Field Officer (WASH Engineer)

CRS is an international humanitarian and development agency working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 and CRS is currently maintaining staff presence in Kabul, Herat, Ghor and Bamiyan, alongside an expanding scope of partnership implemented programs in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh, with strategic expansion planned further in 2026. CRS Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction and promoting resilience, human development through implementing livelihoods, education and emergency response.

Project summary

CRS Afghanistan is implementing integrated programming in WASH, disaster risk management, and livelihoods in Bamyan and other provinces.  The role contributes Under Strategic Objective 1, the project plans to construct new water supply systems (prioritizing gravity-fed where feasible, and solar pumping where not), provide house-to-house connections, conduct water quality testing, and strengthen Water User Committees (WUCs) for operation and maintenance.

Under the supervision of the WASH Project Officer, the WASH Field Officer will implement day-to-day project activities related to the WASH sector.  Responsibilities will include working directly with local governments and community members, coordinating various project activities such as cash-for-work, WASH trainings and other events in support of CRS’ work to serve the poor and vulnerable. The WASH Field Officer will rely on community relations skills to ensure communities contribute to and benefit from the project.  Additionally, the Field Officer will work to sustain project impact through engagement with the community and encouragement of best practices as related to the continued management and operation of newly constructed and improved water sources.

Roles and key Responsibilities

• Support the coordination and monitoring of project activities at the field level ensuring implementation schedules are met as per the detailed activity plan and adherence to systems that reinforce high quality implementation.
• Support project team in planning and organizing all aspects of the construction works, including surveying, monitoring activity work plans, progress monitoring, coordinating, and supervising the cash for work (CFW) process and contractor work implementation.
• Consistently document progress and challenges observed in the field and submit timely reports for review of the senior staff and technical advisors.
• Oversee the technical assessment and design work (structural and hydraulic calculations for small scale gravity fed piped networks) for community-based projects.
• Develop community project plans (CPPs) in coordination with community leaders and Water Management Committees (WMCs) that include detailed drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), and scopes of work (SOWs),
• Generate and submit procurement request forms (PRFs) and support the procurement team to make sure all items are purchased according to project BoQs.
• Ensure that all materials and equipment related to the project meet the required standards and specifications.  Record and keep approved samples and ensure all construction materials match and comply with technical specifications.
• Support project foremen and skilled laborers. Provide expert guidance on construction tasks, diagnose defects, and specify remedial repairs. 
• Assist with cost management and analysis and have a good understanding of procurement processes and accepted standards of quality.
• Ensure that timely action is taken to address any deficiencies in quality/safety standards (including documentation) in all stages of construction/rehabilitation work and contribute solutions for improving overall quality.
• Ensure that all tasks are completed to a satisfactory standard before final payment is authorized.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and information sharing among the project team, implementing partners, and project beneficiaries at the community level to assist local partners in strengthening the community interest, involvement, and support networks.
• Liaise with various community stakeholders and mobilize them to ensure full involvement of community leaders, community representatives, and local government representatives in the overall implementation and improvement of project activities.
• In coordination with the project team, support capacity building events for community representatives and WMC members. 
• Coordinate, monitor, and report on community volunteer activities.
• Compile data provided at the community level as per project requirements and contribute to the preparation of reports.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, construction, or hydraulic engineering.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in implementation of WASH project or construction of infrastructures and buildings, familiarity with technical survey, structural and hydraulic calculation, supervision of construction project, cost estimation, overseeing project implementation.
• Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs) and in close consultation and coordination with local authorities MRRD or MUDL municipalities or other related stakeholders, community representatives, implementing partners and field staff.
• Operating and application of Auto-CAD particularly the 2D drafting, EPANET or Water GEMs, Ms office packages with advance Word and Excel skills, total station, level machine.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
 

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: WASH Project Officer, peer Field Officers, WASH Technical Advisor, Senior Project Officer, Program Manager, Support staff, Head of Office, Security Focal Points.

External: PRRD representatives, Community leaders/Shuras, WMC members, local foremen, project participants, community members.

Required Languages – Fluent Dari (reading, writing, and verbal skills).  Working knowledge of English and Pashto a plus. 

Travel - The position will be based in Bamiyan with frequent travel to remote and rural project communities. The position may also require occasional travel to other CRS offices in Afghanistan for workshops or trainings.

CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahrams who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahrams who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight stays.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups

• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. 
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., April 18^th, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.