Seeking Experienced and Skilled Senior Engineer in Tanzania Innovation: Africa

Background

Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa. We use solar energy to pump clean water and provide schools, orphanages, and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. iA has completed over 1,200 solar, water, and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, food and proper medical care to more than 5.3 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly trained and qualified individual to join our Tanzania team as a Senior Engineer. The Senior Engineer will lead and oversee the technical design, implementation, and management of Innovation: Africa solar and water projects in Tanzania. This role requires significant expertise in engineering for development, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that solutions are both sustainable and scalable. The Senior Engineer will work closely with both the local technical team and international offices to ensure projects meet iA standards and address the needs of local communities.

The Senior Engineer works under the supervision of the local Project Manager and is responsible for overseeing iA’s solar water pumping systems, technical implementation, liaison with local contractors and in-house engineers, as well as providing technical support in all sites post completion. The Senior Engineer will also be responsible for all iA field activities, including ensuring proper quality control and supervision on the part of the iA technical team, overseeing all project-related activities, providing regular reports and ongoing monitoring of the projects.

Reports To

Project Manager and Country Director

Responsibilities

Project Design and Implementation
Lead the design, planning, and execution of solar-powered water pumping systems
Develop project designs and plans in line with organizational standards, goals and community needs.
Contractor and Subcontractor Management
Lead and manage all contractors and subcontractors involved in project implementation.
Oversee the contractor vetting and selection process, ensuring they meet technical and safety standards, and manage their performance throughout the project.
Lead all project price negotiations with contractors and suppliers, ensuring the best value and quality for the organization.
Ensure clear communication between the organization and all contractors, addressing any issues or delays proactively.
Capacity Building
Train and mentor local engineering teams, building capacity to manage and maintain systems independently.
Provide technical oversight and support for in-country engineers and project staff.
Support the development and implementation of technical training programs for local community stakeholders to support community education on the use and maintenance of water systems.
Technical Supervision and Quality Assurance
Oversee and sign-off on the construction and implementation of engineering projects, ensuring they adhere to iA’s technical standards and regulations.
Conduct field visits to monitor progress and ensure high-quality, durable infrastructure.
Perform quality assurance and control, ensuring safety, reliability, and functionality of systems post-installation.
Project Management
Coordinate closely with the Project Manager to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of projects.
Ensure the technical team’s proper and timely submission of forms from the field to accurately report in real-time project status and updates.
Provide detailed reports on project milestones, technical challenges, and solutions.
Engage in the procurement process, ensuring that materials and equipment meet project requirements.
Participate and contribute to successful field visits from the international team, donors and guests
Maintenance of Existing project
Oversee maintenance needs and activities of water and solar electricity existing projects, lead technical assessments and closely coordinate with the project manager and the maintenance supervisor to prioritize maintenance works and to ensure timely and efficient maintenance activities.
Provide maintenance assessment reports, and compile solutions and designs when needed.
Innovation and Pilot Projects
Lead the implementation of new technologies and pilot projects, assessing their feasibility and effectiveness.
Work closely with the HQ Engineering Department to adapt and scale new technologies suitable for the local context.
Collaboration
Work alongside the programs, operations, and finance departments locally and in HQ to ensure engineering solutions align with broader program goals.
Collaborate with local governments and NGOs, contributing to national and regional WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives.
Health and Safety Compliance
Ensure all projects comply with local and international safety and health regulations.
Promote the use of best practices in sustainable engineering to minimize environmental impacts.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a dedicated team-player with strong interpersonal skills who has a background in engineering, community development and mobilization, and working with international stakeholders. The candidate must demonstrate a proven passion for working with the community and possess detail orientation and problem-solving skills.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or professional diploma in Water, Civil, Electrical Engineering or closely related field, Master’s degree preferred
Technologically oriented with excellent computer skills, including proficiency in email and Microsoft Office software
At least 10 years of working experience in implementations of rural water systems and construction management
Drilling or any relevant experience is an advantage
Proficiency of Epanet is mandatory
Familiarity with renewable energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure.
Project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
Driver’s license
Ability to commit to flexible working hours
Live and speak the local language(s)
High proficiency in English; both writing and speaking

As an international organization, our team works in New York, Israel, and Africa, and is constantly on the move. To maintain close contact despite our travel schedules, we regularly use technology solutions, such as Slack, Zoom and more. The ideal candidate thrives in this type of fast paced environment and is comfortable working with colleagues in different time zones and continents.