Project Engineer

Project Engineer – Mangochi

Organization: Water Mission

Location: Mangochi, Malawi

About Water Mission

Water Mission is a Christian engineering non-profit dedicated to building sustainable, safe water solutions for communities in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster-affected regions. Since 2001, Water Mission has impacted over 8 million lives across 60 countries by providing safe water and sharing the message of God's love. Working at Water Mission is considered a calling, offering a career path for individuals with the courage, passion, and drive to make a global difference. Learn more about our Statement of Faith and Christian Mission.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Projects Engineer, the Project Engineer is instrumental in the planning, assessment, design, implementation, commissioning, and monitoring of safe water supply projects. This role ensures projects align with Water Mission’s engineering standards, donor requirements, and organizational procedures. The Project Engineer provides technical leadership and oversight to Engineering Technicians, contractors, consultants, and field teams throughout the project lifecycle. The goal is to deliver technically sound, cost-effective, and sustainable water systems safely, on schedule, and within budget. Collaboration with other departments (Community Development, M&E, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations) and external stakeholders is crucial for effective project delivery and long-term system sustainability.

This position is based in Mangochi, Malawi, with frequent travel to project sites across Malawi and occasional travel to other Water Mission country programs as needed.

Our Culture

Water Mission Malawi fosters a culture of God-honoring excellence. Employees are expected to provide accurate data, acknowledge mistakes as learning opportunities, and consistently strive for excellence in solutions that align with Water Mission's mission, vision, values, and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Mission Responsibilities:




• Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership.


• Participate in team prayer and biblically based devotions.


• Uphold Water Mission's core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.


• Integrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ through actions and words.


• Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.




2. Project Planning and Engineering Design:




• Conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, and site investigations.


• Perform water resource assessments, quality analyses, yield testing, and topographical surveys.


• Design sustainable rural and institutional water supply systems.


• Prepare hydraulic designs, pipeline layouts, pump-sizing calculations, and engineering drawings.


• Design solar-powered water pumping systems and associated electrical infrastructure.


• Develop technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), cost estimates, scopes of work, and implementation schedules.


• Ensure all designs comply with Water Mission standards, national regulations, and engineering practices.




3. Project Implementation and Construction Management:




• Lead project implementation from inception through handover.


• Supervise and provide technical direction to field teams, contractors, and consultants.


• Monitor project progress against designs, specifications, budgets, and schedules.


• Conduct site inspections and quality assurance reviews.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during implementation.


• Coordinate corrective actions for non-compliant work.




4. Water Systems Operations and Sustainability:




• Support system commissioning, testing, and performance verification.


• Monitor operational performance and recommend improvements for reliability and sustainability.


• Provide technical support for system rehabilitation and expansion.


• Lead technical investigations into system failures and implement corrective actions.


• Support emergency water system installations when required.




5. Technical Leadership and Capacity Building:




• Provide technical leadership, supervision, mentoring, and coaching to field personnel.


• Strengthen team technical capacity through coaching and training.


• Train Water User Committees and operators on system operation and maintenance.


• Promote engineering innovation, standardization, and knowledge sharing.




6. Reporting and Documentation:




• Prepare high-quality engineering reports (assessment, design, implementation, commissioning, progress).


• Review and approve technical documentation from Technicians.


• Maintain accurate engineering drawings, project records, and technical documentation.


• Prepare technical reports and presentations for various stakeholders.




7. Health, Safety, and Compliance:




• Ensure compliance with Water Mission’s health, safety, environmental, safeguarding, and quality standards.


• Promote and enforce safe working practices.


• Ensure contractor and team compliance with specifications and procedures.


• Identify and mitigate project-related safety risks.




8. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:




• Work closely with internal departments for coordinated project delivery.


• Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, consultants, contractors, communities, and partners.


• Represent Water Mission at technical meetings and stakeholder engagements.


• Provide technical input for planning, procurement, and proposal development.




9. Other Responsibilities:




• Support emergency and disaster response activities.


• Participate in organizational training and professional development.


• Perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Relationship and Alignment: A personal Christian faith and alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and values. Commitment to servant leadership, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.


• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Water Engineering preferred, or a related engineering discipline with demonstrated water supply engineering experience. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in WASH and water supply projects. Registration with Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI) or eligibility is required. Experience in hydraulic design, solar systems, and construction supervision is essential. Experience with INGOs or donor-funded projects is advantageous. A valid Class B driver’s license and ability to drive a manual 4x4 vehicle are required.


• Skills and Abilities: Sound technical knowledge of rural water supply systems, groundwater development, water treatment, and hydraulic design. Proficiency in design software (EPANET, AutoCAD; Civil 3D preferred). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities. Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Application Instructions

Apply online via Water Mission’s careers portal: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/watermission/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/3084

Closing Date: 10 September 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.