WASH, Shelter, Infrastructure Officer

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation.

Overall purpose of the role:  

The Wash, Shelter and Infrastructure Officer ensures high-quality planning, implementation, and follow-up of all technical aspects of WASH, shelter, and infrastructure activities within the assigned area. The role ensures compliance with DRC procedures, guidelines, donor requirements, and humanitarian standards.

The Officer develops and maintains effective working relationships with persons of concern, partners, local authorities, community groups, contractors, and humanitarian actors to ensure coordinated, accountable, and timely delivery of sector activities.

The role contributes to the development of area strategies, translating them into concrete action plans and day-to-day operational tasks, while providing technical guidance and support to base operations.

About the job:

Sector Responsibilities

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

• Emergency water supply interventions
• Installation and rehabilitation of water points, wells, and water storage systems
• Water purification activities
• Construction and rehabilitation of latrines
• Hygiene item distribution
• Hygiene promotion, information, and education activities
• Waste management (solid and liquid)

Shelter & Infrastructure

• Provision of emergency shelter assistance
• Rehabilitation and upgrading of housing
• Emergency cash grants related to shelter and infrastructure support
• Construction and rehabilitation of community infrastructure (roads, bridges, community centres, irrigation systems, drainage systems, and other public structures)
• Facilitation and training of community-based infrastructure management groups
• Support to community development plans
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives at community level

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Operations

• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of projects in line with approved budgets, work plans, and technical standards.
• Conduct needs assessments, site assessments, and technical evaluations.
• Develop technical designs, drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), and specifications where required.
• Supervise construction, rehabilitation, and installation works, ensuring quality control and compliance with standards.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation activities, including post-distribution monitoring and technical inspections together with MEAL Team.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, donor proposals, and budget development.

Project Development

• Develop project plans and budgets for funding.
• Develop project tools, budgets, and implementation plans.
• Monitor project progress and ensure timely reporting.
• Identify challenges and propose corrective actions.

Coordination and Representation

• Collaborate with internal and external technical experts on sector-related issues, especially with local partners.
• Represent DRC in relevant technical and coordination meetings: WASH and Shelter clusters.
• Ensure integration and coordination with other DRC sectors.
• Maintain strong relationships with communities, stakeholders, contractors, and local authorities.

Logistics and Finance

• Support the monitoring of financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-up.
• Initiate and follow up on procurement processes, including preparation of technical specifications.
• Coordinate proactively with logistics to ensure timely delivery of materials and implementation of procurement plans.
• Plan and coordinate field movements and operational activities within the area.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Promote community participation in planning and implementation.
• Facilitate the establishment and training of infrastructure and WASH management committees.
• Support safe use, operation, and maintenance of facilities.
• Ensure accountability, safeguarding, and protection principles are integrated into all activities.

About you:

To be successful in this role we expect that you possess the following:

Personal Specification 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant practical experience in WASH, shelter, or infrastructure programming with an INGO.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.) 

• Relevant university degree (e.g., Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Construction Management) or equivalent professional qualification.

Languages: (indicate fluency level) 

• Fluency in Arabic
• Advanced English proficiency

Key stakeholders: (internal and external) 

• SM Team
• Area Manager
• WASH and Shelters actors and coordination groups (WASH and Shelter clusters).
• Local and International Partners.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Location: Gaza Strip

Closing date for applications: 28-02-2027

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may be closed once a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are highly encouraged.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.