The Senior Technician role, based in Turkana, Kenya, reports to the Regional Manager Turkana with guidance from the Lead Engineer. The primary responsibility is to perform technical tasks related to Water Mission's safe water solutions, adhering strictly to established standards and procedures within the Regional office. This position involves frequent travel to remote locations within Kenya or surrounding countries.
Organizational Culture
As an employee of Water Mission Kenya, the Senior Technician is expected to develop a biblical worldview culture, striving for God-honoring excellence in all work. Key cultural responsibilities include providing accurate data, empowering staff to acknowledge and resolve mistakes/problems, and ensuring solutions consistently align with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and standards. The person must be self-driven, a devoted Christian with a clear calling from God, and possess a heartfelt passion for the mission.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public.
Technical and Operational Responsibilities
- Carry out installation of solar PV systems, including electrical wiring, mounting of inverters and panels, testing, installation of main switches, and other standard electrical work.
- Conduct troubleshooting and repair work on solar energy systems, including identifying and resolving issues related to wiring, connections, and equipment malfunctions.
- Perform regular inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical systems and equipment.
- Act as site team-leader during installations, ensuring efficient, safe, and quality work with adherence to Water Mission’s high standard of installation, best practice, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations.
- Ensure quality output in the solar installations, wiring of solar panels, and installation of electrical equipment, providing contractors with necessary direction.
- Develop maintenance schedules and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
- Train system operators on the day-to-day running and operation of the systems, including daily monitoring of residual chlorine levels in treated water.
- Monitor quality testing and assist with borehole/spring/well yield tests.
- Read and understand engineering drawings.
- Perform assessments in communities, including water quality and quantity testing, survey measurements, and other required aspects.
- Provide timely project reporting, including monthly reports, assessment reports, and follow-up reports with accompanying photographs as per specific assignment guidelines.
- Timely support completed projects by attending to system operations and maintenance related issues.
- Comply with all existing organizational policies and procedures.
- Provide disaster response support and work in other countries as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
- Education: Diploma/Higher Diploma in engineering (Civil, Environmental, Electrical, or Electro-mechanical Engineering). A Bachelor's degree is an added advantage.
- Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a specialized field, preferably related to water systems.
- Technical Skills: Specialized technical skills required (such as plumbing, welding, electrician work, and building).
- Software Proficiency: Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and drafting programs (AutoCAD/PowerCADD, SolidWorks/ProE).
- Certification & Licensing: Relevant certification is required, along with a valid Driver’s license.
- Language: Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili is required.
- Communication & Management: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including cross-cultural communication, along with excellent analytical, project planning, and management skills.
- Cultural & Behavioral Requirements:
- Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values (Love, Excellence, Integrity).
- Thorough understanding of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
- Consistent lifestyle and behavior that bears a good witness to the Christian faith.
- A level of impeccable integrity and stewardship.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus and work collaboratively and effectively.
- Must be standards and detail-oriented with the ability to plan ahead.
- Travel/Relocation: Must reside in Turkana, Kenya, and be willing and available to travel to remote places and occasional trips abroad.
- Legal Status: Legal authorization to work in Kenya without sponsorship is required. Qualified local candidates are encouraged to apply.
