Technical Officer: International Labour Organization (ILO) Jobs in Kenya
Closing date: 21 Apr 2010
Location: Kenya - Duration 6 months , Nairobi, with frequent travel to Somalia
General
Given the continued expansion of projects under the Somalia Programme, then need for extra capacity with regard to the management, technical excellence and the continued development of technical competence amongst counterparts has given opportunity for an entry level position within the Programme.
This person will supplement the Chief Technical Advisor and other Technical Advisors in supporting the line managers and supervisors within projects and ensure technical excellence is built within all works undertaken
The Technical Officer will be based in Nairobi and will undertake frequent travel to Somalia subject to requisite security clearances. Under the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser the Technical Officer will report technically through the Technical Adviser.
The Technical Officer is expected to work closely and in collaboration with other ILO staff both in Nairobi and in Somalia. The Technical Officer is expected to comply with ILO and UN rules and regulations, especially those relating to safety and security of staff.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The Technical Officer will provide technical input to the effective implementation of the ILO Somalia Programme.
The primary task of the Technical Officer is technical input to the planning, implementation and evaluation of employment intensive infrastructure projects supported by ILO, incorporating the elements of local economic development, small and medium enterprise development, gender equity, safety and fair labour practices to the extent possible.
More specifically, the duties and responsibilities of the Technical Officer are:
Under the guidance and tutelage of the Technical Adviser, assist in the identification of needs of target partners and develop a support programme i.e. training and mentorship, to enable them to apply the set project criteria at various stages of the project cycle and ensure compliance with the same (All to be done in conformity with the ILO mandate, programme plans and the UN inter agency plans).
Using the ILO institutional knowledge, assist the target partner institutions develop standard systems, procedures and specifications covering various issues such as engineering works designs, procurement (i.e. tender preparation, evaluation and adjudication), implementation and contract management, monitoring and reporting, and technical auditing; and prepare/provide input into technical guidelines and manuals.
Provide input during preparation of agreements between ILO and its partners.
Review project proposals and oversee technical inputs based on set criteria in consultation with other relevant ILO staff.
Within the team set-up, assist in the facilitation of partners developing initiatives based on agreed criteria such as available resources, equity, conformity with national priorities, ILO mandate.
Working with the Technical Adviser, support the development of technical standards and specifications for public works and services; and establish mechanisms for monitoring and ensuring adherence.
Train, mentor and advise partner technical personnel i.e. central and local government, private sector contractors and technical partners to prepare designs for public infrastructure works and services, work plans and budgets for planned activities.
Train, mentor and advise partner technical personnel to procure and manage the implementation of public infrastructure works e.g. buildings, roads, drainage, environmental conservation according to set technical specifications and standards and within time and budget allocated.
Advice on the procurement of resources (equipment, labour, materials) for initiatives carried out with partners in accordance with approved project budget, work plan and standard project procurement procedures.
Train, mentor and advise partner technical personnel in the operations and maintenance, of public works and services and the monitoring and evaluation.
In collaboration and under the guidance of the Technical Adviser linking with Programme Officers, follow up to ensure timely reporting by project engineers, district engineers and relevant partners; and compile periodic reports as required.
In collaboration and under the guidance of the Technical Adviser, coordinate technical inputs to donor reports from the project partners and staff based in Somalia and submit the same to Nairobi in conformity with planned reporting schedules.
Draft in or translate into local language(s) technical materials that would be better understood in the language of administration and business.
Participate in relevant meetings, evaluations, baseline/impact assessments, workshops, and seminars, study tours etc organized by or on behalf of the ILO.
Participate in team dialogue to ensure the wider team is aware of, and can assist, the partner institutions to liaise with concerned ministries, municipalities, government offices, UN agencies, communities and NGOs when the success of project implementation requires such action.
Assist with protocol services including accompanying and interpreting for visiting missions when required.
Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor or peer members of the Programme team.
Share lessons learned and best practice with wider ILO, UN partners and other partners.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized University.
Experience and Competencies
Minimum of three years in the construction industry.
Demonstrable ability to work in a team setting.
Proven diplomatic skills when working with partners
Demonstrable ability to work with people training, mentoring and developing skills where there is no direct management commitment
Excellent analytical skills, resourcefulness and maturity of judgment;
Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills with strong interpersonal skills.
Understanding of automated office environment and excellent computer skills especially MS Excel and Word.
Ability to draft well and speak fluently in English.
Exercises willingness to assist others, to learn from the working environment and take on additional responsibilities.
Languages
Fluency in both written and oral English and
Working level proficiency in the Somalia Language.
How to apply
Applicants should send their curriculum vitae/resume to the email address below. Applications must include precise information on education, work experience (name of organization, starting and ending dates, work performed, name of supervisor and contact), and other relevant experience and skills.
Applicants are encouraged to give three references. Applications from women are encouraged. The closing date for submitting applications for this position is 21 April 2010 at 16.00 hrs. No candidatures will be accepted after the closing date.
Applications should be sent to the following email address mentioning the vacancy announcement reference: ILO /SOM/2010-002 addressed to the
Chief Technical Adviser
ILO Somalia,
UNOPS Lane,
Off UN Avenue, Gigiri.
P.O.Box 783-00621
Nairobi
Email: hrsomalia @ ilo.org
