VAC-15711 National Program Officer (Infrastructure / Engineering)

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator in Kabul and direct supervision of the Infrastructure Coordinator; and, in collaboration with relevant units at Country office and Sub-offices, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for managing the infrastructure projects in Sub-Offices and country office.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Lead IOM construction team in technical assessment, design, bill of quantity (BoQ) calculation, work schedule, technical specification, tendering, field implementation and monitoring.
• Manage the field team to ensure that the project activities comply with the design standards, monitoring mechanisms, quality assurance mechanisms, and construction specifications.
• Manage a team of field engineers posted in various provinces to ensure high quality and on-time completion of projects within budget by applying top quality project management tools.
• Coordinate monitoring activities to follow up on the implementation of all construction projects, remotely and through regular visits to the areas of operation.
• Provide the scope of construction works based on Programme/Operations requirements, budget, and site limitations. Apply IOM norms and standards to construction projects judiciously, considering the operating context, environment and available materials and skills.
• Prepare work plan for construction activities, determining priorities/targets and performance measurements, and monitoring work progress to ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Prepare periodic reports on various aspects of projects including but not limited to work progress, financial, quality control, schedule compliance, technical, and recommendations.
• Coordinate the operational, administrative and financial aspects of all ongoing construction projects, including the inspection of the construction projects’ implementation, in coordination with the Resources Management and Programme Units. Ensure that all construction projects meet their intended scope, timeframe, quality and budget. Notify in a timely manner of any required changes and inform of any delay or workaround required for timely completion of activities.
• Participate in the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm, and relevant government counterparts. Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to assess work quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies throughout the project.
• Participate in the tender evaluation process including assessment of bidders’ qualifications, competency, and experience, and in analyzing and reviewing the quoted unit rates against IOM-prepared cost estimates.
• Manage the contracts with service providers with appropriate and timely contractual communication and administration in coordination with the procurement unit. Coordinate change request/variation orders, close out procedures and final payments to the contractors with administrative units of CO.
• Coordinate the execution of needs assessments as necessary for the design of evidence-based interventions and fit for purpose infrastructure and services, through technical feasibility studies taking into account the current situation, and projected population planning.
• Support the planning and design team in conducting a comprehensive technical assessment at project site to ensure that all relevant site information is documented for effective planning and design of infrastructure facilities.
• Support planning and design team in civil designs for small to large scale areas. Civil designs include (but are not limited to), health and community facilities, drainage, hydraulic analysis, culvert design, large scale cut/fill, quantity take-offs, retaining wall and road design, especially to bring in technical aspects from the field context.
• Support the planning and design team on preparation structural designs for small to medium-sized buildings, to reflects the requirement and standard based on project site conditions. Structural designs include all aspects of building design, including lateral load analysis and design. Support on the review and analyze existing buildings and design for retrofits.
• Support Infrastructure coordinator in the analysis of programme development opportunities and contribute to the preparation of proposals, to ensure that technical components include scalable solutions and climate sensitive approaches for durable and resilient infrastructure.
• Provide technical inputs for the design of operation and maintenance (O&M) protocols  for inclusive governance of the facilities and services constructed or rehabilitated, including the empowerment and capacity building plans for recipient communities, with an emphasis in providing adaptation and mitigation strategies in built infrastructure to address environment and climate change concerns.
• Check the technical components of all programmes that require engineering capacity, including participating in the development and/or review of concept notes, proposals and budgets in line with global standards and best practices.
• Provide technical support in construction project management to Programme/Operations sections. Attend technical cooperation meetings, prepare presentations on project progress, and undertake follow-up actions related to project implementation and monitoring.
• Contribute and provide technical support for the development and dissemination of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for all engineering and construction works to ensure compliance with national and international standards and regulations, particularly, but not limited to, quality parameters.
• Undertake periodical field visits to monitor the work of all Infrastructure unit field staff. Coach and mentor the staff under direct supervision to enable them to perform more effectively.
• In coordination with the relevant colleagues of CO and sub-offices, ensure that all relevant permits and authorizations are obtained from the local authorities to facilitate  project implementation and maintain effective working relations with relevant authorities.
• Facilitate the mainstreaming of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Disability Inclusion, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), and other protection related aspects in every phase of implementation of the projects, in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

•  Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Structural Engineering, Hydraulic engineering, Environmental Engineering or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.

Or

•  Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in managing the design, implementation and monitoring of public infrastructure projects such as community buildings, schools and health centers, roads and bridges, check dams and canals, and water supply schemes.
• Experience in contract management of medium to large-scale infrastructure projects, including diplomacy in dealing with the stakeholders and the contractors.
• Familiarity with Disaster Risk Reduction approaches, concepts and technical solutions would be a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity with conflict sensitivity concepts and principles would be viewed favorably.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

SKILLS

Excellent planning and managing skills, especially people management is required.

• Ability to independently work with no or limited supervision is required.
• Works effectively with donors, local authorities, beneficiaries and the broader community to advance the organizational objectives is required.
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of Engineering related subject areas dealt with by the Organization is required.
• Certification in Project Management (Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2) is an advantage.
• Knowledge of civil engineering design and project management software, tools and skills is required. Proficiency in AutoCAD is mandatory.
• Knowledge of humanitarian and development programming in Afghanistan is an advantage.

Languages

• For all Applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• Working knowledge of Pashto or Dari is required.
• Fluency in all national language(s) are highly advantages.

Note: Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

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VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

     Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.
• Empowering others & building trust:creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

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Interested candidates are required to apply through Tayo. Also, please take note that CTG does not accept applications in hard copies.

Before applying the candidate must carefully read the advertisement.

Applicants are advised to fill in all mandatory fields otherwise they will not be able to apply and should fill their correct and active e-mail address in the online application as any correspondence will be made by CTG through e-mail only.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please ensure that the e-mail address and phone number that you will indicate are accurate.