WASH and Agriculture Engineer 229 views

Location: Farafenni, North Bank Region
Supervisor: Project Manager based in Farafenni
Contract Duration: 3 months with a probation period with the possibility of extension

About COOPI in The Gambia:

COOPI initiated its activities in The Gambia in 2017 with feasibility studies focused on migration patterns and youth vulnerabilities. The organization’s presence in the country was formalized in December 2018 with the opening of offices in Banjul, North Bank, and Central River Regions. Since then, COOPI has been working on two main pillars: 1) tackling the root causes of irregular migration through psychosocial support for returnees, awareness campaigns about the risks, and integrated assistance to unaccompanied minors; 2) supporting the livelihoods of young Gambians, particularly in agriculture and productive infrastructures.

COOPI  has launched a food security project in the North Bank and Central River Regions funded by the Italian Government Presidency of the Council of Ministers with the 8×1000 share of Irpef (FM-2021/266-I92C23000430001). This project aims to enhance the living conditions of vulnerable groups (peasant women and young people) in areas affected by migratory flows. The project focuses on two key aspects: creating employment opportunities for young people through a cash-for-work program and supporting women farmers in community gardens. The direct beneficiaries will be 200 young people engaged in improving production infrastructure and 880 women farmers involved in cultivating community gardens.

Overall Responsibilities

The WASH and Agriculture Engineer is responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of WASH and agricultural infrastructures activities within the project, ensuring alignment with COOPI’s objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning

• Develop and oversee detailed work plans and timelines for all agricultural activities, including Cash-for-Work (CFW) initiatives aimed at improving WASH infrastructure and storage facilities of farming inputs and fences. 
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to adjust work plans and strategies based on field realities and project needs, ensuring all activities are completed within the project period and aligned with project objectives
• Develop the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), WASH infrastructures and storage facilities activities, ensuring accurate estimation of resources, costs, and materials required
• Ensure that all quantities, specifications, and materials align with the project requirements and standards.
• Collaborate with the logistics team to ensure timely procurement and delivery of materials and equipment as per the BoQ.

Implementation

• Collaborate with local authorities and community members to identify and prioritize WASH infrastructure needs and areas for intervention.
• Coordinate, support, and guide Cash for Work (CFW) participants to ensure effective implementation of activities, adherence to project goals, and efficient resource management.
• Carry out technical inspections and provisional acceptance of work completed on site.
• Participate in the final acceptance process of completed infrastructure works.
• Coordinate with the logistics and PM to plan and manage the transportation and distribution of tools, and materials to various project sites.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager (PM) and the Department of Agriculture to plan and develop the Terms of Reference (ToR), tools, and all necessary supporting documents
• Ensure clear understanding and proper application of training content by all participants
• Promote community involvement in the planning and implementation of project activities to foster ownership and sustainability.
• Facilitate the formation and strengthening of community-based organizations or groups focused on agriculture and WASH.
• Coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of agricultural, WASH, and storage facilities activities.
• Represent COOPI in field-level meetings related to WASH, and other infrastructures.

Meal

• Monitor the progress of WASH-related activities, and storage facilities, fences, providing technical support and guidance to CFW participants.
• Monitor with the PM the usage of resources and materials, minimizing wastage and ensuring cost-effective utilization.
• Develop and utilize monitoring tools to assess the impact of interventions and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Participate to the process of capitalization and lessons learned 
• Participate to joint supervision with authorities if any
•  Document and report on all activities, including detailed reports on WASH, and storage construction, fences activities. Ensure these reports cover progress, challenges, and any deviations from the project plan while maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of all interventions to ensure transparency and accountability
• Identify potential gaps or adjustments needed in the implementation and provide recommendations

Additional Responsibilities:

• Take charge of any other tasks assigned to him/her by the Project Coordinator

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Higher National Diploma in Civil/hydraulic Engineering/Construction or a related field, the bachelor’s is an added value.

Experiences:

• At least 2 years of experience in Civil engineering, water, hydraulic engineering, WASH and agricultural project management, rural development, or a similar role.
• Proven experience working with NGOs or humanitarian organizations.

Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge in construction, sustainable agriculture, water management, and WASH, foundation soils.
• Experience in preparing Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and managing logistics in project implementation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities, with experience in conflict resolution and community engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in local languages and familiarity with the local culture.
• Ability to travel and work in remote areas, often under challenging conditions.
• Proficiency in using MS Office and other tools.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Language:

• Excellent communication skills in English and/or Wolof and/or Mandika and/or Fula.

Start Date:

• As soon as possible

Application:

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit their applications through the link https://forms.gle/Gy8S7qYzam5xRE3E9  by 09/02/2025. Please attach your CV and cover letter.

Applications should include contact details of three professional references on the CV or cover letter. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

N.B. COOPI – The Gambia reserves the right to close the position before the deadline should a suitable candidate be found during the recruitment process.