JOB DESCRIPTION

ROLE PURPOSE:

The role holder reports directly to the Senior Coordinator-Construction or Senior Manager Construction and is responsible for monitoring and reporting of construction activities in the assigned district especially on school rehabilitation of latrines /construction.

The Technical Construction Officer will be tasked with monitoring all school construction-related activities, coordinating with provincial / Zonal level Government authorities and all stakeholders involved in construction activities, supporting/supervising partner staff, regular construction monitoring, quality assurance, contributing to implementing the latrine rehabilitation/construction facilities and handing over of the facilities.

The role holder must demonstrate skills in coordinating and directing the work of contractors/SDS members and other related parties in all different fields of civil and construction activities. Ensure that SC construction programming is implemented in line with the latest SCI Construction Policies and Benchmark Standards and national and international construction building codes.

In the event of a humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

The responsibilities of the role will be broadly defined as, but not limited to:

Program design and implementation:

• Work closely with contractors and suppliers to assess and approve materials supplied for construction projects.
• Interpret working drawings, specifications and other documents for contractors, masons and skilled workers and ensure that project specifications are clearly understood.
• Work / Coordinate with School Management and School Development Society (SDS) to identify a safer location for latrine construction at schools.
• Maintain close contact with School administration and SDS and collect any issues or concerns related to USDA – FY23 PALAM/A construction activities and report immediately to Senior Coordinator – Construction/ Senior Manager- Construction.
• Submit weekly and monthly progress reports to the Senior Coordinator – Construction/ Senior Manager- Construction.
• Directly supervise construction work to ensure quality of construction.
• Monitor working conditions and be aware of problems that might arise regarding progress and safety.
• Support / Facilitate identifying and recruiting the local qualified laborers / Skilled laborers for construction work.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the contractor’s/partner’s staff/SDS to monitor the construction activities, community meetings and follow-up actions.
• Monitor and report the progress of construction projects against set targets and ensure that deadlines are met.
• Ensure compliance with Save the Children policies and practices with respect to child protection, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate high level of commitment to Save the Children to ensure objectives are met.
• Ensure the effective and efficient use of all Save the Children resources in order to keep costs low.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the line manager.
• Ensure SCI safeguarding policies are followed, and safer construction processes are in place when implementing and monitoring all school construction-related activities and coordinating with provincial/zonal level government authorities & all stakeholders involved in construction activities.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning:

• Responsible and accountable for daily construction site visits.
• Contribute and implement program-specific quality and accountability processes.
• Verify that construction/rehabilitation work done by partners, SDS and contractors are carried out according to quality standards established by Save the Children through quality checklists and in adherence with SCI Construction Policies and Benchmark Standards.
• Work with Provincial / Zonal education authorities, School Administration, SDS, Contractors, and site supervisors to deliver projects.
• Organize mobilization sessions/meetings with School administration, SDSs and contractors before construction is started and inform the contractors on all relevant technical details and requirements.
• Attend contractor de-briefing meetings and give technical input as required
• Assist the Senior Coordinator – Construction/ Senior Manager – Construction in ensuring quality standards in accordance with Save the Children quality checklists
• Plan and be responsible for the weekly reporting of data in order to follow up the standard project and strategic indicators (number and type of activities completed).

Reporting:

• Prepare daily or weekly progress reports and submit to the Senior Coordinator – Construction/ Senior Manager- Construction.
• Check and submit the payment pack as per the payment schedule of the contract agreement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Higher National Diploma in Engineering, National Diploma in Technology or National Certificate in Technology from a recognized institution.
• A National Certificate in Technology with extensive 6 year’s experience in construction.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A minimum of 4 years experience in a similar role in the construction field overseeing projects and contractors.
• Previous experience in humanitarian response and development programs.
• Excellent planning skills and ability to work independently.
• Good knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the construction industry.
• Excellent team builder and ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Direct experience in the geographical area of intervention of Save the Children.
• Ability to travel to SCI project locations.
• Willingness and ability to ride a motorbike and having a valid motorbike license
• Experience in supervising construction works through communities, contractors and owner driven approaches.
• Good computer literacy with proficiency in Word, Excel, PDF, Internet, and AutoCAD.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English and Sinhala or Tamil.
• Behave and demonstrate a high level of courtesy, and honesty, encouraging openness and transparency.
• A good understanding of the mandate of Save the Children, commitment to and understanding of child rights, the aims and principles of Save the Children, and its humanitarian standards such as Child Safeguarding and the Code of Conduct.