WASH Construction Engineer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI aims to help the world’s poorest to improve their access to healthcare, food, and financial security, and to overcome their special vulnerability to wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. For 50 years of long-term support and constant presence in the field, COOPI has been engaged in breaking the cycle of poverty and responding to specific emergencies in numerous sectors, including Food Security, Humanitarian Aid, Health, Socio-Economical Services, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Human Rights, Education and Training, Migrations and Sustainable Energy.

COOPI started its operations in North-East Nigeria in July 2014 to carry out a rapid evaluation of the most relevant constraints suffered by the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) displaced by the food crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin.The COOPI Nigeria Field Office is located in Sokoto State, in order to cover intervention LGAs in Sokoto State and to provide direct assistance to the IDPs and their hosting communities, through a multi-sectorial program covering Food Security, Disaster Risk Reduction, Social protection, Early Recovery, and Livelihoods, Nutrition and Child Protection interventions. COOPI's capacity to respond to the humanitarian situation in the country is confirmed by its experience in providing humanitarian aid in more than 27 other Countries around the World, in over 50 years of operations.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: WASH Construction Engineer 

Location: Sokoto

Job Summary

• The WASH Construction Engineer will oversee all technical aspects of WASH rehabilitation and infrastructure interventions, and other constructions ensuring smooth and efficient implementation in the target areas.
• The role requires close coordination with the PHP Officer, application of approved technical standards for hygiene promotion, and strict adherence to quality, timelines, and budget to achieve all project objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Project Implementation and Supervision: Ensure that the infrastructure activities are implemented in a timely and professional manner (as per SPHERE and COOPI standards) and in line with beneficiary needs putting in mind the Donor BHA project objectives and ensuring that all activities are in line with project strategy and design.
• Under the direct supervision of theWASH Sector Lead and indirectly the Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager and in collaboration with WASH officer, WaSH/Public Health Promotion Assistants, and other collaborators of the projects and of the Base

Responsibilities
He / She will

• Develop Prepare plans, design, drawings, specifications and cost estimates of the prioritized (re)construction works;
• Prepare work schedule and supervise quality, time, equipment and material of (WASH) (re)construction works;
• Make sure that all required preparations are in place for technical estimates, design and resource management plan, prepare bid documents and support the project team for a bid selection;
• Implement effectively and within time and budget of (WASH) (re)construction interventions as per project requirements;
• Support other sectors in preparing BoQs, designs, and assessment related to rehabilitation and construction activity like the protection safe spaces.
• Develop and review project designs to ensure compliance with relevant standards, procedures and codes;
• Develop and review BoQs and technical specifications;
• Ensure that accurate and detailed records & evidences of project matters are formulated and kept;
• Conduct site assessments and surveys;
• Ensure as far as possible the security of the project, of staff, and of equipment;
• Advise on procurement needs and submit all procurement request to support services unit;
• Provide on-site technical assistance to staffs, contractors or service providers and beneficiaries during the process of implementation, including management of (re)construction activities;
• Coordinate with WASH PHP officers and beneficiary leaders to ensure community participation and ownership during WASH (re)construction interventions;
• Liaise with community leaders and other sectors and agencies (RUWASSA, MoE and MoWR) working locally in order to provide useful inputs within the WASH sector. This includes taking concerns regularly at community meetings and report on requirements as needed;
• Liaise with Hygiene Promotion Officer and Technical assistant and community structures for successful implementation of WASH and community-based activities in IDP Camp, Host communities and health centers.
• Ensure a high degree of awareness regarding the security situation in the project area. Based upon this knowledge take adequate measures to ensure the safety of any and all org staff and equipment in the project location.
• Follow all organization protocols and regulations according to guidance provided by the direct supervisor.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to the organization and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Contribute to the representation of COOPI in WASH meetings and other related coordination mechanisms within and outside the state;
• Provide regular reports, document results, and maintain detailed records
• Maintain close links and collaboration with other WASH teams and sectors including Health, Nutrition, Protection, and MPCA teams throughout the project and support where needed.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable work teams to successfully complete their tasks on time and within budget.
• Support in managing the COOPI Water Laboratory and in conducting water quality testing focused on biological parameters, including Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, and Free Residual Chlorine (FRC).

Information Management / Reporting:

• Providing feedback and reports to the supervisor regarding work plans, contingency plans and general program implementation.
• Support the WASH Sector Lead in drafting bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual reports.
• Ensure that all construction/infrastructure data within the staff’s portfolio of sites is well managed and provides an accurate representation of the reality on the ground.
• Submit regular reports related to the work progress to the WASH Sector Lead.

Security management responsibilities:

• Responsible for the day-to-day security management as it relates to program implementation.
• Abide by the security procedures and policies of the organization and report any breaches.
• Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
Preferred Skills and Experience:

• A University degree in Civil Engineering, Building, Architecture other related certification;
• 3-4 years of experience in engineering and construction works and/or Shelter/WASH activities with a local or international NGO, UN agency, etc.
• Close familiarity with water supply & sanitation engineering, general construction work, water resource or environmental engineering;
• Familiarity with the SPHERE Project and Minimum Standards
• Good experience with effective contractor supervision and contractor performance management and evaluation especially in WASH and general infrastructure.
• Good Knowledge of Nigerian construction standards, codes and regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook Access).
• Proficiency with AUTOCAD engineering design software application.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook Access).
• Good English language skills (verbal and written)
• Willing and able to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where the network may be limited.
• Fluency in Hausa and English.

Application Closing Date
13th February, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.