Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, architects, consultants and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today’s-built environment. Water impacts millions of people across the African continent whether it be too much, too little or of poor-quality water. Unprecedented population growth combined with the impacts of climate change makes Africa one of the most vulnerable regions in the world. We are building an agile and forward-thinking water team to respond to the ever increasing need to develop holistic solutions that will positively impact people, livelihoods, and the environment.
Watch this short clip to discover how Arup are shaping a better world and how you could be a part of it!

The Opportunity
Our South Africa team is currently looking for a Water Engineer to join our dynamic team working on innovative and exciting flood resilience projects in Africa. You will work on a variety of projects across Africa with a focus on flood resilience and adaption. Practical application of hydrology and hydraulic modelling as well as the flexibility to incorporate an integrated digital approach, consider climate change risk, vulnerability, and adaptation options in the African context. We believe that the integration of Nature Based Solutions / Natural Flood Management is a crucial element for flood resilience in Africa, therefore an appreciation and realization of this is preferred.
The role involves inter-office working, skills development and knowledge transfer between Arup colleagues across the continent. You will play a part in the ever-increasing digital transformation of our business, seeking new ways to increase our efficiency through automation and to offer new services to our clients through our integrated digital approach to design. There will be opportunities to assist with the appraisal and delivery of capital schemes in the UK to reduce flood risk as part of the UK Environment Agency’s Combined Delivery Framework. This role goes beyond technical tasks and requires a water engineer who will engage with unique opportunities such as a lack of data, uncertainty, climate change, biodiversity loss, combined engagement and capacity building. You will be integral to building, running, and checking hydraulic models and developing high value and innovative solutions. You will need to be adaptive, and excited to learn different software and workflows, from project to project. We are seeking a candidate who is keen to engage with Arup’s extensive knowledge base and wide network of technical experts, and who is curious to learn about aspects outside of their normal area of expertise.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.
You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
Is this role right for you?
This role goes beyond technical tasks and requires a water engineer who will engage with unique challenges such as a lack of data, uncertainty, climate change, biodiversity loss, collaborative engagement and capacity building. You will be integral to building, running, and checking hydraulic models and developing high value and innovative solutions. You will need to be adaptive, and enthusiastic to learn different software and workflows, as required from project to project. We are seeking a candidate who is keen to engage with Arup’s extensive knowledge base and wide network of technical experts, and who is curious to learn about aspects outside of their normal area of expertise. The technical competencies below are a guide:

• Experience in the flooding sector,
• Technical experience in hydraulic modelling, in particular fluvial flood risk management,
• Hydrology background including impacts of climate change,
• Experience in Nature Based Solutions / Natural Flood Management will be advantageous,
• Stormwater drainage network modelling and design
• Strong written communication and report writing skills,
• A relevant undergraduate degree, with a master’s or equivalent experience,
• Professional registration with either ECSA or SACNASP, or other appropriate institution or willing to pursue professional registration.
• Experience in the use of HEC-RAS (1D, 1D/2D and 2D), PCSWMM (1D, 1D/2D and 2D) or similar software,
• Experience in Flood Modeller Pro, Tuflow, and other industry standard software will be advantageous but not compulsory.
• Experience in effective application of GIS,
• Relevant programming/coding experience to improve workflows / outputs will be advantageous,
• Experience in Autodesk Civil 3D will be advantageous,

Not ready to apply just yet, or have some questions? Please email Karin Spies at karin.spies@arup.com - Please note, to ensure we remain GDPR compliant do not send your CV directly to us via this email.
If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to our Talent Community https://arupwhg.avature.net/talent where you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.


Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.


We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Karin Spies karin.spies@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
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