Job Title: Field Engineering Assistant
Organisation: Red Rhino Development Limited
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
Red Rhino Development Limited (RRD) is a registered nonprofit non-governmental organization (NGO) operating primarily in Uganda. It serves as the exclusive local implementing organization for the Ugandan Water Project (UWP), a US-based humanitarian initiative.
Job Summary: 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.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- 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.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and Interested applicants should apply online at the link below.
Deadline: 5th July 2026
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Level of Education: associate degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36