Vacancy Announcement: Civil Engineer - REGAL-IR
Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions
Position Title: Civil Engineer - REGAL-IR
Reporting to: Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP)
Working with: TAs , Senior Project officers, Project engineer, Project Officers, M&E staff (including GIS officer), Partners and collaborators.
Programme / Duty station: Nairobi, with frequent travel to the field
Duration: 1 year
Starting date: 4th July 2016
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which they can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience in Kenya (REGAL-IR) is a 5-year project funded by USAID/Kenya and Feed the Future (FTF) to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth amongst pastoralists and transitioning pastoralists in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). The program is designed to empower communities to take charge of their development and to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to natural and human-induced shocks. REGAL-IR is led by Adeso and is implemented by a consortium of partners. The project focuses on engaging communities and strengthening local institutions to improve their social, economic, and environmental resilience.
POSITION PURPOSE
The civil engineer works with the Project Water Engineer, Livelihoods Diversification, Natural Resource Management (NRM), Disaster Risk Reduction, Livestock Value Chain Inclusiveness as well as Conflict Mitigation thematic leads and provide technical support on feasibility study, design, and implementation of micro-projects throughout the REGAL -IR counties. The position will be based in Nairobi.
REGAL-IR is working with pastoralists and ex-pastoralists to improve their resilience. Local communities in target areas have been mentored to take their own initiatives and explore opportunities for livelihoods diversification including crop production, improvement of range resources through better use of water and grazing lands as well as livestock production and marketing. The civil Engineer will assist with design, preparation of technical specifications and tender documents and supervision of construction works for small-scale irrigation activities with farmer Self Help Groups; Soil and water conservation structures such as sub-surface dams, water pans, shallow wells, rock catchments, above and belowground water tanks and livestock market infrastructures as per community development actions plans (CDAP) in the target REGAL-IR wards.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Roles and responsibilities vary depending on the type and nature of the project but typically involve:
- Technical leadership/support of project infrastructure projects
- Support pre-feasibility assessment of proposed community micro-projects, site suitability and surveys
- Prepare/Review designs, technical specifications and technical drawings,
- Compute correct quantity estimates for proposed projects, prepare tender documents, including implementation plans and supervision of construction works in adherence to sound engineering standards.
- Participate in identification of suitable contractors, supervise works to ensure materials used and work performed are as per specifications; quality and timely project completion.
- Ensuring value for money through making cost effective solutions and proposals for the intended project.
- Coordination with relevant stakeholders during micro projects inception till completion
- Support in conducting EIA and hydrological surveys with relevant government department to ensure that approvals for projects are obtained in time
- liaise with consultants, subcontractors, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and the general workforce involved in the project;
- liaise with the local authority (where appropriate to the project) to ensure compliance with local construction regulations and by-laws;
- Regular conduct meetings to keep the project team as well as stakeholders informed of progress and challenges;
- overseeing quality control and health and safety matters on site;
- preparing reports as required;
- Resolving any unexpected technical difficulties and other problems that may arise.
- Support in developing plans for infrastructure sustenance
· Work with technical leads to come up with adaptable operations and maintenance plans/mechanisms for complete projects
· Regular support the community and field teams conduct routine maintenance on infrastructure projects.
· Support in sensitizing community on maintenance and operations for the projects
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
· Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or agricultural engineering and Registered Engineer with ERB of Kenya
· At least 4 years of technical expertise in hydraulics; irrigation, drainage, water infrastructure development / improvement and civil works.
· At least 3 years practical experience in construction of irrigation systems and water points, including shallow wells and sub-surface dams, office buildings or livestock markets.
· Working experience in ASAL areas of Kenya, preferably within the REGAL-IR Counties.
· Strong cross-cultural skills and experience.
· A team player with good organizational and interpersonal skills.
· Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).
· Proficiency in engineering design software e.g. ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Civil 3D.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
· Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations.
· Willingness to travel to remote rural areas.
DESIRABLE
· Knowledge of GIS and its application in irrigation design.
· Experience working in an international NGO environment. Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations particularly those relating to procurement.
HOW TO APPLY:
This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and help contribute to better resilience and economic growth for African communities, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter by 15th June 2016. Kindly note that applications screening and interviews will be on a rolling basis.
Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Director and include the following:
· An updated CV; and
· An application letter which should include cover letter, remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Adeso is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on one's background, beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.
