WASH Engineer job at Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Are you looking for a meaningful job where you can invest your skills, passion, and time in an impactful way? Do you want to work for an organization that is dynamic, goal-driven, and dedicated to making a difference? we have an exciting opportunity for a committed and motivated individual to join our mission of ‘zero hunger on a healthy planet’: of empowering vulnerable youth and contributing to sustainable livelihoods. Welcome to Welthungerhilfe!

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is one of Germany’s largest non-profits, private aid organizations with no political or religious affiliations. Founded in 1962, WHH works in 37 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, reaching the most vulnerable people with lifesaving humanitarian and long-term development interventions. Our vision is “a world in which all people can exercise their right to a self-determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty’

We have worked in Uganda since 1986, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, national and local NGOs. Together, WHH runs programmes in six sub-regions; West Nile, Karamoja, Teso; Central, Rwenzori and Southwestern. Our programmes focus on strengthening food systems and nutrition, climate resilience, economic empowerment and youth skills development, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), as well as women’s empowerment, ending gender-based violence (GBV) and promotion of gender equality and social inclusion, and humanitarian response.

As a politically and confessionally independent organization, our value-oriented actions are always based on ethical principles, and all our work is led by six core values: Accountability, Courage, Respect, Transparency, Commitment and Curiosity.

Our vision: "Zero Hunger on a Healthy Planet." Join us in creating a world where everyone has access to food while ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. If you are ready to make an impact, we look forward to receiving your application!

WASH Engineer*

in Katakwi

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of 5 Months. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Katakwi, Uganda.The position is paid according to SG5.

Responsibilities or duties

• Conduct assessments of water supply, sanitation, drainage, and hygiene infrastructure needs.
• Identify suitable water sources and ensure water quality, quantity, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare technical designs, drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) in line with national and humanitarian standards.
• Support feasibility studies and technical input for project design and adaptation.
• Oversee construction and rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure, including water systems, latrines, drainage, and waste management facilities.
• Supervise contractors and service providers to ensure quality, timely, and standards-compliant implementation.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Establish and support operation and maintenance systems for WASH facilities.
• Train staff, community structures, and caretakers on operation, maintenance, repairs, and water quality testing.
• Support strengthening local WASH management structures and committees.
• Prepare technical specifications, tender documents, and cost estimates.
• Participate in bid evaluations and contractor assessments.
• Monitor contractor performance and certify completed works.
• Coordinate with government authorities, contractors, utilities, and WASH stakeholders.
• Participate in coordination meetings, joint monitoring visits, and technical working groups.
• Monitor project progress, maintain technical documentation, and contribute to internal and donor reports.
• Provide technical support and training to WASH staff.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and proper inventory management of relief supplies.
• Document technical and procurement processes in line with organizational and donor requirements.
• Perform other related duties assigned by management to support project implementation.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Postgraduate training in WASH, Water Resources Management, or Public Health Engineering is an added advantage
• At least 3 years of practical, hands-on experience in water supply, sanitation, public health engineering, or related WASH infrastructure.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in WASH programming, with at least 2 years in systems strengthening or institutional capacity development
• Proven experience in supervision of construction works and contractors in challenging field environments.
• Strong knowledge of water supply systems, sanitation technologies, drainage, and water quality monitoring.
• Experience preparing technical drawings, BoQs, and specifications of WASH infrastructures.
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance systems for WASH infrastructure.
• Ability to use relevant software and tools (AutoCAD; knowledge of EPANET, QGIS, Mwater or similar tools is an advantage).
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of local languages relevant to Teso and Karamoja is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong cross-cultural communication, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting field staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in difficult and remote field conditions.
• Valid motorcycle riding permit.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites within the project area.
• Team player with high integrity and honesty.

Experience needed

At least 3 years of practical, hands-on experience in water supply, sanitation, public health engineering, or related WASH infrastructure. Minimum 3–5 years of experience in WASH programming, with at least 2 years in systems strengthening or institutional capacity development. Proven experience in supervision of construction works and contractors in challenging field environments.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale.

• Conduct assessments of water supply, sanitation, drainage, and hygiene infrastructure needs.
• Identify suitable water sources and ensure water quality, quantity, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare technical designs, drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) in line with national and humanitarian standards.
• Support feasibility studies and technical input for project design and adaptation.
• Oversee construction and rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure, including water systems, latrines, drainage, and waste management facilities.
• Supervise contractors and service providers to ensure quality, timely, and standards-compliant implementation.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Establish and support operation and maintenance systems for WASH facilities.
• Train staff, community structures, and caretakers on operation, maintenance, repairs, and water quality testing.
• Support strengthening local WASH management structures and committees.
• Prepare technical specifications, tender documents, and cost estimates.
• Participate in bid evaluations and contractor assessments.
• Monitor contractor performance and certify completed works.
• Coordinate with government authorities, contractors, utilities, and WASH stakeholders.
• Participate in coordination meetings, joint monitoring visits, and technical working groups.
• Monitor project progress, maintain technical documentation, and contribute to internal and donor reports.
• Provide technical support and training to WASH staff.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and proper inventory management of relief supplies.
• Document technical and procurement processes in line with organizational and donor requirements.
• Perform other related duties assigned by management to support project implementation.

• Strong knowledge of water supply systems, sanitation technologies, drainage, and water quality monitoring.
• Experience preparing technical drawings, BoQs, and specifications of WASH infrastructures.
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance systems for WASH infrastructure.
• Ability to use relevant software and tools (AutoCAD; knowledge of EPANET, QGIS, Mwater or similar tools is an advantage).
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong cross-cultural communication, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in supervising, mentoring, and supporting field staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in difficult and remote field conditions.
• Valid motorcycle riding permit.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites within the project area.
• Team player with high integrity and honesty.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Postgraduate training in WASH, Water Resources Management, or Public Health Engineering is an added advantage
• At least 3 years of practical, hands-on experience in water supply, sanitation, public health engineering, or related WASH infrastructure.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in WASH programming, with at least 2 years in systems strengthening or institutional capacity development
• Proven experience in supervision of construction works and contractors in challenging field environments.
• Knowledge of local languages relevant to Teso and Karamoja is an asset.