1. education

Islamic Relief- Kenya
Job Description
Job Title:
Reporting To:
Matrix Management:
Base Location:
Project Engineer-Infrastructure
Area Manager
Kenya Program
Mandera County 100%
BACKGROUND
Established in 1984 in the UK, Islamic Relief is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic
and social development by working with local communities through relief and development activities.
IR-Kenya started operations in Kenya in 1993 with the One to One orphans sponsorship programme t hrough a
local CBO in Mandera County, Northern Eastern region of Kenya. IR-Kenya opened its fully fledged office in
March in 2006 at the height of drought in the Horn of Africa. Since then IR-Kenya has been providing
humanitarian and development assistance to vulnerable communities. Over the years IR-Kenya has
implemented various development and relief programmes in Mandera, remarkably changing lives of the
vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. In January 2010, IR-Kenya extended operations to Wajir County,
neighbouring Mandera, and in January 2012 expanded to Garissa and Dadaab Refugee Complex.
Our aim is to help the needy regardless of race, religion or gender and our interventions are in the following
sectors:
Child Protection and Education
Livelihood (Income Generation)
Emergency & Relief
Health and Nutrition
Water and sanitation
Disaster Preparedness
Ramadan and Qurbani
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
To lead in structural designing and oversee overall construction works under the School De velopment Fund
(SDF)-Education Project in Mandera County, ensuring adherence to IR-Kenya’s quality standards in
construction, provide technical advice, financial guidance on all planned purchases and installation of the
hardware items to achieve value for money. This is in line with the DFID funding guidelines. The overall goal of
the SDF-Education project is to improve enrolment and retention in primary schools in Mandera County
through climate change adaptation and mitigation approaches.
PROJECT ENGINEER INFRASTURCTURE
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 Conduct assessments of selected primary schools for planned construction/rehabilitation works and
make decisions in consultation with County Education Office and school management in line with
education standards and approved budgets.
 Lead in the development of BQs, designs and all relevant documents for tendering and procurement in
preparation for construction of classrooms, sanitation facilities, water tanks, energy efficient
institutional stoves, and green boarding facilities, installation of solar panels and supply of desks in
schools.
 Oversee construction activities in close collaboration with project supervisor, County Education Office,
School Management Committees and ensure the Area Manager is timely updated on project progress.
 Make clear decisions on processes and in a consultative manner particularly in improving existing
infrastructure and deciding on new constructions works.
 Ensure proper inventory of construction materials and movement of equipment (including deliveries,
storage and utilization) is excellently managed.
 Ensure high quality construction materials are purchased and delivered on site, timely as per BQ.
 Verify the quantity of equipment and ensure materials ordered are well received, properly recorded
and safely stored to avoid damage.
 Ensure quality standards of structural and civil works are upheld in all construction and rehabilitation
works under the project.
 Ensure all designs for physical infrastructure consider climate change effects and completed facilities
meet climate proofing standards as described in the project proposal.
 Represent IR-Kenya in county coordination meetings in liaison with County Education Office, INGOs,
NGOs and local authority.
 Work very closely with the Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA)-our
partner in the project in planning and actual execution of activities, including joint planning of project
progress meetings.
 Participate in handing over facilities established in schools under this project highly involving the
county government, county education office, school board of management and community
leadership.
 Ensure proper implementation of the work plan, periodic review of achievements,
constraints/challenges, lessons learnt and provide feedback.
 Ensure the reporting system is functional and adherence to monthly, quarterly and annual reporting
timelines.
 Support close monitoring and evaluation of activities in liaison with M&E teams in both IR-Kenya and
RACIDA.
 Ensure timely reporting of the project activities on weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and
annual basis ensuring daily update of project tracking matrixes.
 Identify any apparent issues in the construction project and report immediately, and perform other
related duties as required.
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
 University degree or a Higher Diploma in Structural/Civil Engineering/ Quantity Survey or its
equivalent from a recognized institution.
 Ability to provide expert technical advice and conduct thorough site assessments and identifying
needs of IR-Kenya supported schools.
 Demonstrated knowledge of public procurement procedures.
PROJECT ENGINEER INFRASTURCTURE








Demonstrated experience in project formulation, management, policy and strategy research and
formulation in related field.
Knowledge of Millennium Development Goals and their relevance in improving education.
Not less than 4 years’ experience in construction projects (Preferably with International INGOs or UN).
Working experience in northern eastern Kenya will be an advantage.
Good Project Cycle Management, reporting and documentation skills.
Experience in working in unsecure zones with knowledge in Standard Operation Procedures in
Humanitarian work.
Knowledge of International and National Standards/policies Acts governing construction works.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English,
Proven technical competencies in planning, design and implementation of programmes as well as sound
financial skills (e.g. budgeting),
PERSONAL SKILLS
 Strong organizational skills with ability to plan and implement project activities within strict time
management and high pressure environment.
 Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures.
 Team player.
 Problem identification and solving skills.
 Excellent negotiating and communication skills.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The Project Engineer’s contribution in the education project/programme will steer IR-Kenya to realize the
following result;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Good impact of construction activities implemented for the targeted beneficiaries and schools.
Quality and value for money in all construction works.
Well managed education sector activities [Results oriented].
Accountability for all field operations.
Comprehensive and well maintained reporting system with quality project/programme reports.
Effective Budget Management/Tracking System (no overspending beyond allowable limits by Donors
and IR-Kenya).
Please send us your cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications and experience. Your
application should also include names and addresses of three referees, a working e -mail address and daytime
telephone contacts. The forwarding e-mail and cover letter must clearly indicate the position title on the
subject line. Send your applications to HR.Kenya@islamic-relief.or.ke, by Friday 15th May, 2015.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PROJECT ENGINEER INFRASTURCTURE