Project Engineer

Job Details

Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Engineer (PE) will organize all activities related to the implementation of water and education programs including school infrastructure development projects, from tender to implementation, including logistics and monitoring. S/he will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and reporting of all classroom construction and water supply and sanitation program activities and associated administrative tasks. The PE will supervise site supervisors in order to effectively monitor projects. S/he will manage in consultation with the Program Manager and the Infrastructure Manager all engineering activities in the assigned regions.  S/he will coordinate closely with Local Administrations, community leaders, Community Education Committees and other stakeholders to achieve the construction goals and ensure that communities are mobilized in a participatory way. S/he will report to the Infrastructure Manager. S/he will show full adherence to MC procedures and security protocols.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Develop and maintain good relationships and lines of communication with relevant local authorities and communities, explaining MC’s role as an NGO and liaising with them during all phases of the project.
2. Ensure community involvement in all phases of the project (identification, design, implementation, and monitoring) to ensure the development of community ownership for the projects. This should be done in coordination and cooperation with Infrastructure Program Manager and other key technical staff.
3. In coordination with the infrastructure manager, assist in the preparation of designs and bill of quantities (BOQS) for water and education infrastructure works.
4. In cooperation with the Program Manager and the Infrastructure manager, assist with the development of work plans for the implementation of infrastructure activities in the assigned regions in Somalia.
5. Plan for support needs over the course of the programs, and work schedules (timelines) for the various phases of the programs.
6. Assist in completing standard Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with community representatives and local authorities for each community identified for project activities. Ensure that all elements of MoU are adhered to. 
7. Implement projects as planned according to developed technical standards, schedules and timelines. This will include location on site for planned infrastructure based on community agreement, supervision of all construction works as regards classroom and water services construction. 
8. Keep detailed technical records for every construction works, trainings and meetings as per the instructions and formats existing Mercy Corps DM&E guidelines.
9. Provide feedback through the Infrastructure manager to the Monitoring and Evaluation system in order to assess the effectiveness of the projects and impact and propose recommendations for improvements.
10. Provide regular written and verbal reports to the Infrastructure manager on infrastructure development activity.
11. Assist the Infrastructure manager and tender committee in selection of qualified contractors to implement the rehabilitation and construction of the water and education infrastructures.
12. Supervise and be responsible for all technical aspects of project implementation, ensure they are completed in a timely, efficient and accurate manner according to standard engineering methods and contract supporting documents.
13. Maintain detailed work plans and written records of engineering work undertaken in the project, including site visits and reporting of work progress.
14. Other duties as assigned by the Infrastructure manager including assignments to any part of Somalia.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Site supervisors, partners contractors, local artisans, resource persons, and as delegated by the Infrastructure Manager for the purpose of carrying out work responsibilities.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Infrastructure Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:

Program Managers, Program Officers, Logistics, Finance, and Administration

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• A degree/diploma in civil/construction engineering or other relevant educational background, preferably technical, to diploma/degree level or similar or relevant equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years work experience in engineering project implementation and supervision.
• Knowledge and experience in use of CAD programs preferably Auto CAD, Archi CAD, SketchUp etc
• Knowledge and experience in the generation of bill of quantities (BOQS).
• Proven knowledge in the interpretation of construction engineering drawings and designs.
• Understand construction standards of Somalia as stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
• Demonstrated and proven expertise in construction and water and sanitation and the use of appropriate technologies, with at least two years’ experience
• Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of UN agencies, Local organizations, and other NGOs.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to anticipate project needs
• Experience working with host governments and their agents, INGOs and national NGOs
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with others, both national and international staff in a team environment.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards and codes particularly SPHERE guidelines.
• Good knowledge and understanding of donor requirements, including USAID, EU/ECHO, UN and other donors
• Spoken and written English proficiency is essential. Proficiency in Somali language is preferred. Physically able to spend the long periods of time in the field.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

1. The successful candidate will be able carry on the goal of the water and education programs; ensure that projects are planned appropriately and delivered to a high quality.
2. Conscientious, with an excellent sense of judgment
3. Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks in an insecure, stressful environment and keep to deadlines
4. Ability to develop school infrastructure and WASH initiatives to meet uncertain and changing scenarios and contexts.
5. A good understanding of the long-term implications of recovery and development work and the importance of incorporating the development of civil society into relief activities
6. A strong understanding of the cultural, political and religious environment in the region, and the ability to live and work successfully in those environments are essential
7. Willingness and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people
8. Ability to work as part of a team and coordinate with project personnel
9. Able to interact with partner and peer agencies
10. Fluency in spoken and written English
11. Computer competency and strong organizational skills

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

“Female candidates are strongly preferred to apply, and the candidate must have a good understanding and experience for the vacant position”

Note: Please be aware that your education certificate and employment background of the last 3 years will be verified by Mercy corps during the recruitment process.