Decentralised Environmental Solutions (DES) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that specializes in the development of integrated sanitation approaches for the creation of livable cities. As the South African partner to the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), DES shares BORDA’s vision to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in disadvantaged communities. Through developing, implementing, and disseminating decentralised, sustainable technologies and social measures for water, wastewater, energy, and waste, BORDA has helped people worldwide access basic public services for 40 years. BORDA facilitates an international partner network that focuses on providing “Basic Needs Services” to disadvantaged segments of society in four regions: Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Mali), South East Asia, South Asia, and Latin America.

Based in Durban, Decentralised Environmental Solutions is looking for a

Civil/Environmental Engineer

To be trained to design and implement decentralised sanitation solutions and work in environmental protection and mitigation programs.

The Civil/Environmental Engineerwill be responsible for:

  • Detailed engineering designs of sanitation projects
  • Technical feasibility studies for DEWATS, CBS, SBS, solid waste management systems, and biogas projects
  • Construction supervision
  • Timely coordination of information, resources, and stakeholders forassigned implementation projects
  • Fulfilling administrative and reporting requirements of international donors (e.g. BMZ)
  • Developing, implementing, and monitoring of standard operational procedures (SOPs)
  • Developing training manuals and conducting technical trainings
  • Promoting holistic sanitation approaches with regards to BORDA goals
  • Conducting field visits for clients and government officials

Requirements for this post include:

  • BSc, BTech, or higher degree in civil or environmental engineering, or equivalent
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience working as an engineer;experience in non-profit sector desirable
  • Fluent in English writing and speaking with excellent communication skills
  • Ability and willingness to learn about innovative solutions and technologies
  • Self-motivated, ability to manageprojects with little assistance
  • Willingness to work with/near waste water
  • Understanding of plumbing and construction practices is desirable
  • Ability to work with a diverse, multinational team
  • Committed to working on multi-stakeholder projects, which include cooperation with local governments, universities, businesses, international funding agencies
  • Good knowledge of computer software, including MS office and AutoCAD

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at and email your application by Friday, 15thSeptember2017to