Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3)
Hurricane Melissa Recovery Program
Position Description
Construction Operations Manager
Start date:February 25th, 2026
Duration: From beginning of contract to June 30th, 2026
Location: St Elizabeth Parish with extensive field visits
Compensation: $1,300 USD/month
Type of contract: International, US Contract
Organization & Operation
Founded in 2017, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3) is a non-profit organization that supports crisis-affected communities to build back better. GER3 is committed to delivering sustainable, culturally appropriate, and community-led interventions, with a focus on improving resilience to natural disasters and strengthening local capacity for recovery.
In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, causing widespread destruction across several parishes. The storm damaged thousands of homes, public buildings, and critical infrastructure, leaving many families without safe shelter. Communities faced prolonged power outages, flooding, and disrupted access to essential services, with thousands of residents displaced to temporary shelters or relocating to stay with relatives. Local livelihoods, including small farms and businesses, were severely impacted, further increasing community vulnerability.
In response, GER3 is implementing shelter repair, debris removal, and cash-for-work programming to support early recovery and strengthen long-term resilience. These programs rely on strong administrative systems, accurate documentation, and timely reporting to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery.
Position Overview
The Construction Operations Manager will oversee the planning and field delivery of shelter recovery activities, with a strong emphasis on roofing, emergency tarping, and shelter assessments following storm impacts.
This role is suited for a hands-on construction professional with solid roofing experience who can assess homes in the field, make eligibility decisions based on project criteria, supervise and train teams, and engage directly with communities.
The role requires technical judgment, leadership, and comfort making decisions on site. The Construction Operations Manager is expected to handle basic field documentation and ensure accurate information flows from the field to the project team.
Key Responsibilities
1. Field Operations & Leadership
- Lead daily shelter activities including tarping, light repairs, debris support, and roofing interventions.
- Supervise and coordinate multiple teams across different communities simultaneously.
- Plan daily work targets and anticipate operational needs.
- Make informed field decisions aligned with project criteria.
2. Documentation & Record Management
- Maintain clear visual and field records that accurately reflect site conditions, progress, and completed works.
- Authorize and validate beneficiary and site documentation in line with program standards.
- Provide decisive field inputs that inform reporting, planning, and operational decisions.
- Identify and escalate operational risks, delays, or inconsistencies early to maintain program integrity and momentum.
3. Roofing & Shelter Assessments
- Lead technical oversight of emergency roofing and shelter interventions, including tarping, roof stabilization, minor structural repairs, and hazard mitigation following storm impacts.
- Conduct rapid yet thorough roof and home assessments to determine eligibility, scope of work, and prioritization based on safety, vulnerability, and program criteria.
- Guide teams on correct roofing methods, material use, and sequencing of work to ensure repairs meet safety expectations and promote long-term resilience
- Provide practical technical direction aligned with Jamaican building practices, emphasizing safer construction approaches and hurricane-resistant improvements where feasible.
- Support planning of interventions by advising on material needs, labor capacity, and realistic timelines based on field conditions.
- Serve as the technical reference point for roofing related decisions, ensuring consistency in how homes are assessed and supported across multiple communities.
4. Training & Community Engagement
- Support or lead Build Back Better trainings focused on safer construction practices.
- Guide crews and community members on hurricane-resilient building methods.
- Engage respectfully with homeowners and community stakeholders.
- Help manage expectations and de-escalate issues when needed.
- Explain project scope, eligibility criteria, and limitations clearly.
5. Safety & Materials
- Enforce use of PPE and safe work practices across all activities.
- Identify hazards and stop work when conditions are unsafe.
- Coordinate with teams on delivery and use of tools and materials.
- Ensure tools and equipment are used responsibly and accounted for in the field
6. Cash for Work Support
- Supervise and guide cash-for-work teams during shelter activities.
- Confirm daily attendance and completion of assigned tasks.
- Support fair, transparent implementation alongside admin staff.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Jamaican national with 3-5 years construction background and roofing experience.
- Experience supervising teams in field environments.
- Ability to assess roofs and homes and make eligibility decisions.
- Familiarity with Jamaican building practices; knowledge of building codes required.
- Comfortable leading trainings and working directly with communities.
- Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple teams at once.
- Strong teamwork mindset and ability to collaborate with administrative and program staff.
- Confident use of mobile technology to support real-time field coordination, communication, and operational oversight.
- Formal construction training, vocational certification, or recognized trade credentials in roofing, carpentry, or construction supervision strongly preferred.
Work Conditions
- Field-based role requiring travel across St. Elizabeth.
- Outdoor work in post-disaster environments.
- May include weekend activities depending on program needs.
Reporting Lines:
This position will report directly to the Program Manager.
How to apply
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter to recruitment@ger3.org with “Jamaica, Construction Operations Manager” as the subject title of your email.