Infrastructure Specialist

Food and Agriculture Organization

Mogadishu, Somalia

Experience: 0 to 3 Years

Skill Required: Media and Communication

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Head of Operations, and the technical guidance of FAO Corporate Services Logistics Infrastructure (CSLI).

The infrastructure specialist will head the infrastructure unit and will provide technical oversight in the implementation of the field programme at the country office level.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Provide substantive technical oversight and support to the FAO Somalia Country Office in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects and programmes throughout their whole life cycle. 
  • Lead and manage the work of the Infrastructure Unit in the planning, design, coordination, and supervision of FAO’s infrastructure related activities. 
  • Oversee the management, administration, and implementation of FAO infrastructure projects by making the best use of available human and financial resources and ensure that FAO procedures are followed throughout. 
  • Mentor and assist Infrastructure engineers in planning, execution, and delivery of allocated projects, including design development, design management, design review, construction management, works supervision, contract management, change control, quality management, health and safety and environment, and other infrastructure related areas of expertise, ensuring incorporation of best practice of infrastructure project management processes.
  • Mentor and assist Infrastructure engineers in planning, execution, and delivery of allocated projects, including design development, design management, design review, construction management, works supervision, contract management, change control, quality management, health and safety and environment, and other infrastructure related areas of expertise, ensuring incorporation of best practice of infrastructure project management processes.
  • Provide advice and support on the preparation, quality, and proper management of infrastructure projects documents.
  • Advise and assist with technical input in coordination with head of sectors in proposals design and development, planning and approaches in project that have infrastructure components. 
  • Based on the inputs received from the technical sectors, prepare, and implement detailed annual work plans within the allocated budget and review progress and results on quarterly basis reports. 
  • Ensure that the highest technical standard is achieved in the delivery of products complying with FAO guidelines and achieving value for money. 
  • Prepare feasibility studies for constructing/rehabilitating canals, irrigation infrastructure, water catchments, feeder roads, water pump sets, market sheds/stores, slaughterhouses, bridges, and other project related infrastructure, 
  • Design, calculate and prepare specifications for canals, feeder roads, irrigation infrastructure, bridges, stores, offices, slaughterhouses, and other FAO buildings.
  • Prepare and check bill of quantities, cost estimates and tender documents for infrastructure construction/rehabilitation work and evaluate bids. 
  • Supervise construction/rehabilitation works prepared by other agencies, check and approve construction/ rehabilitation works reports and prepare recommendations for payments. 
  • Provide technical support, training, and reports on FAO infrastructure construction/rehabilitation activities.
  • Provide monthly reports to the Head of Operation and sector coordinators summarizing all project progress and any other matter related to infrastructure projects.
  • Coordinate and conduct site visits for all projects and verify that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly of eventual deviations.
  • Support the overall management of works implementation to ensure construction works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.
  • In coordination with ESS unit, support Project Managers develop and monitor their respective Quality, Health and Safety, Environment plans.
  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.
  • Perform other related duties as required. 

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:

  • University degree in structural/civil engineering/water infrastructure or related field (s). A masters in related fields will be considered an added advantage
  • At least 10 years of practical experience in and a good working knowledge of engineering (B.E Civil and A.G.T.I), water infrastructure construction, and management.
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian. For PSA, working knowledge of English, French or Spanish.

Technical/Functional Skills: 

  • In-depth knowledge of engineering, construction, and water infrastructure issues and standards in Somalia.
  • Knowledge of DRR resilience infrastructure; 
  • A high sense of responsibility, willingness to take initiative, excellent communication skills, and team spirit are important assets.
  • Experience in working in rural areas on rural infrastructure.
  • Computer literacy skills including CAD software (such as autoCAD, REVIT or similar). 
  • Must be familiar with operations under complex and sensitive contexts and eager to work with all communities.
  • Affinity with the mandate and role of the FAO and United Nations

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2301656