The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the worldโs worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.
The International Rescue Committee has been working in Somalia since 2006, providing essential services to conflict and disaster affected communities. The IRC has been operational in Central Somalia (Galmudug, Puntland and Southwest regions) and Banadir implementing interventions in the areas of Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), WASH, Governance, and peacebuilding, GBV, Nutrition, education and health reaching out to more than 200,000 conflict and drought affected people.
Position Summary:
The Senior Water Quality Technical officer is responsible for leading the technical design, implementation, and oversight of water infrastructure activities, with a focus on the deployment of Inline Chlorination (ILC) systems. The role ensures that engineering interventions are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with national standards, while actively engaging with local authorities, including the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability
Key Responsibilities:
1. Technical Leadership and Infrastructure Development
Lead the design, installation, and commissioning of ILC systems in targeted water supply schemes. Conduct hydraulic assessments, flow rate calculations, and pressure evaluations to determine optimal ILC placement. Develop engineering drawings, BoQs and technical specifications for water infrastructure upgrades. Ensure integration of ILC systems into existing water supply networks with minimal disruption.2. Supervision and Quality Control
3. Coordination with Local Authorities and Stakeholders
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the Galmudug Ministry of Water and Energy, municipal water departments, and other relevant government bodies. Facilitate joint planning sessions, technical reviews, and validation workshops with government counterparts. Support the development of regional water safety plans and contribute to policy discussions on chlorination and water treatment. Advocate for the integration of ILC technology into regional water strategies and budgets.4. Capacity Building and Technical Training
Train local engineers, technicians, and water operators on ILC system installation, calibration, and maintenance. Develop and disseminate technical manuals, SOPs, and maintenance guides in Somali and English. Support community-based water committees in understanding the technical aspects of chlorination and infrastructure management.5. Sustainability and Handover Planning
Develop sustainability plans for infrastructure, including maintenance schedules, spare parts planning, and cost recovery models. Facilitate infrastructure handover to local authorities and ensure proper documentation and training are completed. Monitor post-handover performance and provide technical support during the transition phase.6. Strategic Planning and Reporting
Contribute to project work plans, budgets, and donor proposals with technical input. Prepare detailed engineering reports, progress updates, and documentation of lessons learned. Support evaluations and audits by providing technical evidence and field data.7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Provide rapid technical assessments and support infrastructure rehabilitation during waterborne disease outbreaks or emergencies. Ensure ILC systems are adaptable for emergency water supply scenarios.Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelorโs degree in civil engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Engineering, or Environmental Engineering/hydrology Minimum 5 years of experience in WASH infrastructure projects, including chlorination systems. Proven experience working with government institutions and community-based water systems. Proficiency in AutoCAD, EPANET, and other water system design tools. Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills. Fluency in Somali and English is an asset.