Project Manager/Engineer At Danish Refugee Council

Overall purpose of the role:

The project manager/ engineer is responsible for the planning, implementation, management and quality assurance of the German Development Bank (KFW)-funded and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-implemented community markets construction project in Ali Sabieh and Ali Addeh, Djibouti. Reporting to the Operations Director EAGL, this specialist role is responsible for managing internal resources and third parties/vendors to ensure that the IGAD-specified Measures delivered are technically fit for purpose and meet the contractual and regulatory requirements. Lastly, the project manager is responsible for compliance with KFW and IGAD terms and conditions.

Responsibilities (non exhaustive):

Project Management

• Responsible for the planning, implementation, management and quality assurance of the project, project staff and project partners to ensure project is completed on time, on budget and compliant with KFW, IGAD and DRC requirements;
• Responsible for the oversight of the project environmental and social (E&S) monitoring plan (mainly done by the construction contractor) ensuring robust monitoring, timely reporting and effective controls are in place. This includes proactive engagement with the construction contractor KFW, IGAD and DRC to ensure that monitoring, results and issues are documented and reported in a timely fashion;
• Develop and maintain the project workplan and sub-project budgets;
• Support coordination and communication between the project team and the Djibouti Area Office, EAGL Regional Office and DRC HQ to ensure optimal cooperation and collaboration so that the project is supported, integrated, and follows all applicable DRC policies and processes;
• Oversee the implementation of the accompanying measures by the livelihoods officer;
• Oversee the data collection for the monitoring and manage evaluation ;
• Oversee the implementation and follow-up of the grievance mechanism.

Contract Compliance and Financial Management

• Lead the development and submission of compliant financial reporting to IGAD and KFW. This includes:
  • Working with the Djibouti, Regional Office and HQ Finance teams, to ensure the financial report is supported by all required evidence and documentation of output achievements; and,
  • Working with DRC Area Office, Regional Office and HQ as necessary for approvals, documentation, submissions and payments.
  • Manage the IGAD bi-annual financial audit
• Ensure the project is compliant with terms and conditions of the contract as set out by KFW and IGAD, including procurement, financial reporting, code of conduct, security and reporting, and E&S reporting;
• Oversee the set-up and management of the project finances in DRC Dynamics, including serving as Budget Holder for all sub-projects;
• Develop, roll out and maintain the project financial management system, prioritising best practices for construction contracts. This includes:
  • Leading DRC and subcontractors/partners in regular financial tracking and forecasting; and,
  • With the oversight and support of the Global Commercial Advisor, managing the development and submission of any budget amendment requests, including coordinating requested changes from all project subcontractors/partners, DRC Area Office, DRC Regional Office, DRC HQ and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the financial management of the DRC Djibouti office as required (input to master budget and operational cost).

Subcontract Management

• Serve as the operational/compliance focal point for all DRC subcontracts, local partners and independent consultants on the project;
• Conduct the formal review and approval of subcontractor invoices, including communicating feedback on behalf of DRC regarding any issues;
• Develop and negotiate compliant subcontracts and subcontract amendments when required based on approved budget amendments;
• Coordinate with partners to ensure IGAD and KFW compliance requirements are understood and cascaded down through the delivery chain;
• Oversee subcontract performance and, where required, escalate issues to the responsible DRC role, per signed subcontract agreement protocols; and,
• Where necessary, provide guidance to subcontractor staff on contract requirements, especially where partners’ existing management systems are deemed incompatible with project requirements;
• Construction management:
• Monitor the construction contractor’s implementation, including progress against the original time schedule, ensuring the construction contractor requests required testing and certificates on time
• Monitor the construction contractor’s risk management and grievance mechanism, including implementation of the E&S requirements
• Monitor the D&S’s consultant’s supervision activities, reporting, and payment certificates
• Obtain any required permits for the construction and related activities.

Risk Management

• Lead on maintaining and updating the project risk matrix, including the external and internal versions; and,
• When assigned, take responsibility for implementing specific risk mitigation measures outlined in the project risk matrix.

Programme Leadership and Governance

• Working with the Djibouti Area Office and EAGL Regional Office, prepare and submit financial and programmatic (external and internal) reports for IGAD, KFW and DRC as required (monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annual)
• Maintain good working relationships with officials, government ministries, subcontractors/partners, implementing partners and the international and local NGO community, where necessary; and
• Represent the programme at internal and external meetings and different fora as requested by the DRC Operations Director EAGL.

Field trips

• Regular field trips to Ali Sabieh and Ali Addeh:
  • To monitor the implementation of the accompanying measure
  • To monitor the construction and supervision activities
  • To liaise with the local coordination committee.

Local market coordination committee

• Support IGAD and the local government to set up market coordination committees and their terms of reference (ToR);
• Train the committee members technically in operating and maintaining the markets;
• Set up initial operation and maintenance (O&M) schedules for the committees;
• Ensure the development of the committees’ “soft skills”: set-up of a grievance mechanism, peace and conflict management, social cohesion, and focus on.

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and Technical comptencies (including years of experience)

• Experience of 3 – 5 years in in project management and engineering;
• Proven past experience directing and overseeing environmental and social risk management;
• Bachelor or master degree in civil engineering or architecture;
• Experience of working with commercial and construction contracts;
• Excellent organisational and planning skills;
• Proven ability to work independently, with a clear understanding of risk escalation requirements;
• Proven ability to propose creative solutions to challenges, and proven ability deliver results within a flexible and adaptive framework;
• Proven capability in budget and financial management and reporting, VFM, and needs-based cost reduction;
• Successful experience working within culturally and politically diverse teams and institutions, in a fluid and dynamic environment;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to engage diplomatically;
• Fluency in English (speaking, writing, reading) is required;
• Knowledge of French, Somali, Arabic, and/or Afar an added advantage.

What we offer

Contract: 12 months Contract.

Salary: in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment, Management Band/ F1.

Availability: 15th January 2024.

Duty station: Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti

Reporting Line: Operations Director, EAGL Region

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.