Construction Coordinator, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Democratic Republic of the Congo – Kinshasa

BACKGROUND:

Headquartered in Kinshasa, with provincial bases in Bukavu, Goma,
Lubumbashi, Kisangani and Kananga, the IRC is one of the largest NGOs
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The IRC aims to save
lives, strengthen Congolese institutions and reinforce social cohesion
through carefully designed and professionally implemented programs. The
IRC has been working in the DRC since 1996, initially providing a range
of life-saving support to displaced and war-impacted communities. The
IRC currently operates in seven provinces throughout DRC, implementing
programs in six core programming areas: primary health care,
community-driven reconstruction, prevention and mitigation of
gender-based violence, civil society development, education support and
livelihoods, and emergency preparedness and response.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Construction will focus on health
centers, hospitals, administrative buildings and community treatment
centers. Responsibilities include design, implementation,
monitoring/evaluation and supervision of construction projects. The
Construction Coordinator must ensure that at each of these stages,
IRC’s construction activities are of the highest quality possible, at
the best value possible, involve communities and follow internationally
recognized and nationally approved standards. Construction shall be
contracted out to suitable local construction companies where possible,
in line with World Bank procedures. .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Feasibility Studies

– Develop and use appropriate criteria for the selection of specific projects

– (rehabilitation/construction) in line with project objectives and taking into account operational resources and constraints.

– Ensure that all final decisions on project selection include the Health Management input and sign-off

– Undertake feasibility studies of proposed construction and rehabilitation projects.

Technical studies and designs

– Develop tender and contract documentation to facilitate the
sub-contracting of detailed technical studies, designs and bills of
quantity for the construction and rehabilitation works.

– Write and issue tenders for technical studies (including production
of designs and bills of quantity, and presentation of relevant
calculations), analyze bids, organize awarding committees; ensure that
IRC and World Bank regulations are adhered to.

– Review technical studies, requesting revision as necessary and
ensuring that designs are in adherence to all applicable norms and
standards.

– Ensure that communities are informed with regards to the planned
construction interventions and are consulted in an inclusive open
gathering before designs are finalized.

– Ensure that project selection is based on holistic programming
principals and includes the IRC Health Management input and sign-off.

Construction

– Write and issue tenders (legal and technical components) for
construction activities, obtain non-objection approvals from donors,
analyze bids, organize awarding committees; ensure that IRC and World
Bank regulations are adhered to.

– Review systems and procedures to be used for monitoring and
supervision of construction works and suggest changes to suit local
context as necessary; oversee and ensure proper and consistent
implementation of said procedures; in particular:

– Control the quality of supplied/used construction materials;

– Monitor market prices closely where relevant;

– Track progress against work plans and take appropriate action where delays are found;

– Control the quality of final construction outputs.

– Ensure that field supervision of construction works is adequate and
that contracts are enforced; involve the community and local
authorities in supervision as appropriate to build a sense of ownership
and ensure a continual monitoring and rapid notification of IRC in the
event of quality issues.

– Ensure proper provisional and final handover of infrastructure from
IRC or the contractors to both the communities and the local
authorities.

Record Keeping

– Create simple database (and map) of construction project locations
and intervention details, costs etc, as the basis for ongoing
monitoring;

– Ensure that accurate and organized records are kept in field offices by Construction Coordinators/Managers.

Budget Management

– Manage construction/rehabilitation budgets to ensure an appropriate
and efficient use of resources in the area of operation. Particular
attention should be given to prevent, limit, identify, document and
report any instances of fraud or corruption.

– Produce monthly reports and ad hoc updates as requested.

– Contribute to the production of required reports for donors, in collaboration with the Program Department in Kinshasa.

Security

– Achieve competency in use of all communications equipment;

– Be fully capable of implementing emergency response procedures without assistance.

Representation and Networking

– Ensure close and meaningful relationships with local authorities and
mainstream the principle of partnership in project implementation.

– Organize and facilitate, upon request and with supervisor, meetings
and field visits for stakeholders interested in our construction
activities.

– Liaise with other NGOs and agencies to ensure consistency of approaches and strategies within the communities.

– Work closely and collaborate with IRC program and operations staff to
ensure an integrated approach to project implementation and management.

REQUIREMENTS:

– Construction site management and/or engineering background required

– Graduate degree, Engineering degree an advantage

– Extensive experience (ideally in Africa) in implementing and managing
rural construction/rehabilitation programs with supervisory
responsibilities in administration and programs

– French language fluency required, good English language skills an advantage

– Experience with preparing, issuing, awarding and managing tenders, ideally under World Bank funding

Experience in working with and coordinating with international and national organizations and government agencies

– Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

– Strong computer skills: AutoCad, MS office programs, email programs; and radio VHF-HF communication

– Ability to work independently while being a strong team player

– Ability to work well under unstable security, administrative, and programmatic pressures

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

– Must be willing to endure basic living conditions at field sites

– Must be willing to travel often to support remote sites

– Culturally sensitive with the ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team

– Must demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing requirements

– Must be willing to follow IRC security guidelines and restrictions

How to apply

Please apply via the IRC website, http://www.ircjobs.org. A recruiter will contact you if you are selected to interview for this exciting opportunity to make a real difference.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to
race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age,
marital status, veteran status or disability. IRC is an equal
opportunity employer.

Deadline: 2008/12/31

Country or region:
Congo, Democratic Republic Of (Was Zaire)