Senior Technical Assistant (DS/Engineering)

VACANCY NOTICE

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title : Senior Technical Assistant (DS/Engineering)

Vacancy Number :VN/IOMSO/002/2024

Duty Station : IOM Somalia, Bosasso Office

Classification : General Service Category, Grade G7

Type of Appointment : One Year Fixed Term with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 25 March 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:

Conflict, drought, floods, outbreak of locusts, closure of refugee camps in neighbouring countries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the displacement situation in Somalia. Finding durable solutions to large-scale and protracted displacement in Somalia has become a priority for national and international stakeholders since 2016. Failure to support IDP communities will likely result in disenfranchisement, thereby increasing prospects for radicalization, violent behaviour and/or criminality. These scenarios pose an overall obstacle to social cohesion and manifest as clan disagreements, ineffective governance and decelerated development in Somalia thereby reducing the prospects to achieve the goals established in the Somalia National Development Plan, the National IDPs and Refugee Returnees Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing displacement in Somalia is, therefore, an imperative and urgent priority.

In recognition of the complex challenges posed by mass displacement, IOM is leading a consortium composed of UNDP, UN Habitat and Integrated Office of the UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia to implement the Saameynta (Impact) programme that seeks to contribute to: “reducing the number of people living in forced displacement through leveraging value generated by urbanization and urban infrastructure investment to deliver durable solutions at scale in three Somali cities (Baidoa, Bosasso and Beletweyne)”. The Saameynta programme was developed to address displacement challenges in an innovative manner seeking durable solutions that are affordable and sustainable through addressing specific inter-related systemic blockages, challenges and opportunities.

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Saameynta Joint Programme), the Saameynta Joint Programme seeks to recruit a Senior Technical Assistant (DS/Engineering) who will supervise, and monitor infrastructure works in the target programme locations. The position will be based in Bosasso with frequent travel to other programme locations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Participate in the physical assessment of infrastructure activities in all target locations
2. Prepare BOQ and share to relevant programme managers and programme coordinator
3. Provide technical inputs on environmental implications of infrastructure activities
4. Develop standard forms for regular monitoring reports including progress of work, adequacy of materials used, and details of work done along with measurements to show compliance with the BOQ and completion certification
5. Assist to monitor construction and rehabilitation with the best professional and consulting standards to ensure that the building works are executed as per specifications and bills of quantities
6. Submit inspection reports based off contractual deliverables
7. Submit weekly progress updates to relevant programme managers and the Programme Coordinator of all infrastructure activities in the target location
8. Monitor that the construction materials brought to site by the contractor(s) are in accordance with the specifications and are tested as per standard practices and submit report to Saameynta management
9. Adhere to and promote quality control standards.
10. Record measurements of the work done as basis for facilitating payments to the contractor (s) at agreed stages of construction. Detailed measurements of the works shall however be recorded jointly with the Contractor
11. Prepare periodical progress reports whose nature and frequency depending on the magnitude of the project and reviewed for submission to management and submit to Saameynta management
12. Maintain estimates and comparative statements of project costs and submit reports to Saameynta management
13. Facilitate regular site meetings
14. Draft clarifications, amendments or supplementary documents for the Chief Engineer’s finalization, should errors, omissions or conflicts in Drawings, Specifications or other Contract Documents be discovered.
15. Review “As Built” drawings to reflect the actual works executed on ground during implementation.
16. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Civil and structural Engineering or building engineering and experience in urban development in insecure, or post conflict environments with five years of experience. Advanced University degree in Civil and structural engineering considered an advantage
• Preferable five (5) years of relevant professional experience in Civil and structural Engineering projects

Experience

• Experience in urban development in insecure, or post conflict environments;
• Sufficient capacity to undertake the aforementioned responsibilities in Somalia, specifically in Marka, Kismayo and Barawe.
• Experience and ability to produce and/or check the drawings including but not limited to site plans, architectural, structural and MEP drawings, cost estimation, BOQ and other layout plans which may be presented by prospective contractor(s);
• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management;
• Experience in working with international organizations, governmental institutions, and/or aid organizations;
• Experience in working with government authorities including knowledge of building bylaws and building requirements an asset;
• Experience in construction/renovation work in Somalia is an asset.

Skills

• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office suite, including knowledge and experience in relevant civil engineering software programs ie, CAD based applications such as AutoCAD and/or Archi CAD for review of designs where necessary;
• Ability to produce and/or check the drawings including but not limited to site plans, architectural, structural and MEP drawings, cost estimation, BOQ and other layout plans which may be presented by prospective contractor (s );
• Strong skills in analysis and problem solving
• Ability to carry out effective technical and feasibility studies, as well as site investigations
• Ability to effectively monitor and drive project activities
• Profound ability to carry out safety analyses and stability as well as quality control
• Strong ability to plan and manage project resources and budgets
• Strong communication skills, including verbal and written

Languages

For all applicants, fluency in English and Somali is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of French or any other UN Official language is advantageous.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighboring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered.

In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighboring country located within commuting distance, and a work permit, as applicable.