TITLE: Field Assistant – Engineering
LOCATION: Nansana, Uganda
DURATION: One Year – renewable based on performance
REPORTS TO: Project Officer – Engineering
DATE: Closing date, 22″d August 2025, expected to start in September/October 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
The Ugandan Water Project (UWP), through its exclusive implementing organization, Red Rhino Development (RRD), implements and advocates for safe and sustainably managed water, sanitation, and hygiene resources across Uganda, deploying the best available version of each resource and working collaboratively with local stakeholders to ensure they last. UWP is an international non-governmental organization based in Rochester, USA, founded in 2008. RRD is a Ugandan company limited by guarantee and NGO, registered in 2015. The UWP/RRD Ugandan office is located in Yesu Amala, Nansana, Wakiso District.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND:
UP/RRD currently employs four key solutions to meet the unique water challenges of Ugandan communities. The four water solutions that UWP/RRD currently implements are rainwater catchment systems, borehole well rehabilitation, borehole well drilling, and point-of-use water filter distribution. Since 2023, UWP/RRD has been stepping up its approaches to delivery of water service. Believing that the future of Uganda’s water supply to match rapid urbanization lies in motorized or gravity pipe networks, UWP/RRD is partnering with other stakeholders to up-grade hand pump-based boreholes to motorization in Luwero, Wakiso, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi and Bukedea Districts with state-of-the-art pre-paid water metering.
Recognizing that water is needed for more than just drinking, UWP/RRD also distributes and constructs handwashing stands of various sizes. Alongside physical infrastructure installation, UP/RRD prioritizes community training focused on water safety and hygiene practices. Quality
and impact are evaluated by conducting assessments at regular intervals using digital data tools and managing data in the industry-leading, open-access data platform, m Water.
In addition to project-based initiatives, UWP/RRD is investing in water-sources sustainability through system-based approaches. UWP/RRD developed, and is implementing AquaTrust, a market-based program to sustain operation and maintenance of water facilities. In addition to this program, UWP/RRD is preparing a commercial water filter sales program, also under the AquaTrust brand. Furthermore, UWP/RRD is actively supporting the Ministry of Water and Environment uptake of RUMIS (Rural and Urban water Management Information System), an mWater based tool to collect and manage Ugandan water point data at various levels of government.
JOB PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Project Officer – Engineering, the Field Engineering Assistant will be responsible for supporting field engineering operations including, design of water and sanitation systems, development of BoQs, budgeting, implementation, supervision and monitoring of WASH facilities construction and community engagements for acceptability, ownership, operation and maintenance. In addition, S/He will work with and support the Construction and Field Coordination Officer in skilling, supervision, monitoring of construction crew labour, supervision of contractors, overseeing quality control of construction activities and providing technical guidance and training on proper usage/operation and maintenance of WASH facilities.
Additionally, S/He will lead technical engagements with District Water Officers to ensure excellent relationships are maintained. Over 70% of time will be spent in the field
Specific Responsibilities
- Support the Project Officer – Engineering in planning, designing, development of detailed Bills of Quantities and overall budgeting and, preparation of bid documents for implementation of WASH facilities.
- Support the Project Officer – Engineering to manage, supervise and monitor implementation of construction and related activities; hydro-geophysical studies; borehole drilling, rehabilitations, rainwater catchments, system structure construction, etc, ensure high quality control to attain a high standard product and value for money.
- Ensure active and full participation and involvement of district water offices, sub-county staff/leaders, community structures and beneficiaries in planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of construction projects.
- Together with other UWP/RRD field staff, mobilize communities for active participation and involvement in planning and implementation for development, operation and maintenance of WASH facilities, including contributing to capital investment and establishment of a cost recovery mechanism in line with the new MWE operation and maintenance guidelines for operational costs (UWP/RRD AquaTrust).
- Support the Project Officer – Engineering to conduct detailed assessments for project sites, draft layouts and designs of water supply systems, developed in a participatory process that incorporate the needs of the community, including those of women and vulnerable members of the community.
- Participate in bid evaluation and analysis for construction of water and sanitation systems
- Support development of material specifications, and inspect and ensure the right qualities are delivered by suppliers.
- Train, mentor and support Hand Pump Mechanics (HPMs) to ensure high quality standard of their delivery.
- When delegated, represent UP/RRD in sector and cluster coordination meetings and provide prompt feedback.
- Support in the operation and maintenance of prepaid water meters and associated equipment.
- Prepare and submit reports as appropriate.
- Support the Project Officer – Engineering in ensuring regular monitoring of program activities to determine the success of interventions and whenever necessary, recommend changes in program design.
- Support the Project Officer – Engineering in mentoring and developing the capacity of field staff in carrying out technical assessments, water quality testing and promotion of participatory approaches and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities
- Participate in Aqua Trust advocacy, training and enrolment activities at community level.
- Participate in promotion, training, distribution and sale of Water treatment filters and other products fronted for RRD/UWP programs.
- Manage and account for resources discharged in line of duty and RRD/UWP assets assigned for execution of the duties.
- In addition to riding/driving self for work related engagements, may reasonably be required to provide riding/driving support for other RRD/UP engagements.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Country Director, Senior Program Manager, Project Officer – Engineering, Construction and Field Coordination Officer, AquaTrust Program Officer, Aqua Trust Program Assistants, M&E Assistants, Construction Crew and Operational departments (Supply Chain, Finance, HR/Admin).
External: Partner Organizations, District Water Officers, Sub-County Local Government Leadership, Health Extension Workers, Community Development Workers.
REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• Degree / Higher Diploma in, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Experience:
- Three-year experience in implementation of construction projects, preferably WASH projects in NGO or Government organizations.
- Proven knowledge of Construction management and community engagements for ownership/sustainability.
- Familiarity with the national and district government structures.
Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge, skill and experience promoting the sustainability of WASH interventions.
- Computer literacy in MS word, Excel and CAD is a must. Knowledge of EPANET is an added advantage.
- Experience with mWater or other data management platforms is an added advantage.
- Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills.
- Community mobilization and facilitation skills.
- Comfort working in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with various cultures in Uganda is an added advantage.
- Possession of a valid driving/riding permit is an added advantage.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Diplomacy and assertiveness.
Please note:
- This position is open only to Ugandan nationals, male and females.
- The deadline for receiving applications is 22nd August 2025
At RRD/UWP, you will be the right fit for this position if your attitude, attributes and aspirations fit within our values listed below:
Integrity: Do what is right because it’s right, even when nobody is watching.
Expertise: Always learn. Pursue excellence in our job, industry, and context.
Community: Build healthy, vibrant relationships serving one another.
Generosity: Always share & add high value to others.
Agility: Work with urgency, act swiftly, and remain flexible.
Send your application with a cover letter that introduces us to who you are not just what you do, CV and copies of qualification and other documents to:
If by email: redrhino@ugandanwaterproject.com or dorothy@ugandanwaterproject.com
