Job description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT @ WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL
LOCATION: Lilongwe
POSITION: HYDRO-GEOLOGIST – WASH
OVERVIEW
World Vision International is a Christian humanitarian organisation with 75 years of experience helping vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. Inspired by its Christian faith, the organisation works with children and communities in nearly 100 countries.
World Vision International invites applications from suitably qualified local candidates for the position of Hydro-geologist – WASH, based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in groundwater geophysical surveys, groundwater exploration, drilling operations, pump testing, pump installation, and water quality testing. The role will also strengthen technical capacity within the Ministry of Health, District Health Offices, Area Programmes, and other relevant stakeholders.
JOB TYPE: Full Time
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Local – Fixed-Term Employee
Application Deadline: Saturday, 21st November 2026
Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi
Applicant Eligibility: Local applicants only
POSITION: HYDRO-GEOLOGIST – WASH
JOB SUMMARY
The Hydro-geologist will lead groundwater investigation and drilling activities, ensuring that water sources are properly selected, developed, tested, and installed in accordance with technical standards and community needs.
The successful candidate will also provide technical guidance to WASH staff, government personnel, and private contractors involved in borehole construction and water supply development.
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Groundwater Exploration and Drilling Operations
Lead groundwater geophysical surveys, groundwater exploration, and detailed investigations in partnership with Area Programmes (APs), engineers, and government staff.
Lead overall drilling operations, pump testing, and pump installations.
Manage water quality testing and pump installation processes.
Provide technical oversight of groundwater source selection and investigation activities.
Ensure drilling and borehole completion activities comply with technical standards and community needs.
2. Technical Planning and Documentation
Lead the preparation of bidding documents, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), contract documents, and well designs for drilling works.
Support Supply Chain Management (SCM) in evaluating bidding and contract documents.
Prepare annual plans for drilling operations, water quality testing, pump testing, pump installations, and groundwater investigations.
Prepare and review reports, proposals, and concept papers.
Follow up on implementation to ensure compliance with established standards.
Prepare detailed specifications and manage drilling supplies, pumps, and pump-testing equipment based on approved study designs.
3. Equipment and Operational Management
Plan and manage the servicing and maintenance of drilling equipment to ensure it remains operational.
Lead and manage the World Vision Malawi drilling team using a cost-recovery approach.
Ensure efficient utilisation and proper management of drilling equipment, pumps, and related supplies.
4. Technical Quality and Compliance
Ensure technical excellence in drilling and borehole completion.
Ensure compliance with community needs, donor requirements, World Vision policies, government policies, and national standards.
Support the development and implementation of appropriate technical procedures and standards.
5. Capacity Building and Training
Build the capacity of WASH staff in groundwater investigation, site selection, pump testing, pump installation, and water quality testing.
Provide technical training to National Office (NO), Programme Office (PrO), and Area Programme (AP) staff.
Support training and capacity development for relevant stakeholders.
Build the capacity of Area Programmes to supervise and control private contractors providing technical services, particularly borehole construction.
6. Resource Mobilisation and Cross-Cutting Issues
Support resource mobilisation for the Technical Programme through the preparation of WASH concept notes and proposals.
Promote cross-cutting themes, including environmental protection, gender, child protection, disability inclusion, peacebuilding, and Christian commitment.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must possess one of the following:
A Master's degree in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering, Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field; or
A Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or Earth Science.
Professional Experience
The applicants must have the following experience requirements:
For Master's degree holders: at least four (4) years of experience in well-site selection and study design.
For Bachelor's degree holders: at least ten (10) years of experience in groundwater exploration in Malawi.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
Experience in the study and design of groundwater sources.
Experience using geophysical instruments.
Exposure to team management.
Computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel.
TECHNICAL TRAINING AND SKILLS
Professional technical skills in well-site selection.
Practical experience using geophysical instruments.
Knowledge of groundwater exploration and investigation.
Experience in drilling operations, pump testing, and installation.
Ability to manage water quality testing and technical reporting.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Effective written and verbal communication skills in English.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and suitably qualified local candidates should apply through the official World Vision International recruitment portal.
Application Link: https://worldvision.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/.../Hydro...
Closing Date: Saturday, 21st November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to review the official vacancy announcement for complete application instructions and submit their applications before the deadline.