in relevant fields could be an advantage.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in Irrigation and WASH program design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Previous experience in working with International NGOs.
• Proven experience in emergency and development, Irrigation and WASH programming.
• Strong understanding of WASH technical standards, including Sphere and WHO guidelines.
• Excellent technical knowledge in irrigation scheme development water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Spoken and written fluency in English, and Oromiffia, Amharic language
• Proficiency in GIS and other tools for WASH data analysis and mapping is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations.

Other requirements

• Ability to work in multicultural environments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Project management skills, including budgeting and reporting.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work across teams and with diverse stakeholders.

Safeguarding

CESVI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners.

CESVI commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process performance

For further information regarding CESVI policies: https://www.cesvi.eu/who-we-are/transparency/our-policies/

How to Apply:

How to Apply

Persons qualified for this position are invited to submit their CVs (including 3 referees) and COVER LETTER ONLY to CESVI to the e-mail address: recruitment.nairobi@cesvioverseas.org. Please quote the Position in the subject line of your e-mail application. Please do not apply twice, applicants should not attach certificates at this stage. Inquiries by phone or e-mail will not be entertained.

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. More information about CESVI can be found on cesvi.eu

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please note:

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 28th May 2025 at midnight EAT. However, Cesvi reserves the right to close the vacancy before the above-mentioned date in case a large number of applications is received. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.