The Organisation:

CEFA – The European Committee for Training and Agriculture is an Italian Non-Governmental Organization founded in 1972, active in several countries across Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. CEFA promotes sustainable and inclusive development through long-term initiatives in agriculture, environment, education, gender equality, and human rights, implemented in partnership with local communities and institutions.

Its work is guided by the values of participation, equality, and social justice, aiming to empower people, especially women and youth, and strengthen their capacity for self-reliance.

General Objectives and Responsibilities:

The CEFA Water Expert (WASH & Technical) will be responsible for ensuring the technical quality and proper management of the projects’s water and sanitation components, contributing to strategic planning and supervising all phases, from design to infrastructure handover. The engineer will support WASH projects implemented in both Kenya and Somalia and he/she will support the design of new project proposals.

The role will ensure compliance with Kenyan legislation and international standards, while promoting sustainable solutions and the integration of WASH, irrigation and agriculture.

The duty station will be Nairobi with frequent missions to West Pokot County (approximately 40% of time).

Main Duties

Prepare and supervise the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and all technical documentation for water and sanitation rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, project specifications and approved timelines.
Conduct feasibility studies and preliminary assessments for WASH facilities and wells, including hydrogeological surveys, flow rate calculations and water quality analysis. Ensure the preparation and obtainment of all necessary licences and authorisations in accordance with Kenyan legislation.
Direct and monitor the work of contractors and builders, verifying the correct execution of works, the quality and origin of materials, and compliance with safety standards and environmental procedures.
Prepare the documentation for the launch of tender procedures, including calls for tender, technical specifications and evaluation criteria, and participate in the selection processes, ensuring full compliance with CEFA rules, donor requirements and local legislation.
Prepare and issue Work Completion Certificates and any other technical documentation required upon completion of the works, ensuring the administrative and technical closure of infrastructure activities.
Coordinate the WASH team and work closely with the Project Manager for the planning, monitoring and integration of the WASH, DRR and agriculture components, promoting a synergistic and sustainable approach.
Carry out and analyse the baseline assessment, such as access to domestic and irrigation water, agricultural productivity and sanitation services, and regularly update monitoring tools; collect, analyse and archive technical data, keeping databases and reports up to date.
Prepare clear and timely technical reports, including analysis and recommendations, to support the Project Manager in strategic decision-making and donor reporting.
Mobilise beneficiaries and promote good hygiene practices, ensuring the adoption of sustainable behaviours.
Establish and train Water Users Associations (WUAs) for the management, maintenance and long-term sustainability of WASH facilities.
Facilitate dialogue among communities, local authorities, project partners and government institutions, ensuring proper engagement, formal recognition of the works and handover to the competent authorities.
Collect and document lessons learned, case studies and success stories for the sharing of good practices and the replicability of interventions.
Participate in internal and external monitoring and evaluation visits, providing continuous technical support to beneficiary groups and communities.
Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Project Managers and/or Regional Coordinator, in line with the profile and the objectives of the project, and provide technical support to the mission in the preparation of BoQs, technical documentation, cost estimates and budget inputs for new project proposals..
Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Hydraulic or Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Sciences or equivalent disciplines; alternatively, a technical diploma with at least 3 years of specific experience.
At least 2 years of proven experience in the design, construction, rehabilitation and supervision of rural water and sanitation infrastructures, including water supply systems, wells, solar pumping systems, tanks, water treatment and distribution systems, ecological latrines and drainage systems.
Ability to conduct hydrogeological studies, flow rate calculations, and analyses of water resource availability and quality.
Competence in preparing technical drawings using CAD or equivalent software, drafting bills of quantities and cost estimates, technical specifications and bills of materials, and defining maintenance and sustainable management plans for water infrastructures.
Experience in site management and supervision of all construction phases, from setting out to final testing/commissioning, including the management of suppliers, contractors and local work teams.
Ability to collect and analyse data using digital tools for topographic surveys, water monitoring and M&E systems; excellent command of advanced Excel and, preferably, GIS software.
Skills in community mobilisation and in the training of Water User Associations and management committees, promoting hygiene and sanitation practices and the sustainability of the works.
Strong aptitude for teamwork and multi-stakeholder coordination, including government authorities, technical partners and communities, with problem-solving skills in complex and remote contexts.
Excellent knowledge of the Kenyan context, with particular attention to West Pokot County and its water-related and agro-pastoral challenges.
Excellent command of written and spoken English; knowledge of the Pokot language is an advantage.
Previous work experience with CEFA and/or AICS is considered an asset.

Interested and qualified persons, with the required experience are invited to submit their application.

Email Subject: CEFA Water Expert

The application shall include all of the following:

CV, including 3 reference contacts (only official work email will be accepted) – at least one of your latest jobs.
Cover letter (1 page maximum)