Technical and Training Officer at Save The Slum Initiative

Save the Slum Initiative is a non-governmental organization with registration CAC/IT/NO 139240, STSI was founded in 2016 and is committed to responding to current needs to improve the life of people living in slums and local communities across Nigeria. STSI envisions improving the living standards of vulnerable persons and communities and our overall aim is to work with urban poor to bring about long-term and sustainable transformation to their quality of life and to also provide better community-based healthcare and empowerment education and environmental improvement to all communities that will serve.

We intervene in various sectors like WASH, Education, Protection, Nutrition, Health, and Livelihood of humanitarian sectors and community development projects. Since its inception in 2016, STSI have implemented in over 16 States in Nigeria and other African States.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical and Training Officer

Location: Akwa Ibom
Employment Type: Contract
Department: Wash/ Programs
Reports To: Program Manager
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Duration: 7 Months
Start Date: 10th Nov 2025

Summary

• The Technical and Training Manager will provide overall technical leadership, oversight, and quality assurance for all solar energy and WASH components of the project.
• A key focus of the role is to build local capacity by developing and implementing comprehensive training programs for community members, local technicians, and project staff, ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of the interventions.

Responsibilities
Technical Leadership and Oversight:

• Lead the technical assessment, design, and implementation of solar energy systems (e.g., solar home systems, solar-powered water pumps, community solar mini-grids).
• Lead the technical design, rehabilitation, and construction of WASH infrastructure, including boreholes, hand-dug wells, water distribution networks, and sanitation facilities.
• Develop and review technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and drawings for all solar and WASH infrastructure.
• Supervise and monitor contractors and field teams to ensure all work complies with national and international technical standards, safety codes, and project specifications.
• Conduct regular field inspections to monitor progress, identify technical challenges, and propose effective solutions.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Conduct a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) for project staff, local government WASH departments, community water management committees, and potential solar technicians.
• Develop, contextualize, and implement comprehensive training modules and manuals on:
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of solar energy systems.
• O&M of WASH infrastructure (pumps, handpumps, pipe systems).
• Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).
• Hygiene Promotion techniques and behavior change communication.
• Basic business skills for Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) or micro-enterprises related to WASH and energy.
• Train and mentor a team of "Community-Based Technicians" to perform basic repairs and maintenance on solar and WASH facilities.
• Establish a system for ongoing technical support and refresher training for beneficiaries.

Project Management and Reporting:

• Develop detailed work plans for the technical and training components of the project.
• Manage the technical and training budget, ensuring efficient and timely utilization of resources.
• Prepare high-quality tec hnical reports on project activities, outputs, and outcomes for the Project Director and donors.
• Ensure all technical data (e.g., water quality test results, solar system performance data) is accurately collected, managed, and reported.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Liaise with relevant state government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Akwa Ibom Water Company Ltd).
• Coordinate with other NGOs and UN agencies working in the WASH and Energy sectors in Akwa Ibom to avoid duplication and share best practices.
• Represent the organization in technical working groups and clusters.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning:

• Work with the M&E team to develop technical indicators and tools to monitor the performance and functionality of installed systems.
• Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices related to the integrated Solarization and WASH approach.

Requirements
Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, or a directly related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in technically managing and implementing WASH programs, including hardware and software components.
• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing training curricula and conducting hands-on technical training for diverse audiences, including low-literacy groups.

Desirable:

• Professional certification in solar energy (e.g., from NABCEP or a recognized institution).
• Previous work experience in Akwa Ibom State or the South-South region of Nigeria.
• Experience with community mobilization and participatory approaches (e.g., PHAST, CLTS).
• Experience in gender mainstreaming and ensuring the participation of women and vulnerable groups in technical training.

Personal Competencies:

• Excellent leadership and mentoring skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and live in a remote area.
  High level of integrity and commitment to accountability.

Working Conditions:
Physical Environment:

• Office-based with regular field visits to remote locations
• Occasional work in challenging environments with limited infrastructure
• May require work outside normal business hours for system maintenance

Health and Safety:

• Adherence to organizational security protocols
• Compliance with health and safety procedures in field locations
• Basic first aid training may be required

Terms and Condition of Employment
Contract Terms:
This position is subject to Nigerian Labour Act 2004 and organizational employment policies:

• Probationary Period: 1 months
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day (standard humanitarian sector practice)

Safeguarding and Compliance
Child Protection:

• This position requires adherence to organizational child safeguarding policies
• Background checks and reference verification required
• Commitment to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults

Code of Conduct:

• Adherence to humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence
• Compliance with anti-corruption and fraud prevention policies
• Respect for beneficiary dignity and cultural sensitivity

Benefits Package

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Housing allowance
• Transportation allowance for field visits

Application Closing Date
19th November, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note
Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter addressing the specific requirements
• Detailed CV with relevant experience
• Academic certificates and professional certifications
• Three professional references
• Valid identification documents

Other Information:

• Save The Slum Initiative is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
• We encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, or disability status.
• Female candidates and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Save The Slum is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.
• We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of abuse, harassment, or exploitation.

Disclaimer:

• This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification based on organizational needs and operational requirements.
• The incumbent may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the position.