Field Officer (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.

Background

CRS Afghanistan is implementing a European Union–funded consortium project in Herat Province focused on climate resilience, livelihoods, market systems development, and disaster risk reduction. Under this project, CRS leads interventions in advanced livelihoods, market systems, SME development, value chain strengthening, market linkages, and financial inclusion.

To support high‑quality infrastructure delivery during a critical phase of implementation, CRS seeks a qualified Engineer to support the assessment, design, construction, and supervision of solar‑powered cold storage facilities, rehabilitation of existing local storage facilities, and construction of agricultural greenhouses.

The Engineer will lead the technical planning, design, costing, procurement support, and supervision of solar‑powered cold storage facilities, rehabilitation of existing local storage facilities, and construction of greenhouses for agricultural products in Herat. The role ensures compliance with CRS standards, EU donor requirements, environmental safeguards, and quality and safety standards, while working closely with CRS teams, communities, and private sector stakeholders to deliver climate‑resilient and sustainable infrastructure

Roles and key Responsibilities

A. Technical Assessment and Feasibility

• Lead site assessments and technical feasibility studies for solar‑powered cold storage facilities, rehabilitation of local storage facilities, and agricultural greenhouses.
• Carry out civil and structural feasibility assessments, including site investigations related to soil conditions, drainage, constructability, access, security, and long‑term operational suitability.
• Conduct energy demand and cooling load calculations, solar resource assessments, and system sizing.

B. Engineering Design and System Specification

• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and standard designs for the cold storage facility, with adapting to local conditions and available materials.
• Develop complete engineering design packages, including:
  • Civil works for the facility (e.g., foundations, structures, drainage, fencing)
  • Sizing and layouts of the cold storage room
  • Solar PV system design requirements (panels, inverters, charge controllers, batteries if applicable)
  • Greenhouse and storage rehabilitation designs
  • Refrigeration systems and temperature control
  • Electrical wiring, grounding, and safety systems
• Ensure designs comply with CRS engineering standards, EU donor requirements, national regulations, and relevant international standards.

C. Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and Costing

• Prepare accurate Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and engineer’s cost estimates aligned with approved designs and donor budgets.
• Conduct material take‑offs and verify quantities for civil, electrical, and mechanical works.
• Ensure designs and cost estimates balance quality, durability, and cost‑efficiency in line with EU value‑for‑money principles.
• Propose technically sound and cost‑effective alternatives where appropriate.

D. Procurement and Contractor Support

• Provide technical input into procurement processes, including:
  • Technical specifications and scopes of work
  • Evaluation of contractor and supplier technical proposals
  • Clarification of technical requirements during tendering
• Support CRS Supply Chain staff to ensure selected contractors and suppliers meet technical, quality, and compliance standards.

E. Project, Construction, and Contract Management

• Develop and manage construction implementation plans, work schedules, and milestones.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors and subcontractors to ensure effective site management.
• Review contractor method statements, work plans, and drawings prior to execution.
• Monitor progress against approved schedules and budgets and identify risks or delays.
• Support contract administration, including review of variations, change requests, and technical justifications.
• Verify and certify contractor payment requests based on completed and verified works.

F. Construction Supervision, QA/QC, and Commissioning

• Lead technical supervision of construction, installation, and rehabilitation works.
• Implement Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures, including:
  • Material inspections
  • Workmanship checks
  • Testing and commissioning of solar and refrigeration systems
• Serve as CRS technical focal point for resolving construction‑related issues, non‑compliance, or disputes with contractors and suppliers.
• Ensure proper documentation of completed works, including as‑built drawings and commissioning reports.

G. Environmental, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CRS environmental screening and mitigation measures and EU donor environmental requirements.
• Enforce occupational health and safety (OHS) standards at all worksites, including electrical and construction safety.
• Ensure compliance with applicable national and local construction codes, electrical standards, and safety regulations.
• Support coordination with relevant authorities for permits or approvals where required.

H. Capacity Building and Sustainability

• Provide technical orientation and basic training to community members, user groups, or facility operators on:
  • Operation and routine maintenance of cold storage and greenhouse facilities
  • Safe use of solar and electrical systems
  • Basic troubleshooting and reporting
• Support development of operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and handover documentation.
• Contribute to sustainability planning, including maintenance responsibilities and cost‑recovery considerations.

I. Reporting, Coordination, and Documentation

• Prepare high‑quality technical documentation, including:
  • Feasibility and site assessment reports
  • Design and BoQ packages
  • Construction progress reports
  • Commissioning and handover documentation
• Coordinate closely with CRS program, operations, MEAL, and finance teams.
• Contribute technical inputs to donor reports, project learning, and best‑practice documentation.

J. Technical Learning and Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of best practices and innovations in solar‑powered cold storage, refrigeration, and climate‑resilient infrastructure.
• Contribute to CRS technical learning and standardization efforts.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, energy systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. A master's degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in design, installation, and supervision of solar‑powered cold storage, agricultural storage, or similar infrastructure.
• Experience with off‑grid or hybrid solar PV systems.
• Experience working on donor‑funded projects (EU, UN, NGOs) is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in AutoCAD; familiarity with Civil 3D, STAAD, or similar tools is an asset.
• Proven experience in BoQ preparation, cost estimation, and site supervision.
• Strong skills in solar PV system design and load calculations.
• Knowledge of cold storage and refrigeration systems for agricultural products.
• Basic GIS or site‑mapping skills are an advantage.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports and drawings.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of cost estimation, structural analysis, and material testing software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or professional certification in renewable energy, solar PV systems, refrigeration, or cold chain technologies would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in solar‑powered cold storage or cold chain systems, preferably for agricultural value chains.
• Hands‑on experience with off‑grid or hybrid solar PV systems, including batteries and inverters.
• Experience working on donor‑funded projects (EU, UN, NGOs) and in rural or fragile contexts is an asset.
• Strong skills in BoQ preparation, contractor supervision, QA/QC, and system commissioning.
• Knowledge of environmental safeguards, OHS standards, and climate‑resilient infrastructure design.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Program Manager, Head of Programming, Project SPOs, and operations team.

External: SMEs, private sector, suppliers, contractors, DAIL, community leaders, TWG, and partner NGOs.

Required Languages – Fluency in Dari and Pashto; working proficiency in English.

Travel: This position will be based in Herat. Up to 80% travel to field sites is anticipated.

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.

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., May 03^rd, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.