Job Description: WASH & Shelter Officer (Engineer)

Position Information

About Ma’akum

Ma'akum Developmental Foundation (MAAKUM) is a Yemeni non-governmental, nonprofit organization established in 2017. Committed to humanitarian and development principles, MAAKUM delivers integrated programs across six key sectors: Education, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection, Shelter, and Food Security & Livelihoods.

With strong working relationships established with government entities, humanitarian clusters, and partner organizations, MAAKum ensures its projects are community-centered and reach the most vulnerable people, including IDPs, host communities, women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Our work is guided by a vision of empowered youth and women leading resilient communities, where assistance is delivered with dignity and in full adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We are dedicated to empowering vulnerable groups, strengthening community resilience, and fostering local and international partnerships to create sustainable impact.

About the Project

The project aims to provide integrated humanitarian assistance including Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Emergency Shelter support, and selected WASH interventions to vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mawza District, Taiz Governorate.

The intervention focuses on protection-sensitive targeting, community engagement, and evidence-based implementation aligned with cluster standards and donor requirements.

Role Purpose

The WASH & Shelter Officer (Engineer) is responsible for the technical planning, supervision, and implementation of WASH and shelter-related activities under the project. The Project Officer ensures that all technical interventions comply with Sphere standards, WASH and Shelter Cluster guidelines, and protection mainstreaming principles, and that infrastructure works are completed to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Planning and Design

• Conduct detailed technical assessments for water supply systems (wells, networks, solar pumping) and shelter needs in targeted IDP sites.

• Develop site-specific designs, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and technical specifications for:

  • Rehabilitation and extension of water supply systems (including solar-powered pumping and communal water points).

  • Construction of gender-appropriate emergency latrines.

  • Emergency Shelter Kits (ESKs) distribution and installation support.

• Ensure all designs comply with WASH and Shelter Cluster standards, Sphere guidelines, and incorporate accessibility features for persons with disabilities, women, and vulnerable groups.

• Support pre-construction validation activities, including pumping tests and water quality assessments, in coordination with contractors and relevant authorities.

• Identify technical risks (e.g., site conditions, material availability) and propose mitigation measures in advance.

Implementation & Supervision

• Supervise contractors and daily workers during construction, rehabilitation, and installation works, ensuring adherence to approved designs, BoQs, and project timelines.

• Oversee the procurement of materials in coordination with the Logistics Team; verify quality, quantity, and specifications upon delivery.

• Provide on-site technical guidance and training to community volunteers supporting shelter installation and water system maintenance.

• Conduct regular site inspections to track progress, identify issues early, and document work with photos and reports.

• Ensure that all infrastructure works are completed according to technical specifications and project timelines, and handed over with proper documentation.

Quality Assurance & Monitoring

• Monitor the quality of all WASH and Shelter interventions throughout implementation, ensuring they meet technical specifications and cluster standards.

• Support the MEAL team in post-distribution monitoring (PDM), baseline/endline assessments, and spot checks related to WASH and Shelter.

• Participate in final commissioning/handover of works, ensuring all defects are addressed before handover.

• Track progress against implementation plans and flag any delays or deviations to the Project Manager promptly with recommended corrective actions.

Coordination & Representation

• Coordinate with local authorities (Head of district, Rural Water Authority, and Executive Unit for IDPs), WASH and Shelter Clusters, and humanitarian partners to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and secure necessary approvals.

• Participate in cluster coordination meetings, technical working groups, and joint assessments as required.

• Liaise with community committees, IDP site leaders, and beneficiaries to ensure community participation, ownership, and culturally appropriate design of interventions.

• Ensure that community members, including women and vulnerable groups, are meaningfully consulted during the design and implementation of WASH and shelter interventions.

• Maintain strong working relationships with contractors, suppliers, and technical stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation.

Sustainability & Capacity Building

• Ensure that all infrastructure works are designed for long-term sustainability (e.g., solar-powered systems, durable materials, community-managed models).

• Provide basic training to community volunteers and water committees on operation and maintenance of water systems and shelter upkeep.

• Facilitate formal handover of completed infrastructure to communities and relevant authorities with clear maintenance agreements.

• Document lessons learned and technical challenges to inform future programming and adaptive management.

Accountability, Protection & Safeguarding

• Ensure that all WASH and Shelter interventions are designed and implemented with attention to safety, dignity, and accessibility for women, girls, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

• Promote protection mainstreaming, gender equality, and disability inclusion across all technical activities.

• Participate in WASH safety audits and incorporate recommendations into designs and implementation.

• Ensure that community feedback related to WASH and Shelter facilities is documented, addressed, and closed in coordination with the MEAL team and the Feedback and Complaints Mechanism (FCM).

• Adhere to MAAKUM's Code of Conduct and PSEA policies at all times; model safe and respectful behavior in the field.

Compliance, Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with donor grant conditions, technical standards, and MAAKUM policies.

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including Assessment reports, designs, BoQs, site supervision reports, progress photos, handover certificates, and quality records.

• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and final narrative reports by providing accurate technical updates, achievements, and challenges.

• Ensure proper archiving of all technical documents (both soft and hard copies) for audit and donor readiness.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. The WASH & Shelter Officer may be required to undertake additional tasks as reasonably assigned to support the successful implementation of the project.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

• MAAKUM has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All staff are required to adhere to the organization’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

• Employment is subject to satisfactory references and background checks.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. A diploma with extensive relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in WASH and shelter infrastructure projects in humanitarian or development settings.

• Proven experience in designing and supervising water supply systems (including solar-powered water pumping systems, network extension, and communal water points), latrine construction, and shelter interventions.

• Experience developing BoQs, technical specifications, and engineering drawings (AutoCAD proficiency required).

• Experience working with contractors and managing construction quality.

• Experience in Taiz, particularly in Mawza District, is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of WASH and Shelter Cluster standards, Sphere guidelines, and protection mainstreaming.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and engineering design software.

• Strong knowledge of BoQ development and contract supervision.

• Understanding of solar-powered water pumping systems and water quality testing.

• Familiarity with shelter kit specifications and installation techniques.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Report writing skills in English (technical reports).

Core Competencies

• Strong field presence and ability to work in remote, challenging environments.

• Problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to humanitarian principles and inclusion.

Languages

• Arabic: Fluent (required)

• English: Good written and spoken proficiency (required for reporting).

Working Environment & Travel

• The position is based in Taiz city, with frequent travel to targeted IDP sites.

• The security context may be volatile; the role requires flexibility, resilience, and adherence to organizational security protocols.

• Regular field presence (approx. 80%) is expected to ensure quality implementation and supervision.

• Willingness to work extra hours during peak construction periods or humanitarian responses.

• Ability to stay in basic field conditions as required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ma'akum Developmental Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.