NRC : Plumber Ethiopia – Afar

The Norwegian Refugee Council is seeking a Plumber (Water Technician) for a 9-month fixed-term position in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with travel to Aysaita and Berehale. Responsibilities include installing and maintaining plumbing systems, conducting inspections, and training local water operators. The role requires adherence to NRC policies and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective WASH services. This position is not remote as it involves on-site work.
Position: Plumber (Water Technician)

Reports to: WASH Manager

Duty station: 2 position /Aysaita (01) and Berehale (01)/

Travel: Inter Zone travel 80%

Duration and type of contract: 9 months (Fixed Term)

Role and responsibilities

The primary duties of the role are to install new plumbing systems, conduct inspection and operate maintenance of existing systems, and repair and fix plumbing appliances and fixtures. It must be able to read blueprints and understand building codes to accurately install fixtures and piping. Plumbers often work on water supply lines, waste disposal systems, and related appliances and fixtures to ensure it is operating correctly and efficiently. Identify gaps & plan for onsite training to build the capacity of the water guards/operators, water system caretakers, and water attendants in the transit center.

Generic responsibilities

Ensure adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines

Implement delegated support function portfolio according to plan of action

Prepare and develop status reports as required by management

Ensure proper filing of documents

Promote and share ideas for improvement of the support function

Help plan and carry out need assessments, baseline studies periodic studies, and feedback findings to the stakeholders.

Collect data from the Woreda water utility office, community representative, and WASH committees and relevant and prepare regular reports on activities and WASH conditions for monitoring

Promote safe WASH practices, including appropriate use and maintenance of WASH facilities and services

Facilitate appropriate community involvement in the design and delivery of essential WASH infrastructure services and facilities.

Specific Responsibilities

Serve as a main technical focal point for activities related to troubleshooting, operation, and maintenance of electro-mechanical parts (pumps, generators, control systems, etc

) of water supply systems at Asayita/Berhale refugee camp

Inspecting and diagnosing issues with piping systems and plumbing fixtures.

Ensure that all generator sets, valves, and fittings at Pressure and distribution systems, application of water treatment and quality test chemicals, tap stands, and water storage tanks have enough backup up easily moved parts.

Installing pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids.

Prepare detailed specifications including item description of spare parts necessary to fix identified problems on electro-mechanical parts (pumps, generator set, dewatering pumps, water treatment kits, control panels, etc) of water supply schemes

Repairing or replacing damaged or malfunctioning plumbing equipment.

Made updates of each electro-mechanical equipment every month for the total operation hours and status of the generators with their existing location.

Clearing obstructions from sink drains/toilets, Install generators and pumps in the water supply systems.

Collaborating with contractors, construction workers, electricians, pipefitters, and steamfitters in installing and repairing plumbing systems.

Ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards in all installations and repairs.

Prepare monthly progress reports and keep the supervisor informed of the maintenance and/or installation of electro-mechanical parts.

Provide the necessary technical support to Plumber, WMCs, water guard operators, refugee incentive workers, and technicians in the operation and maintenance of their water supply scheme facilities

Carry out other related tasks as directed by the line manager

Generic professional competencies:

Minimum of 3 years and above experience as a plumber and water technician

A Diploma and/or certificate from a qualified educational institute with Water Supply installation and networking works (Plumbing and pump installation)

Strong knowledge and experience in Electromechanical equipment operation and maintenance works, pump installation and networking monitoring, etc.

Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts

Report writing skills especially data recording and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets. Skills in reading and understanding technical drawing software (preferably AutoCAD and Water CAD) and project management software are desirable

Good knowledge of English (speaking and writing)

Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders

Strong facilitation, negotiation, and mediation skills and ability to work independently

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge, and experience:

Experience in undertaking hygiene promotion in a relief program is essential.

Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present technical information

Cultural awareness and experience of working where insecurity is a major issue

Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; fluency in Tigray and Afara is an advantage

Ability to work independently in a result-oriented multi-tasking and multi-cultural environment and manage conflicting priorities.

Proven ability to use MS Office software (especially Word and Excel) is essential. Experience with other computer programs such as EPANET and Microsoft Project would be an advantage.

Behavioral competencies

Handling insecure environment

Planning and delivering results

Empowering and building trust

Communicating with impact and respect

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Date Posted: 2025-03-24

Application Deadline: 24-Mar-26

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Experience in Months: 60