Engineering Careers in Kenya: Join the Northern Rangelands Trust

 The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is a non-profit umbrella organization supporting 33 community conservancies across northern Kenya. Our mission is to develop resilient community conservancies that transform lives, secure peace, and conserve natural resources. We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our team and contribute to impactful water development projects.

Job Opportunity: Water Engineer

Job Purpose:

Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Water Engineer. Reporting to the WASH Manager, the Water Engineer will provide technical support to the organization and community conservancies in delivering priority water development projects while considering environmental, legal, and technical compliance requirements. The role aims to improve livelihoods across NRT member community conservancies through continued investment in water projects, achieved through collaborations and partnerships with County Governments and other stakeholders.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Holistic Water Development: Ensure an integrated and sustainable approach to water development across conservancies, considering environmental, technical, and financial aspects.
• WRM Strategies: Support the WASH Manager in developing and linking Water Resource Management (WRM) strategies to county water development plans and policies.
• Field Work: Conduct water resource surveys, assessments, and mapping in collaboration with the GIS department, prioritizing community needs.
• Feasibility Studies: Undertake technical and feasibility assessments for community water infrastructure projects, preparing comprehensive reports covering legal, hydrological, environmental, social, and technical aspects.
• Engineering Design: Perform technical surveys, design work, and develop Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for community water projects, including gravity and piped systems, sand dams, water pans, rock catchments, boreholes, and water treatment/desalination systems.
• Contract Management: Manage contracts for water project developments within NRT member conservancies.
• Construction Supervision: Supervise construction of water projects to ensure professional standards are met.
• Water Governance: Establish and support conservancy-based water governance structures, ensuring sustainable water supply links to county governments and development partners.
• Coordination and Partnerships: Engage with county governments and stakeholders to enhance coordinated water development and implement WRM strategies.
• WRUA Engagement: Support the registration of conservancies as Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) and oversee transitions.
• Capacity Building: Mentor technical staff on water supply engineering designs and support their registration with relevant professional bodies.

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering/Water Engineering from a recognized university.
• Additional professional courses in rural water supply, water sanitation, etc., from institutions like IHE are advantageous.
• Registration with Engineer’s Board of Kenya (EBK) and Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK).
• Memberships to professional bodies like NEMA Expert, Hydrological Society of Kenya, Geological Society of Kenya, etc., are added advantages.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, EPANET, HECRAS, and ArcGIS.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in water development or natural resource management projects, especially in arid and semi-arid areas.
• Knowledge of relevant Kenyan legislation, including the Water Act, Water Resources Management Rules, Environmental Management Co-ordination Act, etc.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds, respecting and understanding cultural differences.

Technical and Behavioral Competences:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• High level of professional integrity and honesty.
• Ability to work in challenging environments and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Willingness to live in remote areas and travel extensively within Kenya, including camping in NRT member conservancies.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application including a cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experience, academic and professional certificates, testimonials, daytime telephone contact, email address, and names of three professional referees to reach us by close of business on Friday, 21st June 2024 to: recruit@nrt-kenya.org