JOB TITLE:  Senior Design and Construction Engineer – (Infrastructure Engineer/irrigation Engineer)

REPORTS TO:  Head of Corporate Services

REPORTING TO POSTHOLDER: None

LOCATION: Addis Ababa with frequent travel to field offices

DURATION: 12 months with possibility of extension based on availability of fund and performance

Effective agriculture has the power to change lives. It underpins prosperity, food security and stability the world over. Farm Africa focuses on transforming agriculture and managing natural resources sustainably. We champion a holistic approach that boosts yields, protects the environment and connects smallholder farmers to thriving markets.

We work with different types of farmers in a range of regions. Their local situations vary, but the problems they face are all too familiar: lack of training and technology, inadequate inputs, no finance, vulnerability to climate change and poor links to markets.

We have an ambitious strategy to expand our work over the next five years. We’ll increase our impact, lift more communities out of poverty, work with more corporate partners who share our vision, open up more agricultural markets, provide more expertise, and make change happen.

Farm Africa is implementing a large number of projects/programmes in the areas of agriculture (crop and livestock), natural resources management and market engagement across Ethiopia. We are increasingly designing and implementing complex and integrated multi-sector projects, some by ourselves and others in partnership with like-minded organizations in the form of consortium.

Currently, Farm Africa is implementing The Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable and Inclusive Development (NSSID) programme will deliver a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interlinked challenges in three eco-regional clusters across Ethiopia, implementing multi-sectoral interventions that will contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development in Ethiopia.

The ecosystems of the three target eco-regional clusters (Wabi-Shebele and Gelale-Dawa, Omo-Gibe and Baro-Akobo, and Rift Valley and Awash basins) are critical for the environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and sustainable development of communities living in Ethiopia.

The Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable and Inclusive Development programme will harness the expertise and experience of nine NGOs, associations and academic institutions to deliver an ambitious integrated environmental, sustainable and inclusive development, and climate resilience programme that will respond to these identified challenges and deliver at scale across Ethiopia.

Senior Design and Construction Engineer: Various construction works will be undertaken during the next 12-months. Farm Africa will deploy a highly qualified and well-experienced design and construction engineer to different field locations.  He/She will work to ensure the development of good quality designs and conduct technical follow-up on whether construction works are done as per their design. He/she will also monitor construction progress against timeframe as well as ensure the right materials are used. The Design and Construction Engineer will spend 50% of his/her time in the field (supervising construction progresses) and 50% in Addis (to develop plans, syntheses progress reports and share information with project team and contractors). He/she will report to the Head of Corporate Services and also work closely with Programme Managers in each cluster.

Key areas of responsibilities are:

The Engineer will Plan, Study, design, and supervise of different Water supply, Irrigation, Solar energy, and different purpose building projects. And also a rapid assessment to identify and prioritize sites for the development of different type of buildings, water supply schemes and small-scale irrigation schemes by the project that consider suitability for construction, construction material availability, distance of scheme from beneficiaries, availability of water source, and potential irrigated command area and other required considerations for the proper designing of the proposed schemes, implementation and close follow up of the construction after the proper designing of the schemes; and implementation and close follow up of the construction. He/She oversee and coordinate various construction activities of the project from start to finish.

The detail scope will be to:

• Plan, coordinates, organizes, oversees, and directs activities regarding the construction and maintenance of assigned structures, facilities, and systems
• Carry out analysis of general physical conditions of the selected construction sites and ensure suitability depending on the nature of construction schemes.

• Assess and recommend the economic and technical feasibility of the scheme.

• Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR), BoQ, Specification, working drawing and bid document for the construction schemes.

• Take-off and Payment preparation approval for ongoing construction projects.

• Work closely with procurement team for tendering and contracting process for the design, construction and supervision of different schemes.

• Work with the government sectors and projects staffs during identification and construction supervision,

• Consult and provide guidance to project stakeholders and managerial staff regarding engineering requirements for construction of various designs, modifications, and structural repairs.

• Use design software and drawing tools to accurately render and communicate designs; plans and other necessary systems.

• Assess strength of foundations, and quality of input materials used for construction.

• Set design specifications by computing load and grade requirements, material stress factors, water flow rates, and similar parameters.

• Estimate materials, equipment, and labour needed to determine project costs.

• Provide leadership in initial planning stage by collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, or other involved parties; develops detailed description of jobs and materials necessary to complete project.

• Prepare and submits budget estimates of construction schemes.

• Ensure adherence to the budget and, when unexpected complications or issues arise, makes quick and necessary adjustments and report to his/her line manager.

• Ensure safety standards and guidelines are followed on the jobsite and that all safety codes are met in construction.

• Collaborate with clients, supervisory staff, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve problems, including work procedures, complaints, and construction or design issues.

• Lead actions that are necessary due to delays, bad weather, or emergencies at construction sites.

• On completion of a project, inspects, repairs, and maintains the structures as needed.

ØPerform other related duties as assigned.

Deliverables

The Engineer will work closely with the program team under the direct supervision of the Corporate service to deliver the following deliverables in a quality control and timely manner:

1.    Conduction Contract administration and supervision works for the ongoing and new construction projects.

2.    Payment preparation for the ongoing and new construction projects.

3.    Quality assurance for the ongoing construction projects.

4.    Tender/Bid document preparation

5.    Prepare detail design, specification and bid document for Solar pump and solar power schemes

6.    Recommendations for proposed construction schemes by stakeholders based on technical and economical suitability.

7.    Support with the tender / contractor evaluation process for all construction activities

8.    Others to add on a case by case basis (i.e. generic deliverables)

Management and Implementation Responsibilities

The Engineer will be responsible for:

• Advising on options for development and specifications of the Solar pump, Building, Water supply, Pond and irrigation schemes

• Support the tendering and supplier and contractor selection process for all the construction works;

• In consultation with Farm Africa, developing a sustainability plan for the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure (operation and management manual).

• Monitor the implementation of the construction work, including checking and confirming at key stages of the construction process and payments.

• Directs and oversees the contractors of construction and suppliers regarding construction, operations, and/or maintenance tasks and assignments at a project site.

• Design training for key stakeholders in the operation and maintenance of schemes and water management;

• Contribute to the design of a realistic and appropriate fee structure and collection mechanisms to ensure maintenance of the all schemes;

These essential functions are not to be interpreted as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required. All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.

Investing in smallholder farming is the number one way to combat poverty in rural Africa. Farm Africa is a leading NGO specialising in growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural Africa.

EXPERT. Deep expertise and insightful evidence-based solutions are at the heart of everything Farm Africa does.

GROUNDED. Positive change starts with Africa’s people, so our experts work closely with local communities, engaging them in every level of decision-making.

IMPACTFUL. We take a long-term view so we can deliver lasting changes for farmers and their families.

BOLD. We model innovative new approaches and are not afraid to challenge strategies that are failing.