WASH Manager
Brief details:
- Location: Muyinga
- Vacancy No: JR00001902
- Employer: IRC International Rescue Committee
- Deadline: 2026-02-17
Qualifications:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Context and brief history of the IRC
Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. Present in more than 40 countries across the globe, on every continent, the IRC’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and take control of their future.
The IRC opened its offices in Burundi in 1996 and initially focused on lifesaving interventions and providing immediate assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. With funding from multiple donors, the IRC is currently implementing a multi-sectoral response program for Congolese refugees affected by the recent crisis in the DRC. IRC Burundi is also focusing on post-conflict interventions to support the country’s transition to lasting peace and stability.
IRC Burundi has a dynamic post-conflict program encompassing gender-based violence prevention and response, child protection, social cohesion, protection and the rule of law, economic recovery and development (ERD), and environmental health. Its clients are vulnerable and marginalized populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and other vulnerable groups such as women, children, and youth. The IRC works with the Burundian government, local and international partners to enhance the protection, economic empowerment, and social cohesion of these groups, as well as their access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. The IRC’s main office is in Bujumbura, serving as both its headquarters and a base for its programs in the city. Field offices are located in Muyinga and Ruyigi.
Job objective
Within the framework of tender N°: IRC/BDI/RFPMASH01l2021 for the execution of construction and/or rehabilitation works of four (04) drinking water supply systems (AEP), nineteen (19) water connections of Schools and Health Centers from existing AEPs or SCEPs, construction and/or rehabilitation of sixty-nine (69) latrine blocks, installation of twenty-two (22) rainwater harvesting systems (SCEP) and development of nineteen (19) garbage pits in targeted schools and health centers in four (4) former communes (Butihinda, Gashoho, Gasorwe and Muyinga) of the former MUYINGA province, considering the reservations issued by the acceptance commission on the Nyamuhondi-Rugari AEP, and following conclusive supplementary investigation studies carried out during October 2025, IRC is launching the recruitment of a Wash manager responsible for the technical coordination of the resumption of work on the said AEP.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical quality
Define the programmatic strategy to ensure the work is carried out properly within the planned timeframe;
Develop and design appropriate tools for monitoring and supervising the rehabilitation work of the Nyamihondi-Rugari water supply system in line with the recommendations from the investigation study carried out by a consultant;
Produce detailed monthly reports and alert IRC through the Muyinga office about any difficulties encountered in implementation;
Participate in the work of the procurement committee for the evaluation of bids and the identification of the company that will be responsible for carrying out the AEP correction work;
Train the project officer and the AEP management committee and monitor the implementation, addressing technical and contextual aspects in favor of the different approaches to be promoted;
During field visits, ensure that all activities carried out comply with best practices, are demonstrable, and that gender and conflict prevention/management aspects are taken into account;
Ensure, in collaboration with the finance and operations departments of the country program, that the financial management, logistics, procurement, administration and human resources needs of the program are in line with IRC policy;
To ensure the capitalization of lessons learned, experiences and technical tools that can be used by other WASH projects within IRC.
Human resource management and capacity development
Maintain open and professional relationships with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing supervision and guidance to enable staff to perform their duties successfully;
Ensure that monthly work plans and attendance sheets are completed and submitted;
Participate in the recruitment of project staff, in coordination with human resources;
Identify, in conjunction with Human Resources, the capacity building needs of program staff in order to help ensure better project implementation;
Promote the IRC code of conduct (“IRC Way”) to all supervised individuals.
Activity tracking and reporting
Develop and maintain effective and efficient monitoring, quality control and reporting systems and processes;
Ensure regular monitoring of activities in the field;
Ensure the quality of activity reports produced by the project teams, the quality of indicators and the quality of IRC’s achievements in accordance with the donor’s requirements;
Ensure the preparation of monthly activity reports for the IRC coordination;
Prepare and submit project reports to the donor in a timely manner.
Coordination & Representation
Develop and actively maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including government actors, United Nations agencies, international and local NGOs and other relevant actors;
Obtain information, authorizations and support from the technical and administrative authorities related to the EAH of the area before the implementation of activities (implementation protocols);
Represent IRC on WASH exchange platforms at the national level;
Ensure that the IRC’s contribution to the Environmental Health / WASH sector in Burundi is recognized and valued by all stakeholders through proactive participation in regular and ad hoc representation and inter-agency coordination;
Ensure that women and girls are prioritized in each program outcome area in order to improve gender mainstreaming and reduce the gender gap.
Others
Systematically and proactively monitor/assess the security of field teams, promptly report any problems or incidents to IRC management, and liaise with other external parties as needed and appropriately to maintain/improve the security environment;
Ensure compliance with IRC security protocols and procedures;
Living IRC’s values on a daily basis;
Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.
REQUIRED PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS
University degree (Bac+4 minimum) in the appropriate disciplines: Hydraulic Engineer, Civil Engineer;
Have at least ten (10) years of professional work experience in managing drinking water supply infrastructure construction projects;
Have a mastery in conducting technical feasibility studies of hydraulic works and supervised at least five (5) similar studies in a team leader position;
Proven experience in monitoring and supervising the construction work of drinking water networks and the development of water sources;
Mastering the project/program management cycle ;
Have at least 4 years of experience working with a humanitarian or development organization in the field of water;
Have at least 10 years of experience in supervising teams;
Having a strong ability to organize, plan and monitor;
Being able to work independently and take initiative;
Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team;
Possess good report writing and oral communication skills;
Proven ability to integrate into multicultural teams;
Perfect mastery of computer tools;
Proficiency in modeling software such as EPANET, design software such as AutoCAD, and surveying software such as ArcGIS
OTHER SKILLS
To be very dynamic and proactive;
Having the ability to learn quickly;
Demonstrate personal integrity;
Having a sense of fairness, justice, respect and organizational loyalty;
Demonstrate strong negotiation and working skills with government partners and other non- governmental institutions;
Strong listening skills;
Knowing how to proactively detect, analyze and find solutions to problems.
Adherence to the IRC Code of Conduct (IRC Way)
The IRC and IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles contained in the IRC Way (Standards of Professional Conduct). These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on beneficiary protection from exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding, anti-harassment in the workplace, financial integrity, and anti-retaliation.
Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality
The IRC recognizes and honors the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. The IRC is also committed to closing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce, including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits.
All applications must include: A cover letter addressed to the P&C Coordinator, IRC Burundi. • A certified copy of the diploma and certificates of service • Identity card • A curriculum vitae • 3 references (Name and surname, Telephone and Email).
Applications must be submitted electronically only.
The deadline for submitting applications is set for February 16, 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a test and/or an interview.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.