LOCATION: Kiboga and Kyankwanzi, Uganda
DURATION: One Year – renewable based on performance
REPORTS TO: Project Officer - Engineering
DATE: Closing date, 5^th July 2026, expected to start in July/August 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:
The Ugandan Water Project (UWP), through its exclusive implementing organization, Red Rhino Development (RRD), implements and advocates for safe and sustainably managed water, sanitation, and hygiene resources across Uganda, deploying the best available version of each resource and working collaboratively with local stakeholders to ensure they last. UWP is an international non-governmental organization based in Rochester, USA, founded in 2008. RRD is a Ugandan company limited by guarantee and NGO, registered in 2015. The UWP/RRD Ugandan office is located in Yesu Amala, Nansana, Wakiso District.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:
UWP/RRD currently employs four key solutions to meet the unique water challenges of Ugandan communities. The four water solutions that UWP/RRD currently implements are rainwater catchment systems, borehole well rehabilitations, borehole well drilling, and point-of-use water filter distribution. Since 2023, UWP/RRD has been stepping up its approaches to delivery of water service. Believing that the future of Uganda’s water supply to match rapid urbanization lies in motorized or gravity pipe networks, UWP/RRD is partnering with other stakeholders to up-grade hand pump based boreholes to motorization in Luwero, Wakiso, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi and Bukedea Districts with state-of-the-art pre-paid water metering.

Recognizing that water is needed for more than just drinking, UWP/RRD also distributes and constructs hand-washing stands of various sizes. Alongside physical infrastructure installation, UWP/RRD prioritizes community training focused on water safety and hygiene practices. Quality and impact are evaluated by conducting assessments at regular intervals using digital data tools and managing data in the industry-leading, open-access data platform, mWater.

In addition to project-based initiatives, UWP/RRD is investing in water-sources sustainability through systems-based approaches. UWP/RRD developed, and is implementing AquaTrust, a market-based program to sustainable operation and maintenance of water facilities. In addition to this program, UWP/RRD is preparing a commercial water filter sales program, also under the AquaTrust brand. Furthermore, UWP/RRD is actively supporting the Ministry of Water and Environment uptake of RUMIS (Rural and Urban water Management Information System), an mWater based tool to collect and manage Ugandan water point data at various levels of government.

JOB PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Project Officer – Engineering, the Field Engineering Assistant will be responsible for supporting field engineering operations including, design of water and sanitation systems, development of BoQs, budgeting, implementation, supervision and monitoring of WASH facilities construction and community engagements for acceptability, ownership, operation and maintenance. Based in Kiboga and Kyankwanzi districts, the Field Engineering Assistant will oversee construction, rehabilitation and operation and maintenance of water systems in these districts and other districts which RRD might expand into using Kiboga/Kyankwanzi offices as the base. As and when required, S/He will from time to time also support country office engineering and programming activities. In addition, S/He will oversee and support Scheme Operators /Plumbers and Hand Pump Mechanics (HPMs) in skilling, supervision, monitoring of functionality, operation and maintenance of water systems /water points. S/He will skill own-force crew labour, supervise contractors, oversee quality control of construction activities and, providing technical guidance and training on proper usage/operation and maintenance of WASH facilities. Additionally, working with the Program Assistants in the respective district, S/He will support timely response for preventive maintenance and emergency response to break-downs. S/He will lead technical engagements with District Water Officers to ensure excellent relationships are maintained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Planning, Design and Procurement Support

• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in planning, designing, development of detailed Bills of Quantities and overall budgeting and preparation of bid documents for implementation of WASH facilities.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering to conduct detailed assessments for project sites, draft layouts and designs of water supply systems, developed in a participatory process that incorporate the needs of the community, including those of women and vulnerable members of the community.
• Participate in bid evaluation and analysis for construction of water and sanitation systems.
• Support development of material specifications, inspect and ensure the right qualities are delivered by suppliers.

2. Construction Management and Quality Assurance

• Support the Project Officer – Engineering to manage, supervise and monitor implementation of construction and related activities; hydro-geophysical studies; borehole drilling, rehabilitations, rainwater catchments, system structure construction, etc, ensure high quality control to attain a high standard product and value for money. Should add data collection, mapping of piped systems components and assets into mWater as part of the responsibilities.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in ensuring regular monitoring of program activities to determine the success of interventions and whenever necessary, recommend changes in program design.
• Prepare and submit reports as appropriate.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Participation

• Ensure active and full participation and involvement of district water offices, sub-county staff/leaders, community structures and beneficiaries in planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of construction projects.
• Together with other UWP/RRD field staff, mobilize communities for active participation and involvement in planning and implementation for development, operation and maintenance of WASH facilities including contributing to capital investment and establishment of a cost recovery mechanism in line with the new MWE operation and maintenance guidelines for operational costs (UWP/RRD AquaTrust).
• When delegated, represent UWP/RRD in sector and cluster coordination meetings and provide prompt feedback.
• Participate in AquaTrust advocacy, training and enrollment activities at community level.

4. Operations, Maintenance and Utility Management

• Train, mentor and support Hand Pump Mechanics (HPMs), Scheme Operators / Plumbers /Technicians to ensure high quality standard of their delivery, initial overhauls, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, monitoring pipelines and other assets, quick identification and fixing faults, monitoring non-revenue water and ensuring payment compliance, etc.
• Support in the operation and maintenance of prepaid water meters and associated equipment.
• Oversee utility management, ensure water systems under the AquaTrust model provide water 24/7, interruptions are responded to within 24 hours, appropriate spareparts are prepositioned to ensure timely response.

5. Capacity Building and Staff Development

• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in mentoring and developing the capacity of field staff in carrying out technical assessments, water quality testing and promotion of participatory approaches and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities.

6. Resource Management and Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage and account for resources discharged in line of duty and RRD/UWP assets assigned for execution of the duties.

7. Transport and Operational Support

• In addition to riding/driving self for work related engagements, may reasonably be required to provide riding/driving support for other RRD/UWP engagements.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Country Director, Senior Program Manager, Project Officer – Engineering, Construction and Field Coordination Officer, AquaTrust Program Officer, AquaTrust Program Assistants, M&E Assistants, Construction Crew and Operational departments (Supply Chain, Finance, HR/Admin).

External: Partner Organizations, District Water Officers, Sub-County Local Government Leadership, Health Extension Workers, Community Development Workers.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Experience:

• Three-year experience in implementation of construction projects, preferably WASH projects in NGO or Government organizations.
• Proven knowledge of Construction management and community engagements for ownership/sustainability.
• Familiarity with the national and district government structures.
• Experience in utility management will be an added advantage

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge, skill and experience promoting the sustainability of WASH interventions
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel and CAD is a must. Knowledge of EPANET is an added advantage.
• Experience with mWater or other data management platforms is added advantage
• Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills
• Community mobilization and facilitation skills
• Comfort working in a multicultural and a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with various cultures in Uganda is an added advantage
• Possession of a valid driving/riding permit is an added advantage
• Fluency in English is required
• Diplomacy and assertiveness

Please note:

• This position is open only to Ugandan nationals, male and females.
• Deadline for receiving applications is 5th July 2026

At RRD/UWP, you will be the right fit for this position if your attitude, attributes and aspirations fit within our values listed below:

Integrity: Do what is right because it’s right, even when nobody is watching.
Expertise: Always learn. Pursue excellence in our job, industry, and context.
Community: Build healthy, vibrant relationships serving one another.
Generosity: Always share & add high value to others.
Agility: Work with urgency, act swiftly, and remain flexible.

• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in planning, designing, development of detailed Bills of Quantities and overall budgeting and preparation of bid documents for implementation of WASH facilities.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering to conduct detailed assessments for project sites, draft layouts and designs of water supply systems, developed in a participatory process that incorporate the needs of the community, including those of women and vulnerable members of the community.
• Participate in bid evaluation and analysis for construction of water and sanitation systems.
• Support development of material specifications, inspect and ensure the right qualities are delivered by suppliers.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering to manage, supervise and monitor implementation of construction and related activities; hydro-geophysical studies; borehole drilling, rehabilitations, rainwater catchments, system structure construction, etc, ensure high quality control to attain a high standard product and value for money. Should add data collection, mapping of piped systems components and assets into mWater as part of the responsibilities.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in ensuring regular monitoring of program activities to determine the success of interventions and whenever necessary, recommend changes in program design.
• Prepare and submit reports as appropriate.
• Ensure active and full participation and involvement of district water offices, sub-county staff/leaders, community structures and beneficiaries in planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of construction projects.
• Together with other UWP/RRD field staff, mobilize communities for active participation and involvement in planning and implementation for development, operation and maintenance of WASH facilities including contributing to capital investment and establishment of a cost recovery mechanism in line with the new MWE operation and maintenance guidelines for operational costs (UWP/RRD AquaTrust).
• When delegated, represent UWP/RRD in sector and cluster coordination meetings and provide prompt feedback.
• Participate in AquaTrust advocacy, training and enrollment activities at community level.
• Train, mentor and support Hand Pump Mechanics (HPMs), Scheme Operators / Plumbers /Technicians to ensure high quality standard of their delivery, initial overhauls, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, monitoring pipelines and other assets, quick identification and fixing faults, monitoring non-revenue water and ensuring payment compliance, etc.
• Support in the operation and maintenance of prepaid water meters and associated equipment.
• Oversee utility management, ensure water systems under the AquaTrust model provide water 24/7, interruptions are responded to within 24 hours, appropriate spareparts are prepositioned to ensure timely response.
• Support the Project Officer – Engineering in mentoring and developing the capacity of field staff in carrying out technical assessments, water quality testing and promotion of participatory approaches and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities.
• Manage and account for resources discharged in line of duty and RRD/UWP assets assigned for execution of the duties.
• In addition to riding/driving self for work related engagements, may reasonably be required to provide riding/driving support for other RRD/UWP engagements.

• Knowledge, skill and experience promoting the sustainability of WASH interventions
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel and CAD is a must. Knowledge of EPANET is an added advantage.
• Experience with mWater or other data management platforms is added advantage
• Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills
• Community mobilization and facilitation skills
• Comfort working in a multicultural and a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with various cultures in Uganda is an added advantage
• Possession of a valid driving/riding permit is an added advantage
• Fluency in English is required
• Diplomacy and assertiveness

• Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
• Three-year experience in implementation of construction projects, preferably WASH projects in NGO or Government organizations.
• Proven knowledge of Construction management and community engagements for ownership/sustainability.
• Familiarity with the national and district government structures.
• Experience in utility management will be an added advantage