Expedited SVN - Senior Project Assistant (Shelter and Settlements)

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  Context The Senior Project Assistant – Shelter and Settlements will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the shelter and settlement programming in Adamawa State of Nigeria, both for emergency and transitional programs, including settlement planning, development and improvements.

1. Support IOM Shelter and Settlements interventions across North-East Nigeria (and particularly Adamawa State) throughout the planning, implementation and monitoring stages, according to agreed work plans.
2. Develop bill of quantities (BoQs), schedule of dilapidation, etc. for the benefit of different shelter and NFI program interventions and verify all technical specifications coming from the unit are accurate and of the highest standard.
3. Organize and conduct Shelter and NFI needs assessments and provide recommendations to management on response options.
4. Provide creative solutions to challenges faced in the field before, during and after construction activities.
5. In collaboration with the Site Planning Officer, provide technical support for the development of site plans for new or existing settlements, as well as for site improvement interventions.
6. Provide the Shelter Admin Assistant necessary information to be able to raise Purchase Requests, prepare and liquidate operational advances, and follow up regularly with the procurement unit.
7. Contribute to the development of new tools and dissemination of existing ones that aids IOM shelter field staff in the discharge of their duties.
8. Function as a resource person/facilitator for Shelter, NFI and Site Planning trainings, as well as lead training and induction of new Shelter and Settlements field staff.
9. Inform and train the workforce and the affected people on safe and high-quality construction techniques, as well as maintenance and repair interventions.
10. Maintain linkages with other units and between IOM’s Shelter and NFI programming in Adamawa state.
11. Work closely with IOM’s HLP Advisor and support land advocacy efforts, land negotiation and documentation processes, as well as in facilitating HLP integration across all projects.
12. Support the Durable Solutions Officer and the Shelter and Settlements unit in the implementation of activities under durable solutions projects in Adamawa state.
13. Attend coordination meetings in sector technical working groups and task forces, maintaining close cooperation with partners and government stakeholders.
14. Monitor the contractors closely and assist in the understanding of specifications, designs and site plans.
15. Continuously monitor construction activities in the field, overseeing execution and evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data.
16. Prepare and develop status reports, quality control reports, minutes of the meetings, travel requests, and other documents, as required, by the management.
17. Maintain daily contact with all field teams and promptly report any developments that need to be followed by management, including staff welfare issues and equipment needs.
18. Help all Shelter and Settlements field staff understand and carry out their duties in accordance with the humanitarian principles, core values, IOM procedures, the Code of Conduct and PSEA.
19. Perform any other duties that may be required. Education
    • Graduate degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or an equivalent combination of education, training & experience from a recognized institution. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • At least four years of relevant professional experience.
      • Experience in humanitarian field 
      • Experience with Shelter NFI programs is mandatory
      • Experience with Cash-based programming is an advantage
      • Experience with supervisory roles for tasks of a similar nature to this assignment
      • Experience in project reporting and record keeping is desirable
      • Versatile in use of design- related software (e.g. AutoCAD) and ability to prepare schedules/bills of quantities and cost estimates.
      • Proficiency in computer applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc). 
      • Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity in performing responsibility assigned 
      • Proactive; independent worker; Fast Learner. 
      • Administrative & Time Management skills. 
      • Must have strong analytical, planning and people management skills.

        Ability to prepare clear and concise reports

        Skills
        • Experience with another international organization and knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
        • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
        • Ability to present clear and concise information; Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
        • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
        • Good level of computer literacy; personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results. Languages
          • For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
          • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
        • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
      • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
    • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
20. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
21. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.