Project Engineer At Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid

Background and Overview

Humanitarian Initiative Just Relief Aid (HIJRA) is a humanitarian and development organization that aims to positively contribute towards improving the living standards of vulnerable communities. Our work involves reconstruction of community livelihoods, improvement of community resilience in the face of climatic and human shocks through improved food security, increased access to water sanitation and hygiene, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

HIJRA is currently implementing the Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) Project in Afgooye and Wanlaweyn districts in lower Shabelle, Somalia, targeting communities through Inclusive local Leadership, Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Adaptation, Food and Nutritional Security, Financial Inclusion and Market Linkages, and Community level Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) systems. The project activities are focused on meeting community needs and priorities identified by the community resilience committees (CRCs), documented in Community Action Plans (CAPs) and consolidated in Area Action Plans (AAPs) in a process that facilitates resilience and development through improved social accountability.

Position: Project Engineer

Duty Station: Afgooye/Wanlaweyn

Contract period: 9 Months with possibility of Extension

The Role: We are looking for a dedicated Project Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development, management, and optimization of water systems.

Key Responsibilities: Your responsibilities as the Project Engineer will be as follows:

Implementation and Supervision

• Design and supervise construction of boreholes with elevated solar powered water tank and mega rainwater harvesting systems and hand dug wells with elevated tanks and solar powered kiosks
• Supervise construction of fodder storage facilities and market shelters
• Train communities on the operation of fodder cutting and sorghum threshing machines and irrigation pumps
• Design and supervise construction of road culverts and river embarkment activities / and future flood defenses (water diversion, improved materials)
• Design and supervise rehabilitation of damaged waste infrastructure (latrines, communal landfills, waste disposal sites,
• Develop and maintain partnerships with CRCs, government agencies and NGOs to ensure ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation.
• Work with the Community Resilience Committees (CRCs) Conduct technical assessments of the water infrastructure needs outlined in the Area Action Plans (AAPs)
• Manage contractors and construction teams for all infrastructure development activities in the project ensuring that the projects are completed on time, within budget, and the required quality standards.
• Ensure adherence to plans control procedures, safety standards and regulations for all infrastructure constructions.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Collaborate with the MEAL officer and CRCs in collecting and analyzing data.
• Participate in the evaluation of the impact of completed infrastructure projects on the targeted CRCs, identifying implementation challenges, lessons learned and best practices.

Community Engagement

• Coordinate with local authorities, community leaders, NGOs and stakeholders to ensure CRCs involvement and ownership of infrastructure projects.
• Maintain active membership and participation in WASH and livelihood Clusters and collaborating with other humanitarian organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to the implementation of the infrastructure projects.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Apply innovative technologies and practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the infrastructure constructions
• Introduce and nurture environmentally friendly construction practices.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Water Engineering/Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in managing infrastructure projects preferably in a humanitarian/development hard to reach context.
• Strong knowledge of Community water systems and market infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in English and Somali Language(s)
• Ability to work in challenging and dynamic environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project staff, contractors, and community members (CRCs).
• Respect for cultural diversity, gender and humanitarian principles and values.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, design, data collection and analysis software’s (ONA, Kobo Toolbox, SPSS and ArchiCAD)
• Strong capability of networking, coordinating and collaborating with various partners including Government departments.