WASH/Shelter Engineer

Job Summary

The main purpose of the position is, under the management of the WASH/Shelter Project Manager, to implement Concern’s Shelter and WASH activities under a UNHCR-funded project, in shelter units at residential, non-residential level and in collective site but also in informal settlements following an Area Based Approach.  There will be a number of other engineers in the programme with whom to liaise and they will operate at the site level. 

This role includes gathering information and data on Shelter locations, assessment, technical preparation and review of construction activities, bill of quantities, negotiations of contracts with contractors, negotiation of rent agreement, and monitoring of Concern’s activities. In order to ensure that all the skill sets are covered within the site teams, within the role of WASH/Shelter engineer are some generic responsibilities mostly around support to, and mobilisation of, refugee communities; oversight and monitoring of infrastructure construction; conduct assessments; general coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Participate in the identification of people in need of shelter assistance

• a. Identification of beneficiaries to be assisted in collaboration with municipality, community focal points, existing beneficiaries and other stakeholders following Concern and UNHCR eligibility criteria;
• b. Technical assessment of occupied and unoccupied units but also of common area in Collective sites and prepare bill of quantities for rehabilitation in line with Shelter Working Group’s guidelines;
• c. Negotiate with landlord the scope of works and occupancy agreement terms to ensure affordable shelters;
• d. Participate in resolution of any conflict that may arise between landlord and families if requested.

1. Oversee construction at residential, non-residential and ITS level

• Monitor on daily basis the progress and quality of construction activities at residential, non-residential and ITS level; ensure adherence to agreed standards and processes; highlighting any issues and examples of good practice through regular reports to Project Manager and in team meetings
• Provide technical input in the general supervision, progress of construction activities and control of quality of materials and workmanship
• Prepare all the supporting documentation for payment to owners and contractors;
• Identify the skills and promote self-help approach within the refugee populations
• Produce weekly/daily progress reports on the construction activities, contract status and beneficiary participation as required
• Data collection and data entry of information relating to households, shelters & works.

  3. Oversee works for improved water supply and sanitation access at municipality level 

• Participate in the selection of sites for construction/rehabilitation of water supply network and construction of septic tanks.
• Ensure proper decommissioning of septic tanks ensuring no risks for public health and the environment.
• Monitor on daily basis the progress and quality of construction activities at municipal level; ensure adherence to agreed standards and processes; surfacing any issues and examples of good practice through regular reports to Project Manager and in team meetings
• Provide technical input in the general supervision, progress of construction activities and control of quality of materials and workmanship
• Prepare all the supporting documentation for payment to contractors;
• Produce weekly/daily progress reports on the construction activities, contract status and beneficiary participation as required

1. Participate to emergency response in IS and housing units in relation with shelter and WASH assistance

• In coordination with the Shelter and WASH team, support Concern to meet its minimum quality and accountability requirements in emergencies
• Conduct technical assessment following emergency at the request of the WASH/Shelter PM
• Report on needs and assistance required;
• Delivery of shelter and NFI kits to people in need living in IS or sub-standards housing units
• Identify the skills and promote self-help approach within the refugee populations
• Provide technical input in the installation of shelters;
• Facilitate communication flows between refugee leaders and Concern staff by providing timely information as required;
• Participate to the referral system of Concern enabling people in need to access the adequate services.

1. Adhere to the standards of conduct outlines in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.

   6. Support and promote the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to their team, partner organisations and beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

1. To contribute to the establishment of preventive measures to reduce the potential for abuse in Concern programme (as per P4 section 6)
2. Support Concern’s work in Lebanon by undertaking other tasks as appropriate and required

Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Attitude Required

• Degree in Engineering, certificate in building/construction or related technical qualification
• Minimum of one year experience in humanitarian organisation, especially in the Shelter and WASH sector
• Experience in monitoring construction and managing contractors is highly desirable
• Familiarity with the minimum construction standards for camps (eg., Sphere)
• Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills and ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills in Arabic, a reasonable level of English in reading and speaking
• Report writing skills and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets
• Experience in conducting surveys, managing data and statistics is desirable
• Leadership and supervisory skills and ability to foster team spirit
• Willingness to stay on site and travel to construction sites all the time
• Strong commitment to ensuring the protection of refugees
• Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values
• Strong sense of security management and willingness to follow security guidelines and regulations