Skills Trainer on Mud Block Production

Displacement-affected youth are equipped with practical skills in mud block production and construction, enabling them to produce quality materials, support affordable housing solutions, and contribute to sustainable livelihood opportunities and reintegration.

Jigjiga

2 months

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and to ensure adequate shelter for all. For over four decades, UN-Habitat has supported countries in building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat Ethiopia, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is implementing a joint programme titled “Strengthening Resilience of Disaster-Affected Communities through Durable Solutions in Oromia and Somali Regions of Ethiopia.” The programme aims to contribute to durable solutions by improving conditions for sustainable socio-economic recovery, promoting peaceful coexistence among displacement-affected communities, and strengthening the capacity of local governments to respond effectively to internal displacement. Within this framework, UN-Habitat focuses on strengthening area-based spatial planning to support the sustainable reintegration of displacement-affected communities (DACs), with a particular emphasis on improving access to Housing, Land and Property (HLP). As part of these efforts, UN-Habitat has introduced mud block technology to promote affordable, owner-driven housing solutions in two project locations: Darera Arba returnee site in Babile Woreda (Oromia Region) and Awbare town relocation site in Awbare Woreda (Somali Region). To support these interventions, UN-Habitat has facilitated the construction of mud block production sheds, installation of manual soil press machines, soil suitability testing, and identification of quarry sites. Youth groups have been organized at both locations and are ready to commence technical skills training. Given the varying educational backgrounds of trainees, training approaches must be practical, inclusive, and adapted to ensure accessibility. Accordingly, this vacancy is advertised to recruit a Skills Trainer in Mud Block Production to deliver hands-on training to youth groups organized under small and medium enterprises (SMEs), covering the full production cycle from soil preparation to construction of a pilot structure. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Project Lead and in close coordination with project team members, the incumbent will be responsible for: - Developing training materials, including manuals, handouts, checklists, and visual/pictorial guides tailored to the educational level of trainees; - Preparing a detailed training plan and schedule, outlining both theoretical and practical sessions; - Delivering theoretical training on earthen construction, including soil science, stabilization techniques (cement, lime, and locally available materials), and quality standards; - Conducting hands-on training on the full mud block production process, including soil selection, preparation, mixing, pressing, drying, and curing; - Supervising trainees in the safe and effective use of equipment and production processes; - Demonstrating preparation and application of mortar/slurry and ensuring correct consistency and composition; - Providing practical training on masonry techniques, including foundation preparation, alignment, bonding patterns, and use of construction tools; - Supervising trainees in the construction of a pilot structure or test section; - Training participants on field-based quality control methods and conducting basic tests (e.g., drop test, water absorption, density checks); - Establishing procedures for compressive strength testing of cured blocks; - Ensuring quality assurance during construction, including alignment, leveling, and structural integrity; - Developing and administering competency assessments and supporting certification processes in coordination with relevant stakeholders; - Providing ongoing mentoring and technical guidance to trainees during production and construction; - Performing other related duties as required to support project implementation.

A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required. Additional training in soil science and mud block production is highly desirable. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in earthen construction, including mud block production and masonry techniques, is required. Demonstrated experience in soil classification, stabilization methods, and the use of locally available materials for construction is required Proven experience delivering hands-on training to non-technical or community-based participants is required. Practical experience in quality control and testing of earthen building materials is desirable

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of local languages (Somali and Oromiffa) is highly desirable.

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.