Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

 Job Overview/Summary: 

The Design Engineer will be responsible for producing the full technical design package for infrastructures under the SUIDAC Project, ensuring compliance with applicable safety standards, structural integrity, and site-specific conditions in Assosa City.

Duties and Responsibilities

Site layout and preparation drawings

• Prepare the site plan / topographic survey showing site boundaries and topography

• Prepare the grading and drainage plan detailing slopes, earthworks, and sub-base preparation to prevent water pooling near play structures

• Prepare the site layout and dimension plan locating play structures, benches, and fencing relative to fixed property lines

Equipment placement and assembly drawings

• Prepare the equipment layout / top view (2D/3D) showing placement of slides, swings, climbing frames, and other equipment

• Prepare component installation drawings based on manufacturer specifications, including deck heights, post lengths, and fastening methods

Safety and structural detail drawings

• Prepare the fall zone / use zone plan identifying required unobstructed safety areas around equipment

• Prepare footing and anchor detail drawings (sectional / cut-away) specifying depth, diameter, and concrete requirements for equipment anchoring

• Prepare fencing layout and detail drawings

• Prepare signage and visibility plans

• Prepare the emergency and escape plan

Technical documentation

• Prepare a detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) for all civil works and equipment

• Prepare technical specifications for civil works

• Prepare technical specifications for the playground equipment

General duties

• Ensure all drawings and documents comply with relevant national and international safety standards for playground equipment (e.g., EN 1176/1177 or equivalent)

• Coordinate with project management, procurement, and EH teams

• Ensure design deliverables are technically accurate, buildable, and cost-effective

• Incorporate site-specific environmental and climatic conditions of Assosa City into all designs

• Submit deliverables in the required format (CAD/PDF) within agreed timelines

• Participate in design review meetings and incorporate stakeholder feedback

• Ensure the playground installation is in line with the technical design

Key working relationship

• Internal: FC, SUIDAC Project Manager, SHP Officer, Procurement and EH teams

• External: Local authorities in Assosa City and other direct project stakeholders as required

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to establish team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Develop ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements

Education:

• BSc or MSc in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field

Experience:

• Minimum work experience of 5 years for Diploma, 2 years for BSc and 1 year for MSc/MD.

• Demonstrated experience preparing technical drawings, Bills of Quantities, and technical specifications

• Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly with displacement-affected communities, is an asset

• NGO experience is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of site grading, drainage, and structural anchoring principles

• Familiarity with playground safety standards (e.g., EN 1176/1177, ASTM F1487, or equivalent) is an advantage

• Proficiency in the following design software is required: AutoCAD / Civil 3D, SketchUp, and Revit

• Must own a personal laptop pre-installed with the necessary design software (e.g., AutoCAD/Civil 3D, SketchUp, Revit) required to perform the duties of this role

• Good report-writing and documentation skills

• Strong technical and analytical skills, with close attention to detail on safety-critical specifications

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Good communication and coordination skills within multidisciplinary teams

• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the local context in Assosa City

Language Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English, Amharic, and ability to speak local language is advantageous.

How To Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: THIS LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for

• Date of application

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing 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 and allowances

Job Requirements BSc or MSc in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field with relevant work experience How to Apply Click the apply button below Note: Submit your application with a cover letter that includes the position title, date of application, a summary of qualifications and experience, motivation for applying, addresses, telephone number if available, email address, and three references. Do not call or visit in person.