Economic Recovery Officer – Civil Engineer

Job Description

Position Summary

The Economic Recovery Officer – Civil Engineer will lead technical efforts in designing, implementing, and supervising infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of rural communities. Key responsibilities include the development and management of water systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and other essential infrastructure to support sustainable livelihoods. The role will also oversee Cash-for-Work (CfW) interventions aimed at addressing immediate livelihood needs and contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and community recovery.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure Development and Design

• Conduct detailed needs assessments and feasibility studies for community infrastructure projects.
• Prepare technical designs, BOQs, technical drawings and specifications in collaboration with the Economic Recovery Manager.
• Ensure that infrastructure designs are cost-effective and the labour is suited for CfW implementation where possible.

Cash-for-Work Activities 

• Identify infrastructure projects suitable for CfW interventions, such as road rehabilitation, other Natural Resource Management activities like water harvesting structures, irrigation systems, etc.
• Work with community committees to select CfW participants based on agreed criteria, ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity.
• Design tasks for CfW participants and provide technical supervision to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.
• Facilitate skill-building opportunities for CfW participants, contributing to their long-term employability.
• Build the capacity of community committees/members in carrying out basic maintenance of infrastructures.

Implementation and Supervision

• Oversee all construction/rehabilitation and CfW activities, ensuring compliance with technical standards and safety protocols.
• Monitor on-site activities, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure timely delivery of project outputs.
• Communicate any challenges faced during implementation with the EcRec Manager.
• Provide training to local committees for the maintenance of completed infrastructure.

Coordination and Reporting

• Coordinate with the EcRec Manager, Team Leader, Officers and Assistants in design and implementation.
• Work closely with the Agronomy Officer in identifying and designing Natural Resources Management Infrastructures. 
• Collaborate with the support functions such as the Finance and Supply Chain in teams to ensure accurate and timely payments to CfW participants.
• Work with the SC Team to identify and vet the procurement of quality materials for any infrastructure or NRM activities. 
• Prepare detailed progress reports covering both infrastructure and CfW activities, including lessons learned, and photo evidence at all stages.
• Contribute to donor reporting and ensure alignment with project goals. 
• Engage and Coordinate activities with the relevant line ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Works, etc.).

Other

• Support with evidence and data driven recommendations for future proposals.
• Perform other tasks and duties as required by the line Manager.
• Support and help other DRC sectors if needed with daily activities.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field locations with difficult terrains.
• Knowledge of conflict-sensitive and environmentally sustainable approaches.  

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in rural infrastructure development and CfW implementation.
• Experience working in Natural Resources Management-related activities (Desired).
• Proficiency in design tools like AutoCAD, GIS tools and project management software.
• Knowledge of cash-transfer modalities, humanitarian standards, and community-driven approaches.
• Strong communication and capacity-building skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Experience with following standard procedures and guidelines.
• An understanding and commitment to DRC aims and values.
• Ethical, trustworthy, creative, dynamic and enthusiastic.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks, under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.   
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.   
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Languages:

• Arabic – fluent
• English – Required (professional proficiency preferred)