Country: Uganda
Closing date: 31 Jul 2015
PROGRAMME/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps implements high-quality development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. We are implementing a market-development focused USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja that will continue through July 2017. The project, called the Northern Karamoja Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) program, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja. Activities include constructing a 36 kilometer road that will improve market opportunities in western Kaabong and Kotido, 13 health facilities, and various other market-related infrastructure.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focus of the Engineer is to support the implementation of GHG-supported construction activities. The Engineer will ensure quality programming through rigorous field visits and supervision of GHG-supported construction activities within the District. S/he will have direct responsibility for overseeing multiple health facility and other construction concurrently. S/he will be supported by Construction Field Inspectors and supervised by a Senior Engineer. S/he will establish/strengthen good working relationships with all necessary GHG partners including district and sub-county officials, the Contractors, and others. Construction fraud is a serious concern in Uganda, and the Engineer will ensure that potential fraud is quickly identified and all possible precautionary measures are in place to prevent fraud.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program Implementation:
§ Carryout preliminary survey for various engineering related activities and produce quality BoQ and plans for any future infrastructure projects;
§ Responsible for the daily implementation of engineering related project activities and monitor progress at assigned work sites including construction management and monitoring contractors performance and progress;
§ Responsible for design and follow up of GHG infrastructure activities;
§ Supervise and manage construction field monitors and contractors to ensure reasonable value for money including preparation of work progress reports and payment certification;
§ Develop detail action plans for project implementation - including all technical specifications for project implementation in collaboration with the concerned staff;
§ Mobilize community to fully participate in the project implementation for sustainability, and participate in community construction management committee meetings.
§ Supervise and be responsible for all technical aspects of project implementation, ensure they are completed in a timely, efficient and accurate manner according to standard engineering methods.
§ Conduct regular field visits to oversee and supervise construction of roads and other infrastructures as needed;
§ Report the status of all active construction projects on a weekly basis;
§ Ensure that environmental aspect of project sites are well incorporated during construction and post construction phase, and that environmental mitigation plans are followed;
§ Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff and different MC programs, if any;
Partnership Management:
§ Establish and maintain productive working relationships with sub-county and district leaders and UNRA, UWA and district engineering office, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate;
Monitoring and Evaluation:
§ Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
§ Take primary responsibility for data gathering in engineering related works;
§ Provide data in support of team submission of timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.
§ Work with the Chief Learning Officer to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of PR materials
Other
§ Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
§ Other duties as assigned by the line manager.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
§ University degree in Civil or Construction Engineering and at least 5 years of professional relevant experience.
§ Willingness to work in and frequently travel to the field.
§ Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people and monitor contractors.
§ Skills in networking, team work, and community consultations essential.
§ Good reporting, communication and representation skills.
§ Good computer skills including fluency with MS Office Suite
§ Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Ethurr is an advantage.
How to apply:
Applications:Submit your application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4thFloor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. E-mailed applications with cover letter to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org will also be accepted. Deadline for Submission:Close of business on Friday, 31st July, 2015.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. MercyCorps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous applicants need not apply.