Emergency Response Civil Engineer (WASH)

Job Description

Position Title: Emergency Response Civil Engineer (WASH)

Duty Station City: Caracas
Duty Station Country: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Special Short-Term
Recruiting Type: General Service
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: until 31 december 2026

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered 

• First-tier candidates: Internal candidates.
• Second tier candidates include: All external candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non‑governmental partners. IOM promotes the orderly and humane management of migration, advances international cooperation on migration issues, supports practical solutions to emerging challenges, and provides humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including internally displaced person.

Responsibilities

1.    Conduct rapid and detailed technical assessments of water supply, sanitation, and drainage infrastructure in temporary shelter sites, collective centers, schools, and affected communities.
2.    Design, plan, and supervise the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of emergency WASH infrastructure, including water supply systems, distribution networks, storage tanks, water points, latrines, showers, handwashing stations, and drainage systems.
3.    Oversee the installation and operation of temporary WASH service solutions in transitional sites, ensuring compliance with humanitarian standards, protection principles, and public health requirements.
4.    Prepare technical specifications, drawings, bills of quantities, cost estimates, and other engineering documentation required for procurement and implementation processes.
5.    Monitor the quality, quantity, and continuity of water supply services, promoting safe water treatment, storage, and water quality control measures.
6.    Coordinate with education authorities and sector partners to assess and progressively rehabilitate WASH facilities in schools that are being reopened and reoccupied by affected populations.
7.    Supervise contractors, suppliers, and technical personnel involved in WASH works and activities, ensuring compliance with quality standards, occupational health and safety requirements, and implementation schedules.
8.    Support the identification and mitigation of public health, protection, gender, accessibility, and inclusion risks related to WASH facilities and services.
9.    Participate in sectoral planning and coordination with government institutions, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other humanitarian stakeholders.
10.    Collect, analyze, and report technical information on construction progress, WASH indicators, identified needs, operational challenges, and lessons learned.
11.    Monitor activities implemented by partners and contractors, documenting non-compliance issues and proposing corrective measures.
12.    Support hygiene promotion activities and the operation and maintenance of WASH facilities through capacity-building initiatives for communities, committees, and local stakeholders.
13.    Ensure that all interventions incorporate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and preparedness principles.
14.    Prepare periodic technical reports, maps, databases, photographic records, engineering documentation, and other deliverables required by the organization and donors.
15.    Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor in support of emergency WASH response operations

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or,
• High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience
•  Experience or specialization in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), sanitary engineering, water resources management, disaster risk management, humanitarian response, or related fields will be highly valued.
•  Certifications related to humanitarian standards and frameworks (Sphere Standards, WASH Cluster, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), Protection, or Emergency Management) are considered an asset.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience coordinating with government authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations agencies, and nongovernmental organizations; and communities.
• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 
• Relevant professional experience in the design, construction, supervision, or rehabilitation of water, sanitation, or civil infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in WASH programming, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, drainage infrastructure, and community infrastructure rehabilitation.
• Previous experience in humanitarian emergencies, early recovery, disaster response, or post-disaster reconstruction operations is highly desirable.
• Experience conducting damage and needs assessments and supervising emergency infrastructure works and contractors
• Experience preparing budgets, cost estimates, bills of quantities, technical specifications, and construction monitoring reports.
• Proven ability to work in complex operational environments and conduct regular field missions to affected areas.
• Previous experience in projects funded by international donors is an advantage.
   

Skills

• Strong knowledge of WASH standards and guidelines applicable to humanitarian settings, including Sphere Standards, WHO, UNICEF, and WASH Cluster guidance.
• Technical knowledge of water supply systems, emergency sanitation solutions, wastewater management, and stormwater drainage.
• Ability to prepare, review, and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction documentation
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS software, or other engineering design and analysis tools is an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong technical report-writing and documentation skills in English and Spanish.
• Excellent coordination, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of Protection, Gender, Inclusion, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) approaches within WASH programming.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to rapidly evolving emergency contexts.
• Willingness and availability to travel frequently to field locations throughout the affected areas.
   

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Spanish is required (oral and written)

Desirable: Working knowledge of English

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. 

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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