WASH Engineer

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech organization established in 1992, currently working in around 40 countries on human rights and humanitarian aid. Globally, PIN is recognized as a leading actor in Education in Emergencies and actively contributes to international coordination mechanisms and humanitarian clusters, including education, food security, nutrition, shelter, and WASH. In Afghanistan, PIN has been operating since 2001, delivering humanitarian and development assistance to communities affected by conflict, economic crisis, and natural disasters. Over the years, PIN has established itself as a trusted and experienced actor, with strong acceptance among local communities, authorities, and stakeholders, enabling access to some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Throughout its presence in the country, PIN has supported over 850,000 people across multiple regions. The Organization has remained operational through periods of significant political and social change, continuing to provide life-saving and resilience-building assistance to more than 250,000 individuals in recent years. It works in key sectors including food security and livelihoods, education in emergencies, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and protection.

The WASH Engineer works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and is responsible for the technical assessment, design, implementation, supervision, and monitoring of assigned water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure activities.
The position ensures that WASH facilities are appropriately selected, technically sound, cost-effective, inclusive, and implemented in accordance with approved designs, technical specifications, project work plans, donor requirements, and PIN quality standards.
The WASH Engineer conducts field surveys, prepares engineering drawings and bills of quantities (BoQs), supports preliminary market price assessments, supervises contractors, verifies construction progress and quality, reviews contractor invoices, and supports the establishment and capacity building of community based WASH structures.
The position also maintains technical documentation and infrastructure databases, coordinates with communities and relevant authorities, and ensures the proper completion and handover of facilities to communities in coordination with the Project Manager and relevant project staff.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Technical Assessment, Site Selection and Project Planning
· Conduct field surveys and technical assessments to identify WASH infrastructure needs, site conditions, feasibility, and implementation requirements.
· Support the selection of appropriate sites and WASH interventions based on technical feasibility, community needs, accessibility, sustainability, and approved project criteria.
· Assess existing water supply and sanitation facilities to identify rehabilitation needs, operational constraints, and opportunities for improvement.
· Consult communities, relevant authorities, and project staff during site assessments to ensure that proposed interventions respond to identified needs.
· Assess relevant environmental, social, land-access, safety, and protection considerations before recommending infrastructure sites.
· Prepare technical assessment reports with findings, recommendations, site information, and proposed interventions.
· Contribute to activity planning and implementation schedules, ensuring that technical deliverables align with approved project work plans and donor deadlines.
· Identify technical risks, resource requirements, and implementation constraints, and report recommendations to the Project Manager.
B. Engineering Design, Drawings, BoQs and Cost Estimation
· Prepare engineering drawings, technical designs, specifications, and construction details for assigned WASH infrastructure activities.
· Develop accurate bills of quantities (BoQs) and preliminary cost estimates based on approved designs and site-specific requirements.
· Collect and document initial market prices for construction materials, equipment, and other required items to support realistic cost estimates and budgeting.
· Review technical designs and BoQs for completeness, constructability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with applicable standards.
· Incorporate relevant feedback from the Project Manager, technical colleagues, and other authorized reviewers into designs and BoQs.
· Revise drawings, specifications, and BoQs when justified by field conditions or approved changes to project requirements.
· Provide technical inputs to procurement documentation, including material specifications, quantities, and quality requirements.
· Ensure that final technical designs, BoQs, and specifications receive the required internal approval before implementation or procurement.
· Maintain organized records of approved designs, drawings, specifications, BoQs, and subsequent revisions.
C. Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance
· Conduct regular site visits to monitor ongoing construction and rehabilitation works against approved designs, BoQs, specifications, and implementation schedules.
· Supervise contractors' technical performance and verify that construction activities comply with contractual requirements and approved engineering standards.
· Inspect construction materials, workmanship, dimensions, and completed work to confirm compliance with approved specifications.
· Verify site measurements and completed quantities to support progress tracking, payment assessments, and quality assurance.
· Identify construction defects, deviations, delays, and technical risks, and communicate corrective actions to contractors through the approved project management arrangements.
· Maintain accurate site inspection records, progress photographs, measurement sheets, and other relevant construction documentation.
· Monitor contractor performance against agreed milestones and report significant delays or non-compliance to the Project Manager.
· Review proposed technical changes and provide recommendations to the Project Manager before implementation.
· Ensure that corrective works and outstanding defects are addressed before recommending technical acceptance of completed facilities.
· Monitor compliance with relevant occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and site safety requirements during construction.
D. Contractor Coordination, Work Verification and Invoice Review
· Coordinate with contractors on technical requirements, work schedules, site access, construction progress, and quality expectations.
· Explain approved drawings, technical specifications, and construction requirements to contractors and clarify technical issues within the assigned authority.
· Verify reported work progress against actual site conditions, approved BoQs, contractual milestones, and inspection records.
· Review contractor invoices and payment claims against verified quantities, completed work, contractual rates, and supporting documentation.
· Prepare or revise technical measurement sheets, quantity calculations, and invoice verification records as required.
· Recommend approval, correction, or rejection of payment claims based on technical verification and documented findings.
· Report discrepancies, unsupported claims, variations, and contractual non-compliance to the Project Manager for appropriate action.
· Maintain complete technical records supporting contractor performance monitoring, invoice verification, and project expenditure documentation.
E. Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Infrastructure
· Provide technical support for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply, sanitation, and related WASH facilities.
· Assess water sources, boreholes, wells, reservoirs, distribution networks, and associated infrastructure to determine technical suitability and rehabilitation requirements.
· Support appropriate water-source testing, pumping tests, yield assessments, and other relevant technical investigations in coordination with qualified personnel.
· Verify the functionality, structural integrity, and operational suitability of completed water supply and sanitation facilities.
· Ensure that water supply infrastructure is designed with due consideration for water demand, source yield, storage capacity, distribution arrangements, and operational sustainability.
· Support the technical planning and improvement of sanitation facilities, considering safe waste management, accessibility, privacy, and user needs.
· Coordinate with Hygiene Promoters to align infrastructure activities with hygiene promotion and community awareness interventions.
· Identify technical requirements for the operation, maintenance, and long-term functionality of WASH facilities and communicate recommendations to the Project Manager.
F. Community Engagement and WASH Committee Establishment
· Conduct WASH-related meetings with communities to discuss identified needs, proposed infrastructure, site selection, implementation arrangements, and operational requirements.
· Facilitate the establishment or strengthening of community-based WASH committees in accordance with project procedures and community context.
· Support transparent community participation in infrastructure selection, implementation monitoring, facility management, and handover processes.
· Explain the intended use, operation, maintenance requirements, and limitations of WASH facilities to community representatives and users.
· Coordinate with community leaders and relevant authorities to facilitate site access, resolve routine implementation issues, and promote community acceptance.
· Identify community concerns, access barriers, and potential disputes affecting infrastructure implementation, and report them to the Project Manager.
· Promote inclusive participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other relevant community groups in WASH consultations, subject to applicable access and safeguarding requirements.
G. Capacity Building and Operation and Maintenance
· Assess the capacity-building needs of community-based mechanics and other designated personnel responsible for maintaining WASH facilities.
· Deliver or facilitate practical training for community-based mechanics on routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and appropriate use of tools and equipment.
· Support communities in establishing practical operation and maintenance arrangements for completed water supply and sanitation facilities.
· Provide technical guidance on preventive maintenance, common breakdowns, spare parts, and procedures for reporting technical faults.
· Monitor the functionality of handed-over facilities during assigned follow-up visits and identify maintenance or repair requirements.
· Maintain records of trained mechanics, training activities, maintenance arrangements, and identified technical support needs.
· Recommend additional technical support or refresher training when community maintenance capacity requires strengthening.
H. Infrastructure Database and Technical Documentation
· Develop and maintain an accurate database of newly constructed, rehabilitated, and existing WASH facilities covered by the project.
· Record relevant facility information, including location, GPS coordinates where available, infrastructure type, technical specifications, construction status, capacity, and operational functionality.
· Maintain updated records of site assessments, engineering drawings, BoQs, contractor progress, inspection findings, and completion documentation.
· Document infrastructure progress through field reports, photographs, measurement records, and other approved reporting tools.
· Ensure that technical records are complete, consistent, securely maintained, and accessible to authorized project personnel.
· Update infrastructure records following approved design revisions, construction completion, facility handover, or subsequent functionality assessments.
I. Coordination, Planning and Reporting
· Coordinate regularly with the Project Manager, Senior Field Officer, Field Officers, Hygiene Promoters, and other relevant colleagues to align technical activities with project priorities.
· Maintain communication with relevant authorities, community representatives, contractors, and technical stakeholders regarding assigned WASH interventions.
· Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly technical work plans and progress updates, as required by the Project Manager.
· Monitor technical deliverables against approved project milestones and donor timelines, promptly reporting delays and proposing corrective measures.
· Prepare field assessment reports, site inspection reports, construction progress reports, and technical completion reports within established deadlines.
· Provide timely technical information and supporting evidence for donor reporting, project reviews, monitoring visits, and internal documentation.
· Participate in relevant WASH coordination meetings, technical discussions, and field assessments as requested.
· Communicate technical risks, changes in site conditions, contractor performance concerns, and resource requirements to the Project Manager.
· Coordinate with Logistics and Procurement teams on technical specifications, material requirements, and quality verification, as required.
J. Facility Completion, Handover and Sustainability
· Conduct final technical inspections to verify that completed facilities comply with approved designs, contractual specifications, and required quality standards.
· Prepare technical completion reports documenting completed works, verified quantities, outstanding defects, and recommendations for acceptance.
· Compile handover documentation, including approved drawings, relevant technical specifications, facility details, and operation and maintenance guidance.
· Support the preparation and signing of facility handover documents in coordination with the Project Manager, relevant authorities, and community representatives.
· Facilitate the handover of completed facilities to designated community structures or responsible authorities following the required technical and administrative approvals.
· Explain operation, maintenance, and reporting arrangements to designated facility operators and community representatives during handover.
· Identify outstanding defects or incomplete works and follow up on their resolution before recommending final acceptance.
· Support post-handover monitoring, where required, to assess facility functionality and identify sustainability concerns.

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/ relevant field.

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience implementing humanitarian responses in the country.

Required Experience and Competencies

Demonstrated experience implementing WASH projects and conducting WASH field surveys, technical assessments, and site selection for water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

Demonstrated experience preparing engineering drawings, technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQs), and preliminary cost estimates.

Proven ability to supervise contractors, monitor construction progress, verify work quality, and identify technical implementation challenges.

Demonstrated experience preparing technical reports, maintaining infrastructure databases, and documenting construction progress and completion.

Demonstrated experience coordinating with local communities, relevant authorities, contractors, and field-level stakeholders on WASH interventions.

Knowledge of water supply systems, sanitation facilities, water storage, distribution networks, and infrastructure operation and maintenance.

Demonstrated ability to verify construction quantities, review contractor invoices, and maintain accurate technical records.

Experience establishing or strengthening community-based WASH committees and building the capacity of community-based mechanics in facility operation and maintenance.

Understanding of gender and protection mainstreaming, disability inclusion, environmental considerations, and community participation in WASH programming.

Proven ability to identify technical risks, recommend corrective actions, and ensure activities comply with approved designs, specifications, and implementation timelines.

Ability and confidence to conduct regular field visits and travel to project locations across the province.

Fluency in both Pashto and Dari.

Practical working knowledge of English, particularly for technical documentation and reporting.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with AutoCAD or other engineering drawing software is an advantage.

Familiarity with KoboToolbox or other digital tools for field assessments and data collection is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of WASH infrastructure, humanitarian response principles, and project implementation standards.

Ability to conduct technical field surveys, assess water supply and sanitation needs, and support appropriate site selection.

Proficiency in preparing and reviewing engineering drawings, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and preliminary cost estimates.

Ability to monitor construction activities, supervise contractors, verify completed works, and ensure compliance with approved designs, specifications, quality standards, and timelines.

Ability to identify technical implementation challenges, assess construction-related risks, and recommend practical corrective measures.

Knowledge of water supply systems, water storage and distribution, sanitation facilities, and operation and maintenance requirements.

Ability to measure and verify completed works, review contractor progress reports and invoices, and maintain accurate technical records.

Understanding of community engagement in WASH programming, including consultation with communities, coordination with local authorities, and support to WASH committees.

Ability to support capacity building for community-based mechanics and other relevant community members on facility operation and maintenance.

Knowledge of gender-sensitive, protection-focused, disability-inclusive, environmentally responsible, and community-based approaches to WASH infrastructure development.

Ability to monitor technical activities against approved work plans, identify implementation gaps, and prepare accurate field monitoring and progress reports.

Strong skills in technical documentation, infrastructure database management, reporting, handover documentation, and follow-up on agreed actions.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; proficiency in AutoCAD or other relevant engineering design software is an advantage.

Ability to use KoboToolbox or similar digital tools for field data collection and technical assessments is an advantage.

Ability to communicate technical information effectively in Pashto and Dari, with sufficient English proficiency to understand technical documents and prepare reports.

Languages

• Written and spoken English required.

• Fluency in Pashto and Dari required.

• Knowledge of Pashto preferred.

• Apply PIN policies, donor requirements, relevant engineering standards, and approved project procedures throughout assigned technical activities.
• Integrate environmental protection, safeguarding, gender sensitivity, disability inclusion, and conflict-sensitive considerations into infrastructure planning and implementation.
• Comply with PIN's safety and security procedures during field visits, site inspections, and construction supervision.
• Report safety incidents, suspected fraud, misconduct, construction irregularities, and other compliance concerns through established reporting channels.
• Protect confidential project and community information and obtain appropriate consent before collecting or using photographs or other identifiable information.
• Perform other relevant technical duties assigned by the Project Manager that are consistent with the position and project requirements
• PIN COMPETENCY MODEL

PIN Competency Model is a framework used to define, assess, and develop the behaviours, skills, and attitudes expected from staff. It focuses on how people perform their work, not only on their technical knowledge. WASH Engineer will be recruited, and subsequently evaluated, following the PIN competency areas here below, where the staff is expected to at least meet the expectations as outlined below:

• Personal integrity and values:

Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and consistency in actions and communication. Adheres to PIN’s values, policies, and ethical standards, addresses inappropriate conduct, and continuously reflects on and improves personal performance.

• Universal competencies

o Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, adapting messages to different audiences. Shares information in a timely manner, listens actively, encourages dialogue, and uses evidence to support decisions and recommendations. o Cooperation: Builds positive and inclusive working relationships, values diverse perspectives, and promotes teamwork. Shares knowledge, supports collaboration, and addresses conflicts constructively. o Resilience/coping with stress: Maintains composure and effectiveness under pressure. Manages stress constructively, remains solution-oriented, and adapts well to challenges and changing circumstances.

• Specific competencies

o Problems and tasks solving approach: Analyses issues, identifies root causes, and makes informed decisions. Proactively solves problems, collaborates with others, and seeks practical improvements and innovative solutions. o Result Orientation: Takes ownership of objectives, delivers high-quality results, and continuously seeks opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.

If you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form. Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involves. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application destination: https://career.peopleinneed.net/?pos=1211