Position Summary:
The coastal regions in West Africa are facing various challenges associated with climate change, including coastal erosion and alterations in rainfall patterns. Rising sea levels and more frequent storms are causing destruction of important ecosystems such as beaches, dunes and coral reefs, which protect the coasts from flooding and erosion. The changes in rainfall patterns are causing more frequent and intense droughts and floods, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and water supply. The challenges are also damaging infrastructure, housing, and agricultural land.
In partnership, UN Habitat, University of Twente, Habitat for Humanity International and Abidjan Convention designed a project with three different but complementary components: spatial planning, concrete interventions, and coordination and governance. The project goal is to improve adaptation of small to medium coastal settlements in West Africa by reducing climate change impact and establishing resilient economies and communities. The project proposal was approved by the Adaptation Fund in August 2023.
Habitat for Humanity International will be in charge of implementing various climate adaptation activities at the field level, focusing on early warning systems, awareness raising, green and blue infrastructure development, mangrove reforestation, climate-resilient agriculture, and other alternative livelihood opportunities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Civil Works manager will lead the direct implementation, while in Ghana he/she will provide remote technical support and supervision to the following activities.
- Develop, managecontractual arrangements and coordinate with consultancy firms to run field assessments and develop civil engineering designs of drainage channels, seasonal bioretention basins, microfiltration cells, and agricultural land drainage ditches in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Develop and manage contractual arrangements with contractors and/or communities for infrastructure construction of civil works.
- Efficiently allocate resources, including materials and labor, for each infrastructure activity, optimizing results and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with project objectives and timelines.
- Implement rigorous quality assurance measures to ensure that all infrastructure activities are designed and built to the highest standards, incorporating climate-resilient design principles.
- Collaborate and coordinate with local communities, government entities, and project stakeholders to coordinate infrastructure development, address concerns, and ensure effective project implementation.
- Coordinate, provide remote support and share experiences with the counterpart in Ghana that will implement similar activities.
- Perform other duties as required.
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in civil engineering, construction management or a field related to climate resilient water infrastructure design and construction.
- Knowledge on coastal climate adaptation, community development, climate-resilient agriculture will be an added advantage.
- Fluency in English and French
Years of Related Experience:
- Demonstrated leadership with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing engineering projects and teams.
- Proven expertise (10+ years) in engineering design, hydrology, contracts administration, technical field supervision, technical reports, and project budgeting.
- Established track record in executing development projects, including understanding and adhering to project policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Relevant experience working in West Africa, with a particular focus on Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, will be considered an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders such as consortium partners private sector, government officials, donors, etc.
- Good written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Interested Candidates should send their CVs (preferred not more than 4 pages) and a cover letter (Maximum 1 page) expressing their interest via email: [email protected] with as the subject of the email Civil Works manager.
