Field Water Engineer (M/W)

Phénicia Conseil is recruiting on behalf of a leading international non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming rural communities across Africa through the deployment of solar, water, and agricultural technologies. With a footprint spanning multiple African countries and positively impacting the lives of over 5 million people through sustainable infrastructure and community empowerment, a

Field Water Engineer (M/W)

Vryheid office, located in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Local contract, South African nationals or individuals with a valid South African work permit

As Field Water Engineer, you will be responsible for overseeing the technical implementation and operational management of solar-powered water systems in rural communities. Based in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, you will play a pivotal role in project design, execution, and community engagement, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead all field operations related to solar and water infrastructure projects: site identification, construction, implementation, and post-installation monitoring
• Collaborate with local contractors to plan and design solar water pumping systems
• Serve as the technical lead for all water system designs and installations
• Supervise on-site activities throughout all phases of construction and commissioning
• Independently assess and address maintenance needs in malfunctioning systems
• Conduct technical training and sensitization sessions within local communities
• Track and report progress of ongoing installations and maintenance activities
• Liaise regularly with the organisation’s engineering team at HQ to integrate new technologies and remote monitoring systems
• Facilitate community engagement by establishing steering committees and supporting local solar-related micro-enterprises
• Assist the Regional Manager in managing relationships with municipal authorities, community leaders, and international stakeholders
• Provide daily updates and comprehensive progress reports to the international management team

Qualifications & Requirements

We are seeking a motivated and community-oriented professional with a strong technical background in water engineering and a passion for rural development. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering sustainable impact.

• Bachelor’s degree or professional diploma in Water Engineering or a closely related field
• Minimum of 2+ years’ post-graduate experience in rural water system design and implementation
• Familiarity with groundwater, drilling techniques, and water pump technologies is a strong asset
• Experience in maintenance of water infrastructure is highly desirable
• Proficiency in Epanet and Google Earth
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and email communication
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently to field sites
• Ability to work flexible hours and adapt to rural field conditions
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an advantage
• Must reside in KwaZulu-Natal or be willing to relocate

Please send your cover letter and CV to: paolo.bossi@recrutement-phenicia.fr