How to Apply: Visit the application link provided on this page to submit your application for the WASH Assistant - Tana River role at Save the Children.
Prove You Can Supervise WASH Construction in Arid Lands
This role is about keeping boreholes, troughs, and reticulation systems moving while hygiene promotion and NFI distribution run alongside. Hiring managers will screen for field-ready engineers who can document quality, manage contractors, and work with communities in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, or Tana River.
1. Map your WASH construction experience to the exact assets: On your CV, list the specific infrastructure you have supervised: animal troughs, tank platforms, elevated tower tanks, reticulation systems, borehole equipping, or solarization. For each, note the location, contract value if known, and your role in quality checks. This shows you understand the technical scope, not just general construction.
2. Show you can work with contractors and communities: The posting mentions site meetings with contractors and community representatives. Prepare examples where you gave feedback, resolved disputes, or ensured community participation. Interviewers often ask how you handled a contractor who fell behind on quality; have a clear story about using checklists and escalation.
3. Bring proof of hygiene promotion and NFI distribution: You will lead distribution of jerricans, buckets, soap, PUR, and Aquatabs. Describe a time you organized a distribution, tracked beneficiaries, and linked it to hygiene messaging. Mention how you ensured women, children, and disabled people were included.
4. Demonstrate monitoring and reporting discipline: Weekly data reporting on beneficiaries and activities is core. Be ready to talk about tools you have used, how you validated numbers, and how you wrote daily reports. If you have success stories documented, bring one that shows impact.
5. Prepare for integration questions: Save the Children integrates WASH with nutrition, health, education, and child protection. Think of an example where you coordinated with another sector to avoid duplication or improve outcomes. This shows you can work beyond silos.
6. Address the emergency context directly: The role is oriented to El Niño preparedness and emergency response. Show you understand the pressures: rapid assessments, insecure environments, and flexible logistics. If you have worked in arid or semi-arid lands, highlight how you adapted to water scarcity and long distances.
7. Prove language and cultural sensitivity: English and Kiswahili are required, and Somali is an added advantage. If you speak Somali, state it clearly. Also prepare to discuss how you navigate cultural sensitivities, especially around gender and child protection in conservative communities.
8. Align with Save the Children values: The posting stresses accountability, ambition, and child focus. In your application, use the STAR method to show how you managed resources efficiently or held a team accountable. Mention any experience with child safeguarding or equal opportunities policies.