Construction, Project Engineer

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The Construction Project Engineer will oversee the design, planning, and execution of shelter and WASH infrastructure projects. This role will ensure the construction of high-quality, durable shelters and WASH facilities while adhering to international standards, donor requirements, and local regulations. The Senior Engineer will work closely with program and operations teams.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Shelter & WASH Infrastructure Planning and Design: • Lead the assessment, design, and planning of shelters and WASH infrastructure in line with donor requirements, community needs and humanitarian standards. • Prepare detailed architectural and engineering drawings for shelters, latrines, water points, and drainage systems. • Conduct site assessments to determine the best location and type of infrastructure required. • Develop bills of quantities (BOQs), materials specifications, and detailed construction schedules. Technical Support & Capacity Building: • Provide technical guidance and support to ARCS field teams and PNS involved in shelter and WASH construction. • Creates a set of standards, tools and procedures for effective monitoring and control of construction projects. • Train and build the capacity of junior engineers, construction workers, and community members on building techniques, construction safety, and maintenance. • Develop and document best practices for shelter and WASH infrastructure development in the context of humanitarian response. • Supports ARCS/IFRC in the preparation Invitation to Bid (ITB), RFQs for contractors for shelter projects. Analyze the technical quality, cost, implementation method, feasibility and context appropriateness of proposals and bids made by prospective partners, consultants, and contractors. • Lead the integration of technical assistance, quality assurance and capacity building on the use of materials and construction techniques to build back safer as part of the shelter & settlements interventions (from emergency to recovery). Ensure the technical specifications, guidelines and information, education, and communication (IEC) awareness materials are developed to enhance the capacity of the affected population. Coordination & Reporting: • Work closely with program and project managers, logistics, and procurement teams to ensure that construction works are aligned with plans and agreements. • Liaise with donors, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure shelter and WASH interventions meet agreed-upon standards. • Coordinate the integration of cross-cutting issues in the work of the Shelter, including age, gender, environment, diversity. • Prepare regular progress reports, technical assessments, and project completion reports for donors and stakeholders. • Represent the Shelter/WASH technical working group as needed and actively advocate for IFRC within the shelter cluster, in collaboration with ARCS. Compliance & Quality Assurance: • Ensure all construction activities comply with national building codes, Sphere standards, and humanitarian guidelines. • Oversee environmental impact assessments and ensure that construction activities have minimal negative impact on the environment. • Ensure gender and inclusion considerations are integrated into the design and implementation of shelter and WASH projects. • Assist in tender processes and contract administration for construction services (evaluation, design, engineering, site supervision and/or management, construction works) in accordance with IFRC / National Society standard procedures and existing regulations in country. Includes overseeing that correct permits and licenses are obtained when required. Budgeting & Financial Oversight: • Develop cost estimates for construction projects, ensuring financial planning aligns with the overall program budget. • Monitor construction-related expenditures and provide regular updates to the finance team to ensure transparency and accountability.

Education

Required : Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience

Required : At least 7-10 years of experience in construction, with a focus on shelter and WASH infrastructure in humanitarian or development contexts. Proven experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects in challenging environments. Preferred : Experience in international organization – UN Agencies, INGOs, IOs, Consultancies, Donors, Red Cross Red Crescent. Experience in working in humanitarian interventions including large complex operations and/or development programmes.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required : Proficiency in engineering software (E.g. AutoCAD , SketchUp, SolidWorks, Revit, FreeCAD, Fusion 360, Vectorworks etc.) Effective IT skills including word processing and spreadsheet. Strong knowledge of Sphere standards, international building codes, and WASH-related regulations. Strong capacity-building, technical, supervisory, and problem-solving skills, and proven ability to work in shelter project management. Strong leadership, supervision, management, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, analytical interpersonal, and communication skills. Strong budget management and reporting, skills; and an ability to oversee multiple awards from a variety of donors. Good interpersonal skills with ability to travel field based on need. Proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred: Knowledge of local language i.e., Dari and Pashto.

Competencies, Values and Comments

Core competencies: Communications, Collaboration & Teamwork, Judgement & Decision, National Society & Customer Relations, Creativity & Innovation, Building Trust. Managerial competencies: Managing Performance, Managing Staff Development. Functional competencies: Strategic Orientation, Building Alliances, Leadership, Empowering Others. Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability