WatHab Generalist Project Officer

What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

What we offer

• By joining our organization, you will have an opportunity to practise your profession in stimulating, complex, and sometimes challenging environments, where your work can really make a difference.
• You will work with colleagues from various fields of expertise in a cross-cutting manner to help victims of conflict and other situations of violence. You will be dealing with humanitarian situations that require experience, resourcefulness, and innovation to achieve the best possible impact.
• You will work for the oldest major international humanitarian organization in the world, adding to your sense of achievement in alleviating the suffering of people and communities and giving you the chance to promote humanitarian values in these turbulent times.
• You will benefit from a competitive employment package, including different possibilities for career and personal development. You will take part in an onboarding course and follow continuous training to build your career within the ICRC and beyond.
• Competitive compensation package, a monthly salary with benefits including (13th salary, International Retirement Saving Plan (IRSP), medical coverage, life insurance, mobility allowance, and social security scheme).

Purpose

The WatHab Generalist Project Officer brings civil and structural engineering expertise to the WatHab team in Iraq. The role focuses on the structural assessment, design and rehabilitation of facilities linked to medico-legal (forensic) services in support of the identification of missing persons, as well as places of detention and hospital emergency departments. While Baghdad is the duty station, the position may support projects in other parts of Iraq as required, and regular travel within the country is expected.

The WatHab Generalist Project Officer carries out structural condition assessments of existing buildings and develops and reviews structural analyses, calculations, designs and drawings for new construction, extensions and rehabilitation works, ensuring structural safety, compliance with applicable codes, durability and constructability. The role contributes to assessments and feasibility studies, supports preparation of technical documentation and tender dossiers, and follows up on implementation with contractors to ensure quality and compliance with project requirements. Working within a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists, the position strengthens the technical quality and coherence of designs and supports effective delivery of projects across the programme.

Relationships

• Interacts closely with WatHab Operation Managers and Project Managers for technical guidance, planning, and project follow-up.
• Collaborates with Technical Experts (architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, environmental) to ensure multidisciplinary coordination and quality of engineering designs.
• Coordinates with ICRC Support Departments (Logistics, Finance & Administration, Procurement, and Security) to ensure compliance with internal procedures and smooth project implementation.

Externally:

• Engages with relevant public institutions, local authorities, and beneficiary communities in relation to assessments, design validation, project implementation, and handover processes.
• Maintains regular interaction with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to monitor works progress, ensure adherence to specifications and timelines, and uphold quality and contractual standards.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Contributes to the study of the project brief or "vision" document and understands the needs and challenges. Assists project or programme managers in identifying and analysing needs through assessments and surveys.
• Contributes to the identification and collaboration with all stakeholders who may have an influence on the success of the projects.
• Contributes to the collection of all the information and data necessary to prepare the projects. Prepares feasibility studies/project proposals, and technical designs (specifications, drawings, BoQs, etc.) with support from technical experts (internal or external consultants).
• Performs structural analysis and design of reinforced concrete, steel and masonry structures (including foundations, slabs, retaining walls, water tanks and roof structures) using appropriate structural design software, and prepares calculation notes and structural drawings in line with applicable national and international codes.
• Carries out structural condition and integrity assessments of existing buildings (visual inspection, non-destructive testing, review of available as-built information) and recommends repair, strengthening or demolition solutions.
• Reviews structural designs, calculation notes and shop drawings prepared by consultants and contractors, and verifies their compliance with project requirements and applicable codes.
• Contributes to the submission of the project documents to the project or programme manager for review.
• Actively contributes to the launch of procurement and works contracts in accordance with delegation's rules and ensures follow up.
• Organizes and supervises the proper implementation of the works and activities related to the project(s).
• Ensures quality control of structural works on site (setting-out, reinforcement and formwork inspection, concrete pouring and curing, material and soil testing) and verifies test results against specifications.
• Ensures the necessary communication and training to the "client" for the proper use of the facilities, equipment and services.
• Ensures the commissioning and handover of infrastructure and equipment to the relevant parties.
• Ensures proper and timely reporting using the appropriate tools (PAM, etc.)
• Manages regular (repeatable design already approved by thematic experts) and/or small (consolidated experience in the country) multi-disciplinary projects.
• Supervises project workers activities.

Professional experience required

• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in structural analysis and design of buildings
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in construction project management
• Experience in the design, assessment and/or implementation of public buildings (health facilities, places of
• detention or similar institutional buildings), including structural assessment, repair or strengthening of existing structures.
• Familiar with applied National building codes and building permit regulations
• Proficiency in structural analysis and design software (e.g. ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, STAAD.Pro or equivalent) and in AutoCAD. Knowledge of Revit Structure / BIM is an asset.
• Experience in managing contractors and projects’ supervision.
• Experience in the assessment, repair and strengthening of existing structures is an asset. Registration with the Iraqi Engineers Union is an asset.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree (or equivalent) and qualifying experience in Civil Engineering; specialisation or postgraduate qualification in Structural Engineering is an asset. Only applicants with a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering will be considered for this position.
• Very Good command of English and Fluent Arabic. Kurdish language is an asset.

Additional information

• Job Title: WatHab Generalist Project Officer
• Level: B2
• Duty Station: Iraq – Baghdad Delegation
• Reports to: WatHab Generalist Project Manager 1
• Duration of Contract: 12 Month fixed-term contract.
• Date of Issue: 08 Oct 2026
• Deadline for applications: 21 Oct 2026
  
  

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position is open to national candidates.

No Fee: ICRC DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS WHETHER APPLICATION, TESTS, INTERVIEWS OR PROCESSING.