Senior Engineer

About Water For People

Water For People India Trust is a non-profit organization which supports people of developing countries to improve their quality of life by promoting locally sustainable drinking water sources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene programs. We believe that access to safe water and adequate sanitation are basic human rights and can help put an end to needless suffering and mortality from water related preventable diseases.

Water for People India initiated its operations in West Bengal in 1996 in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. Consistent with the global vision and mission, we exist to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments. Our organizational values are: accountability, courage, empowerment, partnership and transparency. Water for People India programs have been implemented in 26 districts in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam.

In all, nearly 1.2 million people have been reached through community drinking water and sanitation, WASH in public institutions and market led approaches to sanitation. By 2023, Water for People India programs aim to directly benefit 2.7 million people. We aim to build capacities at the district level which will contribute to organizational commitments, thereby indirectly benefiting 14.8 million people. Water for People India implements programs through locally registered non-government organizations.

Workplace Values

• Connects to the Mission – embraces the mission of Water For People and is passionate about advancing the dynamic role it plays leading social impact in international development
• Demonstrates Ethics and Integrity – understands ethical behavior and business practices, and ensures that own behavior is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
• Demonstrates Cultural Awareness – shows empathy and integrity; able to engage the wide range of stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and cultures
• Connects with Others – demonstrates exceptional communications and interpersonal skills, exceptional networker, key influencer, and be comfortable representing Water For People across a wide variety of audiences
• Action-oriented – has an unwavering commitment to delivering quality work products
• Manages through Ambiguity – demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in responding to change and ambiguity
• Self-confident – handles tough questions or critique in a professional manner assuming the best intentions; open to feedback and coaching

Position Summary

Role Overview:

The Senior Technical Officer will play a pivotal role in overseeing and get involved in the construction/retrofitting work as proposed in the ITC supported project at West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. This position requires comprehensive skills in preparation of DPR in AutoCAD or any other advanced tool, field supervision, vendor coordination, and demonstrating team leadership. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the successful execution of projects from DPR (Detailed Project Report) preparation to field construction site supervision, billing, and vendor guidance. Additionally, the position requires extending monitoring support, technical guidance, and mentoring support to junior technical team members in Assam and Odisha. Also, the position will extend support to other WFP supported projects as and when required.

The duty station for the said position is mainly at Water For People India Trust Office, Assam Office, Kamrup District (Bijoynagar Town) . He/she will also be required to extend support to the Odisha and Kolkata team and look after the technical work and support junior engineers on a regular basis. . The position comprises 80 % of the field work and 20 % office work for necessary reports and documentation. The field work involves regular visit to all project sites, locations of partners, concern government departments and stakeholders and also responsible to visit other project areas of Water For People as and when required

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 1. Detailed Project Report (DPR) Preparation:
      • Undergo visits to the proposed sites and prepare technical feasibility of sites.
      • Collaborate with project stakeholders to gather requirements and prepare detailed project reports.
      • Ensure adherence to project timelines and budgetary constraints during DPR preparation. Include technical innovations and need based solutions as much as possible.
   2. Field Construction Site Supervision:
      • Oversee and monitor construction activities at project sites in West Bengal and extend support in Assam and Odisha.
      • Implement quality control measures to ensure compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
      • Address any technical challenges or issues encountered during construction promptly and effectively.
   3. Billing and Vendor Coordination:
      • Verify and approve vendor invoices based on actual work done and comparing the DPR/ final approved estimate. Ensure all required documentation work and process for any deviation in plan,  estimate and actual work done.
      • Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to resolve any billing discrepancies or disputes in a timely manner.
      • Evaluate vendor performance and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
   4. Construction/Retrofitting Work:
      • Ensure the smooth execution of construction work supported by ITC initiatives.
      • Collaborate with project team/stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise for project success.
      • Stay updated on ITC guidelines and best practices to enhance project outcomes.
   5. Team Leadership and Guidance:
      • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior technical team members.
      • Conduct regular training sessions to enhance team skills and competencies.
      • Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment to promote team morale and productivity.
   6. Program Management:
      • Engage with the project teams towards securing community contributions in cash or kind for clearly defined activities; establish and maintain data in relation to total costs, and community contributions for each construction/renovation.
      • Assist the program team in conducting technical, program and partner appraisal study for expansion of water and sanitation programs at Water for People in India.

Any Other

Any other tasks as assigned by the line manager

Prerequisites for the position

Educational Background:

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience in project management adhering to timely deliverables, vendor handling skills preferably in infrastructure or construction related projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of DPR preparation using digital tools, construction processes, materials, and methods.

Preferred skills & Competencies:

• Understanding of the local context with regards to local regulations and physical environment conditions.
• Field based leadership & management skills, Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work well in a team environment and with communities.
• Knowledge of the local language will be an asset. Good skills in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
• Sound Technical Knowledge and Understanding of all civil works

Desired Experience:

A minimum of 5 to 7 years of working experience. Experience of working with communities and/ or WASH issues will be an advantage.

Email ID for CV Submission –hr-india@waterforpeople.org with subject line “Senior Engineer- Assam”

How to Apply:

Please apply on email id mentioned above on or before 03 Oct 2024, while mentioning title of the position in subject line.

Water For People is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with strict confidence.

Water For People has ZERO Tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment including sexual harassment and gender / racial discrimination. Any selection therefore will be subject to satisfactory reference and background check.

Last Date: October 3, 2024