Field Officer (DRM and NRM Engineer)

CRS is an international humanitarian and development agency working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 and CRS is currently maintaining staff presence in Kabul, Herat, Ghor and Bamiyan, alongside an expanding scope of partnership implemented programs in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh, with strategic expansion planned further in 2026. CRS Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction and promoting resilience, human development through implementing livelihoods, education and emergency response.

Background

CRS is implementing a 36-month EU-funded consortium project in Herat province to strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods and economic stability. The project supports vulnerable households and communities through climate-smart agriculture, market access, financial inclusion, and community-led disaster risk management (CLDRM). CRS’s role includes facilitating DRM committees, supporting participatory DRM planning, and financing community-led preparedness measures in coordination with MAIL, ANDMA, and local governance structures.

The Field Engineer provides comprehensive technical support for the planning, design, and supervision of Disaster Risk Management (DRM)/infrastructure. This includes projects related to water supply, distribution and measures for preventing floods, landslides, and similar hazards.  The primary objective of this role is to ensure the implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure that effectively reduce erosion, is robust enough to withstand future floods, and helps stabilize land, ultimately protecting communities, their assets and their livelihoods.

The type of infrastructure may include, but are not limited to, trenches, check dams, gully plugs, and protection walls to DRM committees. The engineer must be capable of designing appropriately sized and supporting these designs with accurate BoQs. Furthermore, the engineer should be able to conduct  Hydraulic Design and Flood Analysis, Erosion and Sediment Transport Assessments and calculate catchment areas. Finally, the role involves supervising construction to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with technical standards. The engineer ensures that all works meet CRS quality standards, aligns with EU donor requirements, and adheres to commitments regarding Do No Harm, environmental screening and mitigation, safety, and safeguarding .

The Community DRM Committees, supported by the CRS DRM team, will identify priority risks and recommend mitigation measures through the CLDRM planning process, while the Engineer will provide technical validation, leading on design, costing, and construction oversight to ensure all interventions are safe, feasible, and compliant with required standards. The DRM engineer should work with the DRM committee to build their capacities on basic DRM risk management.

Roles and key Responsibilities

A. Technical Design Leadership (DRM/NRM & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure)

1. Provide engineering leadership for DRM/NRM structural and nature‑based interventions prioritized in community DRM plans, ensuring designs comply with ISO 14090/ISO 31000 climate‑adaptation and risk‑management standards, and relevant EU environmental directives, including EIA, Climate Resilience Guidelines, and EU NbS principles.
2. Translate community priorities into feasible engineering options (e.g., trenches, bunds, check dams, gully plugs, protection walls, canal rehabilitation, erosion control, slope stabilization, flood protection, recharge measures,etc).
3. Lead or validate Hydraulic Design and Flood Analysis, Erosion and Sediment Transport Assessments and catchment assessments (runoff pathways, drainage patterns, flood risk points) and basic hydraulic sizing where required for trenches/gully plugs/canal/check dam works.
4. Develop/standardize technical drawings, typical designs, technical specifications, and construction method statements appropriate for local conditions and available materials/labor.

B. Hydrological & Catchment Analysis (Core Requirement)

1. Conduct hydrological assessments for each proposed DRM structure site.
2. Calculate catchment area using field surveys, maps, and available GIS/remote sensing data.
3. Determine runoff coefficients, rainfall intensity, peak flow (Q), and infiltration rates relevant to DRM structures.
4. Use standardized hydrological methods (e.g., Rational Method, SCS Curve Number Method) for sizing structures.
5. Translate hydrological data into hydraulic design parameters (determining scour depth for foundations, spillway capacity for check dams, or required rock sizes for erosion protection).
6. Document all hydrological calculations clearly for review and compliance.

C. Site Selection Support, Surveys, and Feasibility

1. Support CRS/DRM teams and community committees in technical screening of proposed sites, confirming suitability, safety, land constraints, and environmental/social considerations.
2. Conduct topographic surveys, GPS mapping, setting-out, and site investigations (soil type, slope stability, erosion condition, groundwater/springs where relevant).
3. Assess geotechnical suitability of foundation materials for proposed structures (bearing capacity for check dams, stability for retaining walls, permeability for infiltration trenches).
4. Identify and map surface drainage patterns, flow paths, and existing erosion features (rills, gullies, landslides) to inform structure type and placement.
5. Verify access, constructability, seasonal constraints, and logistics planning for remote sites to inform the workplan and cost estimates.
6. Assess availability of local construction materials (stone, aggregate, water) and their quality/suitability for engineering specifications.

D. BoQ Development, Costing, and Procurement Support

1. Prepare high-quality Bills of Quantities (BoQs), engineers’ estimates, and material take-offs aligned with approved designs and donor budget lines.
2. Calculate earthwork volumes (cut and fill) for trenches, terraces, and foundation excavations to ensure accurate cost estimates.
3. Specify material quality requirements (concrete mix design, stone gradation, mortar proportions, reinforcement specifications) within BoQs and technical documents.
4. Support procurement by developing technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and reviewing supplier/contractor technical offers for compliance and value for money.
5. Conduct technical evaluations of contractor bids to verify proposed methodologies, equipment, and experience align with project requirements.
6. Ensure costings reflect local market realities while maintaining EU “value for money” expectations and CRS compliance controls (transparent documentation, audit-ready records).
7. Incorporate cost contingencies for seasonal access constraints, remote logistics, and potential variations in ground conditions encountered during construction.

E. Construction Supervision, Layout, and Quality Control

1. Lead day-to-day technical supervision of community-implemented works (community labor models where applicable).
2. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as necessary to ensure consistent, compliant, and high‑quality implementation of DRM/NRM interventions.
3. Oversee communities work and ensure adherence to design and BoQ.
4. Provide technical specifications for all materials.
5. Monitor quality of materials (gabions, stone, concrete mix, compaction) through field testing (e.g., slump tests for concrete, sieve analysis for aggregates, visual inspection of stone quality)
6. Provide setting-out and layout (benchmarks, levels, alignments), and ensure implementation follows approved drawings, tolerances, and method statements.
7. Verify structural integrity during construction (check dam foundation depth, wall batter/alignment, drainage provision, weephole installation, backfill compaction).
8. Implement a robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) system:
   • Inspection checklists per activity type (foundation excavation, masonry works, concrete curing, gabion filling and lacing, etc.)
   • Materials verification and workmanship standards Site diaries, progress photos with geotags, and daily work records
   • Measurement books, progress verification, and completion certificates
9. Ensure worksite safety and risk mitigation (basic OHS requirements, safe excavations, slope stability during rains, traffic management where relevant).
10. Monitor environmental mitigation measures (e.g., erosion control during works, protection of vegetation, dust suppression, spoil management).
11. Verify quantities and certify contractor invoices based on measured progress and compliance with specs and donor rules.
12. Identify and document any design modifications or field adaptations required due to unforeseen ground conditions, with justification and approval tracked.

F. Environmental & Social Compliance (Do No Harm, Safeguarding, Inclusion)

1. Integrate environmental stewardship, mitigation and climate resilience into designs (erosion control, drainage protection, reforestation, water protection); ensuring any donor compliance
2. Support CRS environmental screening and mitigation planning and ensure activities are environmentally safe and sustainable.
3. Ensure designs and site choices promote eiquitable access (women, IDPs/returnees, PWDs) and reduce conflict risks (land/water disputes), aligning with the project’s Do No Harm and HLP-sensitive commitments.
4. Uphold CRS safeguarding and protection commitments in field conduct, community engagement, and immediately report any safeguarding concerns through CRS channels.

G. Planning, Coordination, and Capacity Strengthening

1. Develop rolling engineering implementation plans, aligned with the project’s indicative action plan and seasonal access constraints.
2. Coordinate closely with:
   • DRM SPO/Program Manager, MEAL team, Supply Chain/Procurement, Finance, Safety/Security
   • Consortium technical working groups (DRM TWG)
3. Provide job coaching to community DRM committees on:
   • Basic infrastructure maintenance
   • Community monitoring tools (e.g., erosion pins, rain gauges where used)
   • Simple quality and safety practices during implementation

4. Ensure strong integration of DRM outcomes with NRM activities, aligning disaster‑risk‑reduction measures, soil and water conservation, and other NRM interventions to achieve coherent, mutually reinforcing project results.

H. Reporting, Documentation, and Knowledge Management

1. Produce timely, high-quality technical documentation, including:
   • Site survey reports and feasibility notes
   • Design packages (drawings, calculations, specs)
   • Document hydrological analyses, design calculations, and as-built drawings.
   • BoQs and cost estimates
2. Weekly/monthly progress updates, photo logs, as-built drawings, completion reports Contribute to donor reporting with clear engineering narratives: progress vs plan, challenges, mitigations, quality issues, and corrective actions.
3. Ensure all infrastructure documentation is audit-ready (traceable approvals, revisions, inspection sign-offs) and supports EU compliance expectations.
4. Document hydrological analyses, design calculations, and as-built drawings.
5. Lead final inspections, prepare snag lists, and support handover.
6. Train community members on the purpose and maintenance of DRM structures.

I. Deliverables (Key Outputs)

• Approved design and BoQ package for each DRM intervention site.
• Documented QA/QC inspections, material checks, and measurement records.
• As-built drawings, completion certificates, handover notes, and maintenance guidance for community committees.
• Implementation of engineering solutions at community level, working closely with DRM committees
• Inputs to project learning (good practices, case studies, before/after evidence) for consortium sharing.

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a closely related field with demonstrated experience in water resources engineering, hydrological analysis, and/or DRM infrastructure design Experience

• Minimum 4–6 years progressive experience in planning, survey, design, and supervision of rural infrastructure, DRM/NRM structures, watershed/soil-water conservation, small irrigation, flood protection, climate resilient infrastructure or related works.
• Specific experience in designing DRM/NRM structures (trenches, check dams, gully plugs, protection walls)  including hydraulic sizing (spillways, scour depth) and geotechnical stability checks.
• Experience conducting hydrological assessments and catchment calculations using standard methods (Rational Method, SCS Curve Number) and GIS tools (QGIS/ArcGIS) for catchment delineation.
• Proven ability to produce complete, audit-ready technical documentation including BoQs, material specifications, inspection checklists, and site reports.
• Experience working with community-led implementation mechanisms (block grants, community contracting, cash-for-work) is highly desirable.
• Experience supervising construction in remote or difficult-access locations, including quality control testing of materials (concrete, masonry, compaction) is an advantage

Technical Skills

• Strong engineering capacity in surveying, Design, quantity estimation, QA/QC, and practical site problem-solving.
• Strong understanding on nature-based solutions/ ecosystem-based DRM, climate‑resilient land‑use planning and soil and water management.
• Proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic calculations.
• Strong command of AutoCAD (required) and basic GIS (preferred).
• Solid knowledge of BoQ preparation and quantity surveying.
• Understanding of construction materials, quality standards, and field testing methods.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, designs, and site documentation.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
 

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: DRM Senior Project Officer, Program Manager, MEAL staff, Field Assistants, and Operations team.
• External: DRM committees, community leaders/Shuras, DAIL representatives, ANDMA, local governance authorities, and other project stakeholders.

• Required Languages – Fluent in Dari; working knowledge of Pashto and English is an advantage.

Travel

Based in the CRS Herat office, with up to 90% travel to project communities in the target districts. Occasional travel to other CRS offices for workshops training or support in other provinces when needed.

CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahrams who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahrams who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight stays.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. 
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., March 28^th, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.