Project Officer, REAL-Water

This role is located in Kenya. We are taking applications through June 9, 2023.

Who is Water Mission?

Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit that builds sustainable, safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in 59 countries, sharing safe water and the message of God’s love. Water Mission’s global headquarters is in North Charleston, SC, and the organization has more than 450 staff members based in Africa; Asia; North, South, and Central America; and the Caribbean. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission it's top four-star rating 15 years in a row, a distinction shared by only 1% of the charities rated by the organization. Working at Water Mission is as much a calling as it is a career, and we are searching for people with the courage, passion, and drive to help us change the world. Read more about our Statement of Faith and Christian Mission.

What is the opportunity?

With funding from USAID under the REAL-Water program, Water Mission is partnering with Aquaya to expand the Water Quality Assurance Fund (WQAF) to East Africa in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with a mission to improve public health by reducing the burden of waterborne diseases through promotion of regular water quality monitoring as an entry point to improve water treatment. Water Mission seeks to recruit a Project Officer to oversee the implementation of the REAL-Water program.

Under the direction of the Kenya Country Director and his/her designee, the Project Officer, REAL-Water, based in Kitale, Kenya, will be responsible for performing Water Quality Assurance Fund project management tasks within the Water Mission Kenya Country Program, following established standards and procedures. The Project Officer will oversee the implementation of WQAF in the various target counties in Kenya, including Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bungoma, and Nakuru. Travel to these counties is required.

A successful Project Officer REAL-Water will:

• Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public.

• Understand, support, and nurture the Vision, Mission, and Values of Water Mission.

• Provide oversight on the REAL-Water program, using Water Mission project management software systems, ensuring scope, schedule, and budgets are tracked and adhered to, and water output and water quality are measured and reported.

• Maintain regular contact with Departmental Heads, Water Mission headquarters, Program Manager, and stakeholders.

• Travel to project/field locations to carry out data collection or training.

• Engage local stakeholders (government, utilities, community leaders, water system operators, etc.) on WQAF.

• Oversee the effective coordination of all assigned REAL-Water activities, including monthly water quality testing activities by an accredited laboratory.

• Review and determine the eligibility of water systems for enrollment into the WQAF.

• Ensure good record-keeping for all transactions related to the REAL-Water program.

• Maintain a database of water quality results.

• Disseminate monthly water quality results data to water system managers.

• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through the preparation of presentations and briefs.

• Work on and submit reports on the REAL-Water program.

• Other duties as assigned.

What is required?

• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• A bachelor’s degree in Community Development; Water Quality; Water or Environmental Engineering; Public Health; or a related field.  Master’s degree preferred.
• At least four years of experience, including a) two years of experience in water and/or wastewater engineering or community development work, b) a minimum of two years of practical field project implementation experience in the water sector, specifically in water quality, and c) a minimum of one year in multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in the use of project management software, preferably Smartsheet.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English and Swahili are the preferred languages).
• Ability to be analytical and think strategically.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to multitask and be deadline oriented.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and open to feedback and continuous learning.
• Proficiency in report writing and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail with exceptional data management skills.
• Excellent project planning, monitoring, and management skills.
• A strong work ethic and self-starter demonstrating initiative.
• Experience and comfort working in the field with the ability and willingness to travel.
• Legal authorization to work in Kenya.