WASH Officer - Electro-Mechanical Systems (Refugee Camp, Ethiopia)

Role and Responsibilities

The WASH Officer (Electro-Mechanical Systems) leads the installation, operation, and preventive maintenance of all critical electrical and mechanical systems (including generators, pumps, pipelines, control panels/solar equipment) within the camp. This role is responsible for ensuring and managing a critical spare parts inventory. The officer trains operators, plumbers, and technicians in safe procedures and emergency response. Key duties also include producing detailed weekly/monthly progress reports.

Generic Responsibilities

• Conduct troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repairs of all electromechanical systems to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
• Train and mentor staff (operators, technicians, plumbers) in safe operations, maintenance protocols, and emergency response. Develop manuals/checklists.
• Maintain critical spare parts inventory; procure tools/equipment by preparing technical specifications and bills of quantities.
• Track/optimize fuel consumption and generator runtime and audit equipment performance (uptime, failure rates).
• Prepare weekly/monthly reports on maintenance, installations, and system compliance.

Specific Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems in WASH infrastructure to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of generators, surface/submersible pumps, main pressure line and distribution networks, electrical components like control panels, and solar systems (Inverters and control boards).
• Implement rigorous maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
• Maintain critical spare parts inventory for rapid response to breakdowns.
• Serve as primary technical focal point for all electromechanical systems across all sites.
• Train and mentor water system operators, plumbers, and assistant technicians in safe equipment operation, preventive maintenance protocols, and emergency troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate documentation of electromechanical equipment, including system specifications, performance reports, and maintenance logs.
• Develop customized operation manuals and maintenance checklists.
• Track fuel consumption and generator runtime; optimize usage to reduce costs.
• Ensure timely procurement of essential tools, spare parts, and equipment by preparing bills of quantities and technical specifications (including part numbers, quantities).
• Audit equipment performance weekly; produce reports on uptime, failure rates.
• Prepare weekly/monthly progress reports on maintenance, installations, and system performance.
• Ensure all work complies with NRC safety standards and codes.

Critical Interfaces

• External: UNHCR, RRS, local authorities, community leaders, NGOs/INGOs.
• Internal: WASH Team Leader, Water Quality/Hygiene Promotion Officers, Support Departments (Logistics, Finance), other Core Competency (CC) teams.

Qualifications

1. Professional Competencies

• Diploma/Degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 6+ years (Diploma) or 4+ years (Degree) experience in maintaining electromechanical equipment, including solar systems, pumps, and generators.
• Proven field experience in refugee camps, rural development, or emergency contexts.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (fuel/performance tracking) and technical report writing.
• Fluency in English (written/spoken).

2. Behavioral Competencies

The following NRC’s competencies are essential for this position:

• Managing resources and achieving results.
• Handling insecure environments.
• Communicating with impact and respect.
• Working with people.
• Coping with change.
• Planning and delivering results.

Are you an experienced electro-mechanical professional ready to ensure critical WASH systems operate effectively in a humanitarian setting?