About the Organization
HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is an independent development organization committed to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged people and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. With decades of global experience, HELVETAS works across sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, governance, and climate resilience.
The organization partners with governments, civil society, academic institutions, and private sector actors to implement innovative and community-centered solutions. Through its development programs, HELVETAS strengthens local capacities and systems to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
In Ethiopia, HELVETAS plays a critical role in advancing rural infrastructure and connectivity. By focusing on safe and reliable access routes, especially in remote regions, the organization contributes directly to improved livelihoods, food security, and access to essential services.
The Infrastructure Development Officer will contribute to key rural connectivity initiatives, including the TRAIL III Project and the Rural Connectivity for Improved Food Security Program (RCFSP). These programs aim to enhance safe access for rural communities through improved trail bridges and foot trail networks.
This position offers an opportunity to work within a mission-driven organization where technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and professional growth are highly valued.
Job Description
The Infrastructure Development Officer will provide technical leadership and operational support in rural infrastructure development, with a strong focus on trail bridges and foot trail networks. The role combines engineering expertise, capacity building, coordination, and quality assurance.
The officer will coordinate trail bridge needs assessments in collaboration with project partners and stakeholders to support informed planning and budgeting decisions.
The role involves promoting the inclusion of trail bridges and trail improvements in government development plans and financing mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
The officer will work closely with universities to strengthen innovation in bridge design and integrate trail bridge technology into academic curricula, contributing to the next generation of engineers.
A major responsibility includes delivering training, coaching, and technical support to regional teams, government institutions, consultants, contractors, and communities. The officer will facilitate knowledge transfer from Nepal coaches to Ethiopian engineers and stakeholders.
The position requires advising on bridge design, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), technical specifications, and compliance with applicable regulations and design manuals.
The officer will support rural transport engineering activities including project design, supervision, implementation, and coordination with donors and development partners.
The role also includes contributing to tender preparation, evaluation processes, and review of technical and financial proposals related to infrastructure works.
The officer will assist government technical teams in monitoring consultant and contractor performance, ensuring quality standards and preparing completion reports.
Ensuring compliance with standards set by the Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) is a key responsibility of this role.
The officer will prepare engineering work plans, monitor implementation progress, and take corrective actions where necessary to ensure timely project delivery.
The role includes active participation in site assessments, design reviews for suspended and suspension bridges, and risk mitigation planning.
The officer will support the development and operationalization of a web-based data management system for rural infrastructure projects.
Preparing technical reports, case studies, and documentation of lessons learned will be part of the knowledge management function of the role.
This position provides a unique opportunity to influence national rural infrastructure systems, strengthen institutional capacity, and directly improve rural mobility and food security outcomes.
Educational Qualification
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology and Management, Public Works Engineering, or a related field.
Advanced certifications or additional professional training in bridge design, rural transport systems, or project management will be considered an advantage.
Work Experience
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant and progressive professional experience in rural road construction planning, budgeting, design, supervision, contract management, and monitoring.
• Proven experience in quality assurance and quality control of trail bridges and footpath networks.
• Demonstrated experience in surveying, design, and execution of rural infrastructure projects.
• Experience working with international NGOs or donor-funded road projects is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Ethiopia’s Road Sector Development Program and related standards and guidelines is desirable.
Required Skills and Competencies
• Strong knowledge of engineering codes, standards, and best practices in rural infrastructure development.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications including MS Project, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
• Knowledge of GIS software is considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in the local language of the duty region is mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, flexibility, and ability to work independently.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and analytical skills.
This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The selected candidate will gain exposure to innovative bridge technologies, cross-country knowledge exchange, and high-level coordination with government and development partners.
The position allows engineers to expand their expertise in sustainable rural transport systems and contribute to impactful infrastructure solutions that transform communities.
Job Location
Afar Region, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Salary
Full-Time Position
Salary and benefits package will be offered in accordance with HELVETAS policies and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit their application letter and updated CV via email to HumanResources.ETH@helvetas.org.
Please clearly indicate the position title “Infrastructure Development Officer” and the duty station in the subject line of your email.
Scanned certificates and other supporting documents are not required at this stage of the application process.
The application deadline is March 6, 2026.
Female candidates and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. HELVETAS is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Joining HELVETAS means becoming part of a professional team dedicated to improving rural connectivity and creating lasting development impact. If you are passionate about engineering excellence and sustainable rural development, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.