Senior Project Associate (Engineering)

Vacancy Notice No: SVN#NP/10/24

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Organizational Context and Scope

On 3 November 2023, Nepal’s deadliest earthquake since April 2015 struck Jajarkot District in Karnali Province in the west of the country. The 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which was followed by over 300 aftershocks, killed 154 (84 females and 70 males, including 81 children)2, injured 366, and displaced tens of thousands of people, forcing many to sleep outside in freezing overnight temperatures for fear of aftershocks. According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), approximately 62,011 households were damaged (completely and partially) and 250,000 people were affected (127,750 females and 122,250 males, including 69,575 children), with Jajarkot and Rukum West districts bearing the brunt of the damage. Despite the earthquake's relatively low magnitude, the high levels of damage and casualties were caused by substandard construction of homes and as it occurred at night when most people were asleep in their homes.

In February 2024, the Joint Recovery Action Plan: Western Nepal Earthquake was launched by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Nepal with three pronged objectives 1) Support livelihoods and the continuation of basic service delivery 2) Create enabling environments for long term recovery and reconstruction of affected communities 3) support the current season and build resilience to natural shocks in 2024. Under the Joint Recovery UN Project, IOM is leading the Shelter Recovery interventions planned from May 2024 until January 2025. 

Under the guidance from Chief of Mission and overall supervision of the National Program Officer/Head MECR (Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction) and the direct supervision of the Shelter Expert, the successful candidate will provide collaboration to Shelter and Settlements interventions to support the Jajarkot earthquake recovery operation.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Support to operate and maintain the mobile vehicle (van), ensuring it is equipped with necessary tools and IEC materials and supplies.
2. Provide technical support and assistance for troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of equipment and devices being used in the van for community awareness events.
3. Conduct on-site assessments to identify technical issues and recommend appropriate solutions to the local levels.
4. Collaborate with project district teams to schedule van visits and prioritize service requests.
5. Collaborate with implementing partners to develop and disseminate the Information Education Communication (IEC) content and monitor and report the misuse of IECs.
6. Identify and categorize communities, based on geographical location, population density, and technical support needs.
7. Serve as the primary point of contact between project team and the community in relation to community awareness events.
8. Coordinate van visits and service schedules based on community needs and resource availability.
9. Facilitate communication and collaboration between community members and the project team. 
10. Collect feedback from community members to assess satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement.
11. Conduct surveys and assessments to identify communities in need of technical support services. Prioritize locations based on factors such as remoteness, population size, and existing infrastructure.
12. Establish a schedule for van visits to designated areas. Support to advertise service availability and encourage community members to submit service requests.
13. Organize workshops, training sessions, and informational seminars to educate community members on basic troubleshooting and maintenance techniques.
14. Record and maintain database of IECs and BCC related content.
15. Perform any duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field from accredited Institute with 4 years of relevant experience; or,
• High school diploma with six years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Previous experience in reconstruction project management, building design, architecture, engineering, or urban planning.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously is crucial. 
• Excellent communication skills are essential for liaising with clients, architects, engineers, contractors, government officials, and other stakeholders involved in the permitting and construction process.
• A strong foundation knowledge in BCC, IEC architecture with essential deep understanding of structural design principles, building materials, and construction methods relevant to shelter and settlement projects.
• Experiences of clear, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the specific needs and context of the target community. 
• Preferred the experiences of community meetings, radio programs, posters, leaflets, mobile technology, interpersonal communication, and social media platforms, among others.

Skills

• Proficiency in construction codes and building permit processes is essential. 
• Computer literate (MS office, and social media engagement, community mobilization skills, etc.);
• Database management systems, familiarity of Monitoring and evaluation software is advantage. 
• Familiarity with engineering software for designing and assessing emergency shelters and settlements.
• Knowledge of relevant knowledge management skills, coding languages for data analysis and system development may be beneficial.
• Environmental sensitive planning, DRRM governance, and coordination in humanitarian settings

Languages

Fluency in English and Nepali is required (oral and written).

Required Competencies

VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

CORE COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators – Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication.

Other

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment. Only Nepali Nationals will be considered for this position.

How to apply:

Interested Candidates are requested to submit their application indicating clearly the position applied, VN number and CV with three references to the following address: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Lazimpat Road, Panipokhari, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 08 May 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

Posting period:

From 01.05.2024 to 08.05.2024