The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat’s (AKAH) goal is that people live in safe, sustainable, and resilient habitats with the opportunity to thrive, whether in a remote mountain village, a town, or a densely populated urban center. It works with communities to help them prepare for and respond to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. AKAH also works to expand access to services and opportunities for people to improve their lives. AKAH helps communities prepare for the worst; provides immediate relief after disaster strikes; and helps build back better -- and greener -- while planning for a better future.  AKAH currently operates in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Pakistan, and India, with plans to expand further in Central Asia as well as East Africa.

The WASH Design Engineer will be based at the AKAH Kabul Office with travel to the target provinces of Bamyan, Baghlan, Samangan and Badakhshan. He/ She will lead and manage the WASEP program complete components. The Water and Sanitation Extension Program (WASEP) is an internationally award-winning program initiated that delivers integrated water supply and sanitation infrastructure services to local communities, together with a comprehensive approach targeting improved hygiene and sanitation practices to help prevent water related diseases.  S/he will coordinate with a team of professional engineers, social scientists and community mobilisers committed to improving quality of life for target geography of focus. The WASH Design Engineer will ensure that WASEP program activities and projects are completed with the highest standards of quality, positioning AKAH at the forefront of Habitat Improvement in the geography of focus. The program components will involve extensive travelling to operation area.

(MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACOUNTABLITY)

• Upgrade periodically (one at year) the WASEP Program Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for the implementation of the WASEP program in Afghanistan as per the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan policies and manuals, WASH Cluster of Afghanistan, new research in technology and application of renewable energy and lesson learns.
• Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term plans to meet the objectives for provision of water and sanitation in AKAH target communities over the next three to 10 years both of urban and rural communities.
• Lead and develop the capacity of the staff team (regional offices) consisting of engineers, technicians, social mobilisers and health and hygiene specialists and monitoring and evaluation staff to execute feasibility, design, budget, implementation, water quality testing, social mobilization, health & hygiene, etc. for the WASEP program.
• Lead and manage the feasibility survey, design, drawings, budget, tender document, and construction of integrated infrastructure for safe drinking water, sanitation, and grey water drainage in isolated rural communities, often in high mountain regions and urban areas as per WASEP model and SoPs.
• Design gravity-fed and solar powered water supply pipe schemes, surface and elevated water tanks, electricity, and solar powered deep-water wells.
• Develop computer-aided designs and standard construction level drawings for WASEP project and appropriate filtrations system.
• Develop detailed bill of quantities and cost estimates and tender document for WASEP and appropriate filtrations system.
• Ensure cost control, provide advice on contractual methods, and support the tendering process during the design and tender stages.
• Design and implement a program of health and hygiene education as well as monitoring and evaluation to reduce the prevalence of water borne illnesses as per WASEP model (as well as integration of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) SoPs in close coordination with relevant staff.
• Lead and manage the water quality that meets WHO standards through appropriate and adequate testing and monitoring in close coordination with laboratories and AKDN agencies as per WASEP model and SoPs.
• Lead and manage the development of the capacity of residents to manage, monitor and maintain all aspects of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure through village level committees, capacity building, manuals, visual communication material.
• Develop quality assurance and quality control standards, checklists, data sheet and other relevant system for WASEP program projects and activities.
• Develop MoU and MoU needed documents as per nature of the project in close coordination with the relevant governmental entities and provincial departments.
• Support the procurement and logistics unit in development of LOI and Contract of the WASH projects.
• Establish relationships with key stakeholders including government units, NGO’s, donors, and communities to further the understanding of good design practices as well as the importance of an integrated approach to water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Research and development to update the program as per the international and national standards, market research, innovation, and technology.
• Develop and review detailed work plans (DIPs) in close coordination with regional office to ensure implementation of projects within approved budgets, timeframes, quality, and innovation.
• Supervise and monitor physical progress for quality assurance and time management and monitoring for safety practices.
• Ensure projects adhere to best national and international practices related to sustainable development framework, and that designs, and planning are appropriate for the intended use.
• Lead and manage implementation of GHG management and climate smart guidelines for the WASEP program.
• Lead and manage the research and implementation of renewable energy for the WASEP Program components.
• Lead the technical concepts and project proposal in close coordination with head of the department and program manager for the purposes of resource mobilization and funding opportunities.
• Provide preliminary cost and feasibility advice, cost planning and budget establishment during the project planning phase for the WASEP Program.
• Review the delivery package of WASEP related works in case completed by external consultant.
• Market research and maintain knowledge of current new materials and technologies costs for the WASEP program. 
• Support the regional/field team in conflict resolution during execution of project.
• Lead and manage community level solid waste management activities in AKAH operation areas based on exiting model in AKAH countries and or develop and accepted standards.
• Develop standard, implementation manual, SoPs and templates for the community level waste management as well as for the institutional facilities including health, education, community centers, etc.
• Develop and implement a short, medium, and long-term plans to meet the objectives for provision of community level waste management in AKAH target communities over the next three to 10 years both of urban and rural communities.
• Lead and develop the capacity of the staff team (regional offices) consisting of engineers, technicians, social mobilisers and health and hygiene specialists and monitoring and evaluation staff to execute feasibility, design, cost estimates and implementation of integrate waste management.
• Lead the technical concepts and project proposal in close coordination with head of the department and program manager for the purposes of resource mobilization and funding opportunities.
• Conduct yearly based “Reduce- Re-use and Recycle” campaign in urban and rural areas of AKAH Operation area.
• Adhere to AKAH Safety Standards and promote a culture of safety throughout AKAH and amongst all contracted parties.
• Function as focal point for head office related works respect to WASEP and Integrated Solid Waste Management activities. 
   

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provision of regular and effective reporting to the head of department and program manager and relevant stakeholders
• Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets for programs/projects as required.
• Design and delivery of presentations and documentation as required.
• Communications with stakeholders, including donors and partner agencies.
• Representing the organization at relevant government forum, cluster meeting, internal meetings, and workshops
• Extensive field visit as required for the capacity building, donor/client visit, project challenge resolutions and project implementation QC, etc.
• Any other duties as may be required by the senior management

Education:

Graduate degree in Civil Engineering or Water Supply Engineering from a recognized national or international university. Additional qualifications in social sciences, management and/or social.

Experience:

Experience: 10+ years of experience in a construction related field and a minimum of 5 years of recent experience in design and implementation of WASH projects.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD, EPANET, and/ or WaterCAD/ Water GEM software
• Knowledge of GPS and Google Earth applications
• Knowledge of WHO and ANSA water quality standards, testing methodology and monitoring and evaluation practices
• Knowledge of emerging trends and innovation in water and sanitation infrastructure delivery with a focus on remote mountainous regions
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
  
  Other Skills:
   
• Efficient and effective communication skills.
• Good problem solving, planning, and organization skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work in fast paced environment.
• Leadership, problem solving, negotiation and co-ordination skills.
• Highly proficient in documentation and project reporting.
• Strong oral and written reporting, documentation, and presentation skills.
• Capacity building, including coaching and mentoring of team members.
   

Personal Characteristics:

• B2 Level of English proficiency and fluent in Dari and Pashto.
• Always demonstrates a high level of integrity, motivated and works well under pressure.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and willing to travel extensively (within the region) as required.
• Well-networked, physically fit, and able to face challenges.
• Strong analytical skills, and the ability to think logically.

Respect for the cultural sensitivities of the project locations in different contexts

Interested applicants meeting the above requirements should submit a cover letter along with your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to:

hr.akaha@akdn.org 

Important Notes:

• Please quote the  Subject title with vacancy number WASH Design Engineer KBL/7/24/167  as the subject of the e-mail when applying.
• No supporting documents (e.g. diplomas, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• Salary: According to Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)-Salary Scale. 

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity, safeguarding children from abuse, and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Your details and information shared in this advertisement shall remain confidential.