Position: WASH Engineer (2 Positions)
Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp (1) & Dadaab Refugee Complex (1)
Duration: 6 Months (April 2026 – September 2026)
Direct Supervisor: Program Engineer

About Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a Japanese Non-Governmental Organization established in 1996. PWJ has been providing humanitarian and development assistance for people affected by forced displacement and natural disasters in more than 20 countries in the world. PWJ launched its mission in Kenya in 2012 and has been implementing projects funded by various donors, including UN agencies and the government of Japan, in the shelter, WASH, infrastructure development, livelihood, and food security to ensure that refugees and host communities access essential services and grow toward self-reliance.
In Garissa and Turkana Counties, Peace Winds is actively engaged in promoting sustainable solutions for protracted refugee situations through its Logistics, WASH and Infrastructure development projects in line with the National Government of Kenya as well as the Garissa and Turkana Counties Integrated Development Plans and strategies such as Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program (KISEDP), Garissa Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program(KISEDP) and the Shirika Plan.

Job Overview
The WASH Engineer will lead, in consultation with the Program Engineer, the technical design, implementation, and management of water supply systems within the designated area of operation. Reporting to the Program Engineer, the successful candidate will provide technical oversight of WASH infrastructure projects and supervise a team of Assistant Engineers and Technicians. The role will ensure that all water infrastructure projects are implemented on time, within budget, and in accordance with established engineering standards and quality requirements.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Technical Design & Planning: Lead the engineering design of complex water systems,
  including hydraulic modeling, solar-hybrid pumping systems, and large-scale distribution
  networks.

• Project Management: Oversee the full project cycle of water infrastructure construction and
  rehabilitation, ensuring strictly adhered-to timelines and quality benchmarks.

• Budgetary Oversight: Manage the WASH budget for water activities, including the
  development of Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and procurement plans.

• Leadership: Directly supervise Assistant WASH Engineers and technical field teams,
  providing mentorship and ensuring optimal performance across the water department.

• Contractor Management: Supervise external contractors and service providers, ensuring
  compliance with contractual obligations and safety standards.

• Coordination & Representation: Represent PWJ in WASH sector coordination meetings
  with UNHCR, the Ministry of Water, and other implementing partners.

• Innovation: Lead the transition toward sustainable green energy solutions (solarization) for
  water production and implement smart metering/monitoring technologies.

• Reporting: Prepare high-quality technical reports for donors (UNHCR, OCHA, etc.)
  detailing production metrics, infrastructure progress, and challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, or a closely related field from a recognized institution.

• Professional Status: Must be registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) at least as a Graduate Engineer and must be in good standing.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in water engineering, with at least 3 years in an NGO set up. A supervisory role within a humanitarian or complex development context will be an added advantage.

• Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, EPANET, or WaterGEMS; deep technical knowledge of borehole drilling, solar pumping technology, and water treatment.

• Soft Skills: Proven leadership and project management skills; ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and work in hardship duty stations.

Language Skills

• English: Professional fluency (both written and spoken).

• Kiswahili: Native/Advanced.

How to apply

Qualified & Interested candidates should submit their resume (2 pages) and a cover letter (1 page) detailing their relevant experience to recruit@peace-winds.or.ke. Please include “Application for WASH Engineer – Kakuma/Dadaab (Please indicate your preferred station)” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is 25th March 2026. You are also required to indicate your expected salary in your application letter. Shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis. Hard copy applications will not be accepted. All Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for this vacancy. Any form of CANVASSING will result in automatic disqualification of the candidate.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

PWJ conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with PWJ must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and our child safeguarding policy.