Consultant - Construction Engineer
About The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in over 40 countries and more than 20 U.S. cities, offering lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.
Job Summary
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks a skilled Consultant - Construction Engineer for their Kyegegwa District operations in Uganda, specifically supporting the Kyaka Field Office. This role involves providing crucial technical support for ongoing construction works, including BOQ validation, tender process guidance, construction oversight for quality and safety, and diligent reporting. Essential qualifications include a BSc in Civil Engineering, a minimum of two years of relevant experience, and familiarity with rural Ugandan infrastructure projects.
BACKGROUND (Detailed)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting refugees and vulnerable host communities. IRC Uganda has a country office in Kampala and field offices in Arua, Kyegegwa, Lamwo, Kiryandongo, Yumbe and Kampala urban. The current country program portfolio includes health and nutrition, protection and rule of law, women’s protection and empowerment, education, and economic recovery and development.
SCOPE OF WORK
The IRC seeks to hire a consultant to support the IRC Kyaka Field Office in providing technical support for the ongoing construction works. The consultant, in coordination with the IRC Supply Chain Coordinator and field teams, sets out to:
- Review and validate the BOQs.
- Provide technical guidance to the Procurement Committee on aspects related to tender processes, contractor identification, pre-qualification, contracting and termination.
- Provide guidance on any alternative building processes, techniques and materials in case of not feasible project proposals and technical difficulties in complying with the agreed standards.
- Prepare progress / site inspection reports in a timely and accurate manner for IRC’s decision making, submit within two (2) days after site inspection.
- Guide on the processes of obtaining building occupancy permits.
- Overseeing the construction process, ensuring adherence to plans, quality standards, safety regulations, and timely completion of projects.
- Supervision of construction. The IRC require the engineer’s services on other running projects across IRC locations.
- Providing technical expertise and guidance to local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in rural development projects.
- Conduct periodic site inspections, structure assessments, enforce health and safety compliance by the work force and ensure clean and safe working environment, and conditions.
- Addressing technical challenges that may arise during project implementation, ensuring effective solutions are implemented.
- Ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and standards, preparing accurate reports on project progress, and submitting them to the appropriate authorities.
- Ensure contractor daily implements Safeguarding and general health and safety on site.
- Support in coordination of site handover / commissioning.
- Follow up on any issues that may arise during the defects liability period.
- Inspect sites after the end of the retention period and verify final payment to the contractor or report on repair work in case of faults as stated in the contracts with the contractors/ service providers.
DELIVERABLES
The following will be the expected deliverables of the consultancy:
- Submit weekly progress, quality and risks assessment reports to the IRC.
- Participate in technical evaluations and sign on the bid analysis and minutes for the update of the classroom block in Kako.
- Reviewed and validated the BOQs.
- Site inspection reports submitted within two (2) days of inspection visits.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications:
- BSc Civil Engineering.
- Registered with Uganda Engineers Registration Board would be added advantage.
- Two years’ experience in civil engineering and construction.
- Experience working with district councils in rural infrastructure development and construction.
- Experience working with INGO or UN agencies would be an added advantage.
- Relevant experience in rural civil engineering projects, construction management, or related areas is essential.
- Supervision of building construction and rehabilitation works, managing contractors and casual work force, and ability to understand and clearly interpret works specifications and drawings.
Other skills
- Strong communication, problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills are also important for success in the role.
- Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities of rural development in Uganda, including local materials, construction methods, and cultural sensitivities.
- Fluency in English and potentially local languages spoken in the targeted rural areas.
- Emphasis on sustainable practices, including the use of local materials, environmentally friendly techniques, and water management solutions.
- Focus on collaborative planning and implementation that actively involves local communities in the decision-making process.
- Establishing mechanisms to track project progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability.
GENDER EQUALITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity in our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
HOW TO APPLY
This advert will run till May 29, 2025.
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should apply via the IRC careers portal using the link below.
