Technician

Introduction

The project aims to address pressing needs to create jobs and provide skills development in remittance dependent communities in Siem Reap and Battambang Provinces - targeting returned migrants and vulnerable households – to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many households depend on remittances from their internal or external migrant household members. 

While retrenched workers are returning to their homes in rural areas, these communities face additional livelihood challenges such as a lack of potable water, sanitation and drainage, and road connections and irrigation structures in poor condition. This situation is aggravated by cyclical patterns of torrential rain during which villages and infrastructure are inundated by floodwater, causing damage to properties and farmlands as well as essential infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation and access roads. Standing water from poor drainage also leads to unhygienic living conditions and an increase in water-borne diseases.

Improving such infrastructure, as well as climate proofing such assets and facilities, have a long-term impact on living conditions in rural communities. With the introduction of employment-intensive methods in such works, it is possible to increase productive employment and income generation thereby also mitigating recent job losses resulting from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In parallel, the project will be supporting the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MOLVT) to further improve skills and lifelong learning systems. Blended (online and face to face) TVET training will be developed and upgraded in related construction skills and in other sectors in demand by the labour market.

Reporting lines 

The Technicians form part of a team consisting of technical and administrative staff and consultants. Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager, the Technicians will be given responsibility for the supervision of a cluster of infrastructure work sites in their designated province. Reporting to the Field Engineers, the Technicians will also be involved in feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed design preparation, community consultations, employment of workers, implementing social and environmental safeguards, and addressing other issues related to the works. 

In liaison with the ILO National Coordinator in Phnom Penh, the project reports to the ILO Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Bangkok.  In addition, the project will receive technical guidance and support from the DWT team in Bangkok, in particular the employment-intensive infrastructure works specialist and the skills development and employability specialist. 

Description of Duties

The main duties of the Technicians include the following activities:

•    Participate in field surveys and the appraisal of infrastructure works. 
•    Assist in quantity surveys, preparing designs and cost estimates, organising material tests, drafting contract documents and organising tenders.
•    Participate in community consultations as part of the planning and preparation of works as well as securing local involvement in the implementation of works.
•    Organise and supervise works, using employment-intensive work methods in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
•    Participate in the regular monitoring of work sites including approving and measuring works, preparing payment certificates and maintaining progress in line with work plans and contracts.
•    Report progress of work and employment generation, oversee material tests, report challenges and deviations from designs and work plans, and take remedial action.
•    Ensure that conditions of employment including occupational health and safety practices comply with established standards. 
•    Introduce and enforce COVID-19 preventive measures at the work sites that keep transmission risks at a minimum.
•    Participate in the planning and organisation sustainable maintenance and operation arrangements that protect past and current infrastructure investments. 
•    Carry out field inspections to monitor the effectiveness of introduced maintenance arrangements and assessing degree of climate resilience, including the performance of drainage and safe discharge of water, clearance above flood levels, erosion protection measures, risk of washouts or other issues compromising the function or safe use of the infrastructure.
•    Participate as a resource person in technical training events for local contractors, workers and communities involved in the infrastructure works.
 

Required qualifications

Education

Completion of secondary education or higher or diploma/degree in engineering.
 

Experience

•    Minimum 3 to 4 years of experience in managing and implementing rural infrastructure works preferably with past exposure to labour-based appropriate technology. 
•    Prior experience in working and engaging with government agencies, private sector contractors, donors or UN agencies involved in rural development.
•    Good appreciation of skills development in the construction industry.
•    Past experience with community and stakeholder consultations and mobilisation.

Languages

Good command of English and Khmer (oral and written). 

Competencies

•    Ability to work independently with a clear focus on reaching defined outputs in a timely manner as agreed in contract documents and work plans. 
•    Ability to establish priorities and to efficiently plan, organise, coordinate and monitor works activities.
•    Good supervisory skills and ability to provide clear instructions and guidance to staff, workers and contractors.
•    Ability to work in a team and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
•    Good appreciation of gender and minority issues and equal opportunity principles.
•    Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
•    Computer literacy.