Democratic Republic of the Congo: Construction Manager - DRC

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children's lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We're changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length: 2 years

The role

• The main purpose of the role is to provide technical input, construction management skills and capacity building support to the CO construction team.
• The CO has a large portfolio of construction projects (4 million USD) in support of Education, Health, Nutrition and Child Protection programmes in both the development and emergency sectors.
• There are a number of the construction projects in the Emergency Programme that will be delayed in implementation due to seasonal rains and logistical challenges. This position is initially sought in order to prepare building processes and designs/BOQs in preparation for construction to start in earnest in October/November (dry season).

Some construction work is expected to continue through the rainy season

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Prepare and oversee programme design and implementation to ensure timely delivery of programme activities to budget
• Directly manage the team of Construction Supervisors; including the hiring of any further supervisors as necessary
• Capacity build construction supervisors in principles of safe construction (relative to design development) and progress monitoring tools. Assist in selection of appropriate sites for location of planned construction works
• Work with Sectoral Technical Advisors (Education, Health, Nutrition etc.) and Project Managers to
• ensure that programmes are budgeted and resourced to deliver appropriate quality works. Carry out feasibility level design in collaboration with the programme teams to ensure that the planned buildings are both fit for purspose and deliverable within the planned budget.
• Assist in the assessment of existing buildings targeted for repair; advise of likely repairs required and prepare detailed specifications/BOQs/Plan of Work
• Develop quality drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities for all planned emergency construction projects in the emergency response programme
• Assist the Construction Area Manager (National) in planning, scheduling and quality control of construction works including staff rosters and transportation (regular access) to field sites
• Coordinate with logistics and emergency team to decide on procurement methodologies for construction works
• Review contractual documentation for construction work (in coordination with Logistics); ensure CO construction team are aware of implications within clauses and understand steps required to implement construction under such contracts

Ensure CO construction team are regularly reporting on construction progress using standardised templates to programme leads *

Prepare and manage documentation to support final handover of completed construction projects; ensure community/government involvement *

Represent Save the Children in various shelter/ construction platforms Any other works as deemed necessary by Construction Manager and Logistics Director

Qualifications and experience

• Prior experience of working within a complex country programme in an emergency response or fragile state
• Education to MA/MSc/MEng or equivalent in Architecture, Planning, Civil or Structural engineering, construction, or another relevant subject, or equivalent field experience
• Strong understanding of public health issues in emergency shelter or settlements, with attention to specific needs of women and children.
• Previous experience of managing a team of international and national staff
• Previous experience of programme management across multiple locations
• Commitment to, thorough understanding of, and able to train staff in participation and accountability approaches
• Demonstrated ability to set up monitoring & evaluation systems in large complex programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to set up learning and development processes for a team
• Proven ability of mentoring and coaching.
• Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports
• Excellent communication skills
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• A high level of written and spoken English
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
• Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English or French using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Email: Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: 'Fsy.28687.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com'