Adeso Project Engineer (NRM-MDG) Job in Puntland, Somalia

Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions
 

Position Title: Project Engineer (PE) – NRM-MDG
 

Reporting to: Program Director
 

Working with: Program team in Somalia, Country Director, Deputy Country Director, Program Quality and Communications Teams in Nairobi
 

Program / Duty Station: Galkacyo with frequent field visits throughout Puntland, Somalia
 

Duration: One (1) year
 

Organizational Context: Adeso is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. 

We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
 

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.
 

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
 

Project Summary: Natural Resource Management (NRM) Project is an European Union (EU) funded project. The MDG Initiative for Somalia: Reducing Hunger and Food Insecurity in Puntland Region through Improved and Sustainable Use of Rangeland Resources. 

The action seeks to reduce hunger and food insecurity by improving rangeland conditions in Puntland regions of Somalia. 

The program aims to improve the state of natural resources management through implementation of land rehabilitation and restoration work on degraded rangelands, improving sustainable use of natural resources through community based range management programs. 

The program integrates environmental consideration into all economic planning and programming activities in the region and galvanize community support for environmental protection and sustainable use of resources.

The action also improves the capacity of the communities to avert resource-based conflicts and to protect the rangeland resources through implementation of local customary laws, establishment of community based environmental courts and by strengthening communities to prevent misuse of natural resources at local level. 

Furthermore, the action aims to support development of alternative source of energy that can create jobs and reduce current dependency on firewood and charcoal. 

Awareness raising campaign branded as “stewardship Puntland” will also be launched to sensitize both rural and urban communities on environmental issues and to install general public sense of ownership and stewardship of the environment.
 

Position Purpose: Adeso is seeking for a committed individual to fill the position of Project Engineer for the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Project in Galkacyo Mudug Region of Puntland / Somaliland. 

The incumbent will be based in Galkacyo respectively but will be travelling to field to offer support to the team on need basis. 

The Project Engineer will be a full-time member of the Adeso team reporting to the Program Director / Engineer Team Leader and will play a crucial role in the management of the project. 

The Project Engineer will, together with the project team, develop appropriate project plan and implementation mechanisms, carry out project activities and monitor the projects. 

Under the supervision of the Deputy Program Director / Engineer Team Leader, the Project Engineers will lead the technical development and implementation of the NRM interventions of the project in the two regions.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist in the selection of project sites together with the target communities and in line with their requirements/priorities;
• Conduct a thorough assessment of the proposed sites, analyzing labour requirements, costs and timeframes, and taking into consideration the successes and constraints of new/rehabilitated water infrastructure at all sites;
• Develop technical designs and plans for proposed work sites in consultation with the Deputy Program Director and other staff;
• Develop and maintain good relationships and lines of communication with relevant local authorities and communities, explaining Adeso’s role as an NGO and liaising with them during all phases of the project.
• Prepare bill of quantities (BoQs) for all work sites and oversee procurement of materials and supplies required in consultation with the logistics officer. 
• Ensure all BoQs costing are well put in the general project procurement plan which has to be done once and approved from HQ;
• Ensure compliance with the policy and legislative requirements of EU as stipulated under the agreement;
• Promotion of information on basic Natural Resource Management issues as well as conservation practices. 
• Conduct detailed Natural Resource Management surveys, identify needs and assist in rehabilitation design and implementation of program. 
• Ensuring construction of projects in accordance with approved designs and training of community members and stakeholders on proper operation and maintenance of the Natural Resources.
• Assessing and advising on all materials needed for various interventions that are available in the local market and internationally both in terms of quantity and quality;
• Monitor expenditure and costs of infrastructure work sites to ensure that project stays on budget;
• Supervise the construction/rehabilitation of infrastructure;
• Monitor water quality through continual testing and undertaking activities to address poor quality, including public health initiatives;
• Complete an environmental impact assessment (EIA) plan for infrastructure development when required;
• Develop contractor tender documents for different structure to be constructed;
• Develop training materials related to Water, Sanitation and Natural Resource Management components as needed for the project;
• Provide a need based technical skills to the field staff by carrying on job regular trainings;
• Promotion of public hygiene and sanitation;
• Compile monthly technical reports to the Deputy Program Director/Engineer Team Leader;
• Conducting capacity building for project engineer intern
• Any other duties assigned or technical input applicable in the course of the assignment period.

Skills and Qualifications

• A university degree or equivalent in the field of water resource engineering, civil engineering or water and environmental engineering;
• Strong experience in working in environmental degradation activities such as water run off, gully erosion etc;
• Minimum 5 years past proven experience in similar work;
• Ability to multi-task and effectively handle stressful situations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in English a must. Knowledge of Somali language is an advantage;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with a team;
• Strong knowledge of and experience with humanitarian guidelines and principles;
• Experience in budget management and knowledge of financial procedures required;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Ability to live and work in an isolated area in conditions of limited comfort.
• Proven ability to work well with multi-level stakeholders; strong interpersonal skills; 
• Experience in developing program work-plans, developing program budgets, managing program implementation, managing staff, and field and managing short-term technical assistance;
• Strong field experience in managing multiple programs, and staff, with an emphasis on remote staffing;
• Previous experience working in the Horn of Africa and/or knowledge of the region is preferred;
• Experience working in an insecure environment and security knowledge is essential;
• Demonstrated leadership, supervision, and communication skills;
• A team player with visionary leadership
• Good interpersonal skills as well as networking, flexibility and innovativeness;

Desirable

• Masters degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience and competence in research, monitoring and evaluation.
• Familiarity with EU policies and procedures.
• Demonstrable skills in report writing and documentation.
• Experience in working in harsh environment.

Application Process
 

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.

If you would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs.somalia@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 14th November, 2014.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Somalia and include the following:

• An updated CV; and
• An application letter which should include cover letter, remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Adeso is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.