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2 weeks ago
Organisation Overview:
About Self Help Africa:
Established in 1984, Self Help Africa is an international development organisation that works through agriculture and agri-enterprise development to address hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impacts of climate change.
We believe that equitable economic development is key to lifting communities out of long-term poverty, empowering them to take control of their futures and improving their quality of life.
Our current five-year organisation strategy, defines our mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community led, market-based and enterprise-focused approaches, so that people can have access to nutritious food, clean water, decent employment and incomes, while sustaining natural resources.
Our three core values are:
Impact: We are accountable, ambitious and committed to systemic change.
Innovation: We are agile, creative and enterprising in an ever-changing World.
Community: We are inclusive, honest and have integrity in our relationships.
Job Purpose:
The position is based in Mponela under the DIWASH project and its purpose is to provide technical support and guidance in the planning, designing and construction of hand pump boreholes, solar powered reticulated water systems and other WASH infrastructure facilities in the entire WASH Programme. The position also involves leading the oversight of all engineering processes for constructions within the SHA WASH programme, ensuring they are of high quality, sustainable, community-demanded, and community-managed, in line with stipulated SPHERE and Local WASH standards. The WASH Engineer reports directly to the DI WASH Project Manager, with a dotted line reporting relationship with the Deputy WASH Programme Manager. The WASH Engineer will be responsible for civil technicians.
About Self Help Africa:
Established in 1984, Self Help Africa is an international development organisation that works through agriculture and agri-enterprise development to address hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impacts of climate change.
We believe that equitable economic development is key to lifting communities out of long-term poverty, empowering them to take control of their futures and improving their quality of life.
Our current five-year organisation strategy, defines our mission as the alleviation of hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change through community led, market-based and enterprise-focused approaches, so that people can have access to nutritious food, clean water, decent employment and incomes, while sustaining natural resources.
Our three core values are:
Impact: We are accountable, ambitious and committed to systemic change.
Innovation: We are agile, creative and enterprising in an ever-changing World.
Community: We are inclusive, honest and have integrity in our relationships.
Job Purpose:
The position is based in Mponela under the DIWASH project and its purpose is to provide technical support and guidance in the planning, designing and construction of hand pump boreholes, solar powered reticulated water systems and other WASH infrastructure facilities in the entire WASH Programme. The position also involves leading the oversight of all engineering processes for constructions within the SHA WASH programme, ensuring they are of high quality, sustainable, community-demanded, and community-managed, in line with stipulated SPHERE and Local WASH standards. The WASH Engineer reports directly to the DI WASH Project Manager, with a dotted line reporting relationship with the Deputy WASH Programme Manager. The WASH Engineer will be responsible for civil technicians.
Job Summary
- Employer: Self Help Africa
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-09-29
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support during the design, planning and implementation of all WASH programme projects; providing input into technical designs, bid documents and implementation of the construction works.
- Lead technical feasibility assessments to inform the selection of sites and appropriate solutions to be implemented for each community
- Lead in the preparation of designs and bill of quantities (BOQ) for all the WASH facilities such as solar powered reticulated water system, hand pump boreholes, VIP latrines and hand-washing facilities
- Develop and update engineering/ construction drawings, monitoring and supervision checklists for all the WASH infrastructure facilities
- Develop bidding documents and terms of reference for all WASH infrastructure facilities.
- Support the project manager with initiation and certification of all technical procurements.
- Ensure that planning, design and implementation of WASH components incorporate climate resilience.
- Supervise geophysical siting and actual drilling in line with GoM standards
- Hold regular progress meetings with contractors to review project performance and address challenges to implementation
- Identify gaps and lead learning and documentation of the lessons on the existing and emerging WASH technologies and approaches in coordination with the MEAL function
- Ensure that the lessons learnt from programme monitoring are incorporated into technical design and implementation approaches.
- Ensure effective implementation of WASH projects, monitoring progress, and adjusting as necessary and in accordance with set guidelines to achieve project goals.
- Conduct field monitoring and quality assurance visit or review to monitor progress of activities and ensure project vulnerabilities, of any nature, is flagged with the relevant project manager in a timely manner to ensure that issues are resolved in a timely manner.
- Hold regular progress meetings with contractors to review project performance in line with contract terms and conditions.
- Ensure that the workmanship and quality of work delivered in all WASH projects meet SHA WASH programme quality standards, relevant governmental requirements and internationally recommended standards.
- Prepare timely and accurate technical reports on project activities, outcomes, and challenges, and communicate them to relevant stakeholders
- Maintaining up-to-date water points and sanitation construction records.
- Develop and submit weekly updates and monthly monitoring and documentation reports to Project Manager
- Line manage Civil technicians with their KPIs discussed, agreed and reviewed biannually.
- Support, supervise and coach civil technicians in their construction works to ensure that standards, designs and specifications are adhered to.
- Support and coach field facilitators to equip them with the required knowledge on technical activities like site verifications, assessment and drilling supervision.
- Train staff and partners in best-practice WASH and construction modalities and approaches.
- Facilitate awareness raising of staff, contractors and partners in key construction standards to ensure that all works meet all the engineering standards.
Requirements
- At least a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water engineering, water resources Management and any other relevant fields.
- At least 3 years’ experience of working in Regular and Emergency WASH-related development projects. Experience with an International NGO is an added advantage.
- Professional affiliation with the Malawi Engineering Institution is desired.
- Proficiency in computer software and applications, such as AutoCAD, EPNANET, Google Earth, mWater and thorough knowledge of MS Office.
- Experience in design, implementation, operation and maintenance of solar powered water systems is essential.
- Experience in mapping and water modelling.
- Experience in community-based management and ability to deliver solar reticulated systems community-based management training.
- Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently, efficiently and take the lead with new ideas.
- Ability to build/maintain good relationships with stakeholders, especially government staff, communities and partners
- Strong respect and empathy for rural communities, and an affinity to SHA’s mission and values of integrity, dignity and environmental respect.
- Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding risks and mitigating actions.
- Fluency in spoken and written English including good English report writing skills.
- Valid driving license.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: selfhelpafrica.org
REF Code: 500QD000011znXQ
About the Company
Self Help Africa is an Irish international charity that promotes and implements long-term rural development projects in Africa. Self Help Africa merged with Gorta, in July 2014, and the combined entity was known for a period as Gorta-Self Help Africa. In 2021, the organisation merged with the UK-based international non-governmental organization, United Purpose. The enlarged organisation took the Self Help name. Self Help Africa also owns a number of social enterprise subsidiaries: Cumo Microfinance, TruTrade, and Partner Africa.
Website: https://www.self.inc/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for a WASH Engineer role in Malawi?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Health from a recognized institution like the University of Malawi or Mzuzu University. Practical certifications in water quality testing, borehole drilling supervision, or WASH project management from institutions such as WaterAid or Red Cross training programs are highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a WASH Engineer in Malawi?
Daily tasks include supervising borehole construction and rehabilitation, conducting water quality assessments, training community water committees, and coordinating with local chiefs and district water offices. You will also prepare technical reports, manage contractor compliance, and troubleshoot water supply issues in rural communities.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect engineering roles, especially in rural WASH projects?
Malawian work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and community consultation, so expect to spend significant time engaging traditional leaders before implementing projects. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility is essential due to seasonal challenges like rainy season accessibility and community meeting schedules.
What career progression opportunities exist for WASH Engineers in Malawi?
With experience, you can advance to Senior WASH Engineer, Project Manager, or WASH Coordinator positions within NGOs, government departments like the Ministry of Water, or private consulting firms. Specializing in climate-resilient water systems or obtaining a Master's degree opens doors to regional roles with international organizations.
What benefits are typically included in temporary WASH engineering contracts in Malawi?
Benefits vary by employer but commonly include medical insurance, paid annual leave, and sometimes hardship allowances for remote postings. Pension contributions depend on contract type—permanent staff usually receive NICO or Old Mutual pension schemes, while short-term contracts may offer gratuity instead.
How should I apply for WASH engineering positions in Malawi, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply through NGO websites, job portals like MyJobo or LinkedIn, and directly to organizations like Self Help Africa, WaterAid, or UNICEF Malawi. Employers prioritize demonstrated field experience, community engagement skills, proficiency in Chichewa or local languages, and familiarity with Malawi's water sector policies and district-level coordination structures.