Program Engineer

Location of activity: Kakuma Refugee Camps, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and Host Communities in Turkana West Sub County.

Duration: 4 Months (From September 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 UN agencies and the government of Japan in the shelter, WASH, and youth development to improve living environments of refuge and host populations while promoting peaceful coexistence and self-reliance in the communities in Dadaab, Kakuma and Kalobeyei. 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 County Government of Turkana plans and strategy; clearly integrated in the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program in 2018.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Program Engineer coordinates and leads all activities related to infrastructure development within PWJ’s projects in Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and host community in Turkana-West sub-county, Turkana County in Kenya. She/he is based in Kakuma office with regular visits to the implementation sites. The works are related to the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related facilities and coordination and technical advice for permanent shelter construction via conditional cash transfer to the refugee households.

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordination Tasks

• Organize the tasks among the staff in the infrastructure development team, supervise their work and guide them on correct program implementation
• Coordinate with the program team members and Area Manager and other relevant actors in the area.
• Share regular updates with the Area Manager on behalf of the infrastructure development team.
• Coordinate with public health/WASH and finance/logistics team to ensure the harmonized, smooth and transparent implementation of the activities
• Develop plans to build local masons and artisans on technical skills and workmanship
• Liaison with external stakeholders, including partners and donor, with regard to the rehabilitation, construction and any other engineering projects components.
• Lead the handover process to the local authorities and partners
• Archive relevant documents in a precise and detailed manner
• Capacity building of the colleagues

2. Engineering projects documentation

• Plan and conduct technical assessments in targeted areas, collect field data; write reports and provide advice based on the conclusions drawn.
• Provide inputs for/prepare rehabilitation and construction works of structure and WASH infrastructures, and all other engineering works included in the program.
• Prepare bills of quantities (BoQs) and designs
• Plan in close coordination with relevant stakeholders (e.g. UNHCR, partner organizations, relevant departments of Turkana county government, etc.)
• Procurement support; Provide input and perform quality checks for relevant procurement; supervise/coordinate/monitor the delivery/distribution of materials and construction process.
• Prepare corresponding documentation and periodical/ad hoc reports, depending on needs
• Perform the final evaluation of the works done

3. Oversee Engineering Projects

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and implementation of the technical components of the project, in compliance with the authorities, donor and PWJ’s procedures, standards, and safety codes and other applicable legal regulations.
• Conduct site inspections on a regular basis.
• Monitor and evaluate rehabilitation and construction works in accordance with the accepted plans and other relevant documentation.
• Operate adjustments depending on needs and based on consultations with the relevant stakeholders, team members and Area Manager.
• Ensure accountability of construction materials

QUALIFICATIONS & PREFERRED SKILLS

Educational and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
• At least 7 years’ Experience in construction and civil engineering works in humanitarian and development settings.
• 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-West 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