Delegate, Construction

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

 IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

 IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

 IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

Following the devastating Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai volcano and tsunami on 15 January 2022, Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS), with the support of the IFRC, have been responding since the onset of disaster. TRCS is working closely with government and other agencies to bring humanitarian support to affected communities. An Emergency Appeal was launched on 21 January 2022 to support TRCS providing assistance to at least 2,833 affected households and to recover from the impact of the disaster. The volcano and tsunami response and early recovery programme is currently expected to continue until early 2024.

 As part of the operational plan, TRCS with the support of IFRC, New Zealand Red Cross and other partners, is planning to construct two evacuation centres for vulnerable remote communities that were impacted by the volcano and tsunami in the Ha’apai island group. These buildings will provide a safe place for communities to take shelter during future disasters and will contribute significantly to the psychological recovery as well as the physical safety and wellbeing of people living in these small, remote communities. The IFRC Appeal operation is also contributing to the rebuilding TRCS Headquarters building in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and providing support to destroyed households currently rebuilding with assistance from the Government of Tonga.

 A Construction Delegate is required to support and provide technical oversight for this critical work. The Construction Delegate will be part of the IFRC-supported operation team to Tonga for a period of twelve months.

 The position will be based in Tonga for 12 months and reporting to IFRC Operations Manager in Tonga. Travel to remote islands in the Ha’apai group will be necessary to undertake the following responsibilities

Evacuation Centers:

The Construction Delegate will lead and provide managerial and technical support for the construction of two evacuation centers in the Ha’apai Island group. This includes, but it is not limited to, reviewing construction design plans, inputting into the tender design and documentation for construction services, overseeing the execution and successful delivery of tendered construction services and ensuring appropriate permits, inspections, finishes and closures are undertaken before building completions and handovers. In collaboration with the TRCS staff, this position will also ensure appropriate MOUs are in place for land/building ownership and/or use and outlining community responsibilities for the management, maintenance, use and operations of the evacuation centers constructed in Ha’apai.

The Construction Delegate will recommend on building materials and construction techniques and increase the capacity of TRCS staff to undertake similar projects in future.

Construction of new TRCS Headquarters:

The Construction Delegate will provide support and technical assistance for the decamping of the current site and demolition as well as the rebuilding of the TRCS headquarters building in Nuku’alofa. This includes reviewing construction design plans, inputting into the tender design and documentation for construction services, advice on selection of construction company, overseeing the execution and successful delivery of tendered construction services. The incumbent will inspect and review project construction to enforce compliance with plans, specifications, building, environmental and safety codes.

Household Recovery Program – cash assistance:

The Construction Delegate will be required to provide technical input for the Household Recovery Program-Cash assistance, including monitoring and assessment of the modifications and retrofitting of houses built to be suitable for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

Key Responsibilities

• Project design and review of building construction plans supported by the IFRC Appeal operation.
• Technical lead for tendering process and liaison with all parties (procurement, finance, audit, other technical areas).
• Be accountable for contract management and technical oversight for permits, inspections, finishes and closures before building handover Maintaining a good level of coordination with other Red Cross Movement Partners and key stakeholders, with regards to design, compliance, construction and environmental standards.

Project design

• Project start-up activities, including confirming building designs, site inspections and maintaining communications with relevant stakeholders, donors and budget-holders.
• Support procurement personnel with construction services tendering and provide technical lead oversight on contract services review and award.

Project implementation

• Oversee the delivery and coordination of construction contracts, including detailed review of plans to schedule deliverables and evaluate costs and ensuring works schedules are adhered to and performance guarantees are in place.
• Ensure contractors delivers construction projects on-time, within the budget and with the expected quality as per design.
• Oversee project cost and accounting, negotiate terms of agreements and ensure that correct permits and licenses are obtained and compliance with National Building code.
• Carry out regular inspections in close collaboration with relevant Government Ministries to ensure that contractors are adhering to the construction program timing, quality standards and that contractor certificates are verified against construction milestones.
• Verify that advanced contract payments have been correctly utilized and provide sign-off for contract payments.
• Ensure additional expenses due to variations are verified before approval and payment.
• Check quality of workmanship and the use of proper construction techniques.

• Ensure Security and Safety standards for workers are met at all construction sites and follow the labor law in country.

• Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to construction status and delivery schedules.
• Proactively plan to prevent problems and resolve any emerging ones.
• Analyze, manage and mitigate risks.
• Manage all project costs within budgetary expectations and timelines and to ensure compliance.

Capacity building

• Coach and mentor TRCS staff to undertake similar construction projects in the future by leading by example and providing worked examples of critical documents and processes.
• Collaborate with the TRCS staff, community leaders and local government officials to ensure appropriate MOUs and plans are in place outlining community responsibilities for the management, maintenance, use and operations of the evacuation centers constructed in Ha’apai.
• Work closely with the other TRCS and IFRC technical leads and staff to achieve an integrated and comprehensive approach to all projects.

Other duties

• As required, provide technical input for the Household Recovery Program, including the retrofitting of houses to be accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
• Support the appropriate use and maintenance of TRCS assets.
• Support donor coordination and reporting for projects as required under the direction of the IFRC Operations Manager.
• Take responsibility for compliance with required Health and Safety and Environmental standards working towards and environmentally sensitive operation wherever possible.

• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification in structural/civil engineering, architecture, construction management or related field.
• Degree or Diploma in or in a Community/Social Development field.
• Project Management certification and/or experience.
• Basic Delegates Training Course or equivalent knowledge.

• Minimum 4 to 6 years of construction experience (housing or infrastructure: health facilities, schools, community centers, etc.)
• 2 to 3 years of professional experience in working for a humanitarian aid organization in a low-income least-developed countries managing construction projects (shelter or infrastructure: health facilities, schools, community centers, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability in project management, tendering and construction site management, including development of tendering materials, BOQ’s, budgeting, staff management, timeline management and reporting.
• Familiarity with current standards and guidelines for humanitarian emergency response - in particular Sphere.
• Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience.

• Strong communication skills – must be articulate, approachable, collaborative, supportive, and an active listener; must demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, word-processing).
• Strong computer skills- MS office AutoCAD, Sketch up and other design software.
• Skill to use Tape measure, spirit level, string line, plumb bob, computer, phone, GPS, total station, Theodolite, Auto Level etc.
• Accountability – must take responsibility for decisions and actions, use information appropriately to assess/make informed judgments and/or take action.
• Flexible and willing to deal with ambiguity, changes, and challenges. Able to prioritize work, multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Capability to work in remote/hardship locations for short periods of time with limited facilities and infrastructure.
• Highly motivated proactive self-starter, able to set and achieve goals using own initiative.
• Skilled in training, mentoring and coaching individuals and groups, as appropriate.
• A broad understanding of global humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related organizations and civil military relations.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

• Respect for diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Communication
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Judgement and decision making
• National society and customer relations
• Creativity and innovation
• Building trust.