National Programme Officer (EIIP Engineer)

1. Introduction

ILO in March 2019 conducted field assessments in Baidoa to identify initial local infrastructure and community asset development needs and priorities in the selected IDP settlement areas; assess potential scope and technical areas of possible EIIP interventions to provide employment opportunities to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and their host communities through public investment; institutional capacity building and technical training of local implementing bodies (local governments, contractors and labourers) will be a key component of the proposed EIIP intervention.

The proposed intervention under the Title “Creating decent work opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Returnees and host communities through employment-intensive infrastructure improvement” has been approved with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KFW Development Bank

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The project will focus on permanent IDP settlements in the outskirts of Baidoa and will build on the past and current ILO projects in Baidoa. The project is directly linked to the UNHCR’s repatriation and integration programme for refugees and IDPs in Somalia and will serve to complement the World Bank Multi Partner Fund (MPF). The MPF is implementing a number of initiatives in the city and the project will adopt technical, environmental and social standards, specifications and operating procedures that are already in place. Also, payment to direct beneficiaries (unskilled workers) will be harmonised between the MPF and the ILO projects. The ILO is actively engaged in UN and International Development Partners’ working groups. This will ensure synergies are created, thus avoiding overlaps and duplication, while harmonization and effective implementation and monitoring of interventions are further promoted.

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The National Programme Officer (EIIP Engineer) will be a key member of the Technical Assistance Team (henceforth called the Project Team) to guide the implementation of the activities and build the capacity of the partners at the local level and will oversee the technical site supervision of works and training and capacity building component of the contractors and workers.

The National Programme Officer will provide technical support for the effective implementation of project activities and the delivery of the project’s entire engineering process. She/He will provide technical assistance and on-the-job training to the project’s entire engineering team and also support the training of project beneficiaries.

The main objective of the National Programme Officer/EIIP Engineer position is to provide technical input and quality in aspects of infrastructure design and construction and capacity building of key public sector institutions and private sector actors in planning, execution and maintenance of infrastructure.

2. Reporting lines

The National Programme Officer will report directly to the Programme Manager for operational and administrative issues. He/she will receive technical guidance and support from relevant technical EIIP/Emp Invest specialists at the HQ and EIIP Specialist based in Mogadishu.

He/she will also oversee the work of counterpart Project Supervision Engineers (PSEs) from the Ministry of Public Works and technical staff from the Baidoa District Authority, and international and local consultants hired during the course of the implementation of the project.

3. Main duties and responsibilities:

• Review and update existing guidelines, standards, procedures, criteria, specifications, unit rates, labour intensities and project formats related to the various engineering aspects of the planning and implementation of the KFW programme in Somalia (including environmental aspects). 
• Provide technical support in the adaptation and modification of existing training material and/or develop new material, as required. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
• Provide support in assessing EIIP capacity-building requirements of contractors and the development of training materials in relation to labour-based infrastructure work carried out under the project.
• Support the training of contractors and assist with technical supervision and on-the-job guidance of the counterpart engineers from the local government and the casual workers on the project.
• Provide oversight, implementation support, training and technical advice regarding the design (BoQs, specs), construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of planned infrastructure works.
• Collaborate with and provide support to local engineers, and supervisors to ensure that physical outputs are delivered in accordance with work plans, as per specifications and standards, within budget and in compliance with employment objectives, environmental standards and do-no-harm principles.

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• Ensure transparent recruitment of beneficiaries and recruitment targets for IDPs, returning refugees, women and youth are strictly adhered to.
• Ensure that tender documents contain the relevant clauses and provisions on decent working conditions, fair labour practices, OSH, ESSF and other core ILO requirements on the engagement of casual labour.
• Assist the CTA in monitoring and supporting the preparation of all programme documents including bids, contracts and programme technical and financial reports. 
• Provide all other inputs required for a successful implementation of the engineering component of the project.
• Perform other activity as may be requested by the responsible chief in relation to the EIIP development and work under the project in Somalia.

4. Minimum requirements

Education

• First level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in civil engineering, supplemented with relevant training on employment-intensive investment Projects, infrastructure projects’ management and/or contractors’ development.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of professional work experience in managing civil engineering projects, including experience in managing EIIP Projects in developing countries.
• Familiarity with ILO policies, technical programmes and procedures, including experience working with officials of ministries of labour and/or education would be an advantage, as would experience of working in crisis settings.

Languages

• Excellent command of English and Somali language is required

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in specific countries.
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations.
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills.
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation

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• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required