Site Engineer

General Position Summary

The Site Engineer reports to the Project Engineer and plays a central role in ensuring the high‑quality implementation of RFS infrastructure activities in Anaba and Abshar districts. They support the day‑to‑day supervision of construction and rehabilitation works—including irrigation canal improvements, watershed management structures, gabion/protection walls, slope stabilization, and rural access road works—while ensuring that all activities follow approved technical designs, standards, and Mercy Corps’ policies and procedures. The Site Engineer conducts regular field monitoring, verifies quality and progress, oversees skilled and unskilled laborers, and ensures that materials and resources are used appropriately and efficiently. They are responsible for maintaining accurate technical documentation, reporting site progress, identifying issues or delays, and escalating challenges to the Project Engineer for timely mitigation. The role requires close coordination with community leaders, CBPP committees, contractors, and technical teams to ensure smooth and compliant implementation. The Site Engineer is based in Panjshir Province with daily travel to project sites and contributes to maintaining safety, accountability, and strong community relationships throughout the duration of the RFS project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Support the Project Engineer in supervising and implementing rehabilitation of irrigation canals, watershed management structures, gabion/protection walls, slope stabilization, and rural access road improvements under the RFS project.
• Assist in conducting technical assessments, site surveys, measurements, and verification of infrastructure needs based on CBPP priorities and technical designs.
• Supervise daily field activities carried out by laborers, skilled workers, and contractors to ensure compliance with provided drawings, BoQs, and technical specifications.
• Monitor the progress and quality of construction works, immediately reporting any deviations, delays, or technical issues to the Project Engineer.
• Ensure proper use of construction materials; verify quantities delivered, stored, and used on-site in accordance with BoQs and procurement documentation.
• Support the implementation of livelihood‑related infrastructure needs (e.g., small livestock sheds, training spaces, processing units) in coordination with SLO and SSVC teams where required.
• Conduct regular site inspections and maintain clear records of work progress, challenges, material usage, and labor attendance.
• Assist with preparing and verifying technical documents—including site reports, daily logs, measurement sheets, material request forms, and completion notes.
• Maintain strong communication with community leaders, CBPP committees, and beneficiaries to ensure smooth implementation and local participation.
• Support the Project Engineer in preparing/update weekly and monthly technical progress reports, MoVs, and photographic documentation.
• Ensure timely identification of risks or safety issues on-site and enforce appropriate safety measures to protect workers and community members.
• Participate in joint field visits with WFP, TPM, government authorities, and Mercy Corps teams; ensure accurate technical information is shared.
• Support the preparation of BoQs, sketches, and simple engineering drawings under the supervision of the Project Engineer.
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams by providing accurate specifications, conducting technical checks during material delivery, and verifying quality.
• Assist in verifying contractor work completion before submitting invoices for approval by the Project Engineer.
• Maintain strong working relationships with communities, ensuring transparency and respect for local norms while upholding Mercy Corps’ accountability standards.
• Ensure compliance with Mercy Corps policies, safety protocols, safeguarding principles, environmental standards, and Do No Harm guidelines in all activities.
• Conduct oneself professionally and respectfully to represent Mercy Corps positively.
• Other duties as assigned by the Project Engineer or Project Manager.

 

Project Coordination and Management

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting and documentation in coordination with the Project Manager, and other team members.

 

Representation

• Represent Mercy Corps in community meetings and stakeholder engagements within the project areas.

 

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our program participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility: Site Supervisors

 

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Project Engineer

Works Directly With: Project Engineer, Site Supervisors, Livelihoods & Agriculture Staff, Community Engagement Officers, CARM, MEL, Procurement, Finance, and WFP/TPM counterparts.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical field.
• 1–2 years of experience in rural infrastructure, irrigation systems, watershed management, or small‑scale construction projects (community‑based preferred).
• Experience conducting field measurements, technical assessments, BoQ verification, and construction supervision.
• Familiarity with Afghanistan’s rural infrastructure context, especially in mountainous provinces such as Panjshir.
• Understanding of community‑led planning processes (CBPP) and ability to work closely with communities and local authorities.
• Experience working in agriculture, livelihoods, or resilience projects is an advantage.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, prepare basic sketches, and verify quantities.
• Strong communication, coordination, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain detailed records, technical documentation, and progress reports.
• Basic proficiency in MS Office and engineering tools (AutoCAD preferred).
• High integrity, commitment to compliance, and adherence to Mercy Corps’ safeguarding and accountability principles.
• Fluency in Dari required; Pashto and basic English are added advantages.
• Willingness to travel daily to remote and hard‑to‑reach field sites.