Reporting To: – Program Engineer
Duty Station: – Kakuma/Kalobeyei
Vacancy: – 1 Position
About Peace Winds Japan
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is a Japanese Non-Governmental Organization established in 1996. PWJ has been providing humanitarian and development assistance for people affected by forced displacement and natural disasters in more than 20 countries in the world.
PWJ launched its mission in Kenya in 2012 and has been implementing projects funded by UN agencies and the government of Japan in shelter, WASH, food security, livelihood and logistics support to improve health and living environments of refugees and host populations while promoting peaceful coexistence and self-reliance among the people affected by natural or human made disasters in and adjacent of Dadaab refugee complex, Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement.
PWJ is a UNHCR partner responsible for WASH, warehouse management, motor vehicle service unit, centralized fleet and Shelter for Kakuma Refugee Operations.
Purpose of the Position
PWJ is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with a civil and structural engineering background, coupled with extensive experience in shelter planning and construction supervision. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in the planning and construction of shelters for new settlements within refugee camps. They will oversee all aspects of shelter planning and construction, including design, supervision of construction activities, and preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs). Additionally, the successful candidate will serve as the assistant engineer to the program engineer, providing valuable support in project management and coordination.
Key Responsibilities:
Shelter Planning: Develop comprehensive plans for new settlements within refugee camps, considering factors such as topography, climate, and available spaces and existing utilities.
Design Development: Utilize engineering principles and software tools to create innovative and cost-effective shelter designs that meet the needs of displaced populations, prepare tendering documents including Bills of Quantities (BoQs): detailing the materials, labor, and equipment required for shelter construction projects, Terms of reference (ToRs) while ensuring transparency and accountability in project budgeting.
Construction Oversight: Support the program engineer in supervising construction activities, monitoring progress, and addressing technical challenges encountered during implementation.
Quality Control: Conduct regular site inspections to verify the quality of construction workmanship and materials, identifying any deviations from approved designs and recommending corrective measures.
Assistant Engineer Role: Collaborate closely with the program engineer and WASH Coordinator to support project management activities, including procurement, quality assurance, and stakeholder coordination.
Reporting and Documentation: Maintain detailed records of project activities, progress reports, and technical documentation in compliance with organizational standards and donor requirements.
Quality Assurance: Implement robust quality assurance measures to monitor the construction process and ensure that all constructions meet relevant building codes and standards.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or construction engineering.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands on experience in shelter planning and construction, with a focus on humanitarian or development projects.
- Proficiency in engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SAP2000, ETABS or similar.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multicultural settings.
- Familiarity with construction management principles and practices, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality assurance.
- Experience in supervising construction teams and managing construction contracts.
- Knowledge of budgeting and cost estimation techniques for infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with humanitarian principles and standards, including Sphere Guidelines Commitment to humanitarian values and principles, with a passion for improving the lives of displaced populations.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of sustainable construction practices and technologies.
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for spatial analysis and mapping.
- Ability to work in remote or challenging environments for extended periods.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter detailing their relevant experience and portfolio and/or previous work done to [recruit@peace-winds.or.ke]. Please include “Assistant Shelter Planning & Construction Engineer” in the subject line. The deadline for submitting applications is 10th May, 2024. The employer would appreciate if the applicant indicates the expected salary on the application.
Note: THE INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD ON A ROLLING BASIS.
PWJ is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.