Program Engineer (Infrastructure Development, WASH & Shelter) 72 views2 applications

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and Host Community, Turkana County.

Duration: 3 Months (From October 2024) – renewable

Reporting: Area Manager

ABOUT PEACE WINDS JAPAN

Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a Japanese Non-Governmental Organization established in 1996. PWJ has been providing humanitarian and development assistance for people affected by forced displacement and natural disasters in more than 20 countries in the world. PWJ launched its mission in Kenya in 2012 and has been implementing projects funded by various donors, including UN agencies and the government of Japan, in the shelter, WASH, infrastructure development, livelihood, and food security to ensure that refugees and host communities access essential services and grow toward self-reliance.

In Turkana West Sub-county, PWJ is actively engaged in promoting sustainable solutions for protracted refugee situations through its shelter and WASH projects in line with the National Government of Kenya as well as the County Government of Turkana plans and strategies such as Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program (KISEDP) .

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Program Engineer coordinates and leads all activities related to engineering in infrastructure development, shelter and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) within PWJ’s projects in Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and host community in Turkana County in Kenya. Based in Kakuma office, the engineer conducts regular visits to ensure effective implementation.

The program Engineer’s key responsibilities include the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, such as transitional and permanent shelters, access roads and the development, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of WASH facilities/systems. This includes managing water supply systems and sanitation facilities, while also supporting sector coordination in both WASH and infrastructure development.

The Program engineer is also expected to actively engage in the discussions and actions towards the realization of the integrated and sustainable WASH service provision in the coming years.

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment

• Lead the WASH and Shelter teams in conducting periodic census and rapid assessments of WASH facilities, Shelter and infrastructure to show the existing humanitarian situation in collaboration with other sectoral staff and affected population

Technical Programme Support

• Provide technical support, leadership and oversight to the WASH & Shelter teams to achieve agreed goals and objectives and strategies
• Lead in the development and review of technical studies, concept notes, proposals, BoQs, material schedule, designs and other technical related documents
• Support incoming Kakuma/Kalobeyei Water Service Provider in water provision during transition period
• Identify and promote innovative technologies, methodologies, and approaches to address emerging challenges, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the resilience of water systems in Kakuma and Kalobeyei
• Prepare engineer’s cost estimate, prepare tender document packages as well as ensure cost-effectiveness and technologically sound designs.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the design, and implementation of water and sanitation systems, including source selection (surface or ground water), abstraction, storage, treatment, and distribution for new systems, as well as the renovation of existing ones in Turkana County considering local resources, conditions, customs, and cultural norms.
• Lead in technical reviews and evaluations of project designs, specifications, and deliverables to verify compliance with technical requirements, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Ensure Sphere standards are considered during implementation.
• Support the quality assurance measures and initiatives that will enhance quality project work.
• Establish programme monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure that works are implemented according to plans and completed within the designated time frame
• Support the oversight including monitoring, evaluation, accountability and reporting during implementation of project/programme plans and activities.

Networking and Coordination

• Foster healthy collaboration and timely information sharing with the donors, stakeholders, related government departments, beneficiaries and partners during project implementation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including consultants, regulatory organizations, and community stakeholders, to integrate suggested technical considerations with environmental, regulatory, and social aspects of WASH nad shelter projects.
• Represent the organization in the relevant technical working groups at the Sub-County and County levels

Knowledge management and reporting

• Provide leadership to the team in the management of data collection, analysis and monitoring
• Support MEAL Officer in document management and the preparation of official progress and end of project reports
• Support MEAL Office in research activities and studies including Surveys, latrine census and others that PWJ may undertake
• Ensure knowledge transfer of project/programme information to staff and project beneficiaries.
• Share technical expertise, lessons learned, and best practices with staff, Partners and donors, and professional networks to promote knowledge dissemination and collaboration
• Support the Area Manager in ensuring that the supervision of implementation of technical works in the field complies with contracts, designs, standards, and good practices

Team Capacity building

• Ensure continuous coaching and mentoring of technical team (WASH & Infrastructure development team members) on all aspects of works being implemented, aiming at the development of in-house capacity on infrastructure design, operation, and maintenance
• Provide capacity building support for conducting rapid needs assessments and its analysis to be linked to activity plan and budgets.
• Assess technical sector resources and capacities (human, material and financial) as per agreed project objectives as well as appraising staff and evaluating strengths/gaps in the capacities
• Ensure adherence to safe and inclusive programming, including Persons with Specific needs in all project activities and sites throughout the project implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS & PREFERRED SKILLS

Educational and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
• At least 7 years’ Experience in construction, civil and water engineering works.
• Experience working in a water company is a strong advantage
• Membership with the engineering professional body.
• Solid experience in program implementation.
• Strong coordination skills with proven ability to work across multiple technical areas simultaneously while supporting multiple staff members
• Ability to write quality technical reports.
• High level of engineering designing programs (AutoCAD, SAP, Revit)
• Good experience in preparing BOQ and cost estimation for construction projects
• Experience in monitoring the progress of the works against the targets
• Experience in communicating with different stakeholders
• Experience in working with industrial construction and in NGOs
• Local knowledge of Turkana is a value-added.
• Commitment to beneficiary accountability and humanitarian principles

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Experience in management of people and projects requirements
• Good communication skills, highly organized, result-oriented, responsible and reliable manner
• Ability to work under pressure, proactive and independent working style
• Good understanding of community participation and ability to communicate with impact and respect
• Ability to deal with complex situations and solve related issues

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• English: Fluent
• Kiswahili: native/advanced