Senior Construction Associate (Shelter), Blantyre, Malawi

Job Description

Since 2014, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in close partnership with the governments, United Nations (UN), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been addressing a range of migration-related issues, including disaster risk management in Malawi in line with its strategic objective of “driving solutions to displacement”. IOM Malawi also supports the Government of Malawi to strengthen systems and capacity for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience with a focus on minimizing the risk of climate-induced displacement and improving the management of displacement at all levels.

The Regional Responses to Climate Displacements in Sub-Saharan Africa (RE2CLID) project aims to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) in Sub-Saharan Africa who face the risks of disasters, the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. This initiative targets the highly vulnerable displacement affected communities in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Countries, namely Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles (i.e. Cluster 2).

Under the overall supervision of the RE2CLID Programme Coordinator in Malawi and direct supervision of the National Shelter Officer, and in collaboration with relevant units at IOM Malawi, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for providing technical assistance in planning, construction and rehabilitation of shelter and other infrastructure related to disaster risk reduction.

Responsibilities

1. Support in planning and implementation of site assessment and site planning prior to construction of shelters and related infrastructure.
2. Support in the assessment including of existing shelters and infrastructure, or damage caused by the hazards or disasters to identify rehabilitation and maintenance needs.
3. Support the development of BOQ's and designs for planned shelters and other infrastructures and facilitate approval of BOQs and designs.
4. Under the supervision of the National Shelter Officer, plan, coordinate and supervise construction activities (including supervising the deployed skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labours) in selected sites to ensure timely completion of works.
5. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders on matters related to shelter and infrastructure construction and management.
6. Support in the identification and documentation of good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), and concept papers
7. Support in designing, planning and execution of technical trainings for artisans including identifying trainees and maintaining records of all training activities.
8. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Architecture and other engineering-related fields from an accredited academic institution with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of 5 years' experience in site assessment, planning, and site layout for the purpose of shelter construction.
2. Minimum of 5 years' experience in designing and supervising the construction of communal, transition and permanent shelters for internally displaced persons in accordance with the sphere standards and applicable Government guidelines.
3. Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
4. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
5. Experience in training local artisans on Build Back Better and Safer technics.

SKILLS

1. Organizational skills and attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaboration.
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate to deliver outcomes.
• A good planner

2. Specific Skills:

• Training skills: Experience in developing training materials and conducting artisanal capacity building activities.
• Technical skills: Ability to work with AutoCAD and other computer-based design software.
• Report Writing and Analysis: Strong analytical and report-writing skills are essential.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to a dynamic environment and work under pressure.