BTC Infrastructure Sector Expert

The Belgian development agency, BTC, mobilises its resources and its expertise to eliminate poverty in the world. BTC contributes to the efforts of the international community and works towards a society that provides present and future generations with sufficient resources to build a sustainable and fair world.

Its 650 staff members in Brussels and overseas embody the commitment of the Belgian State and other development partners to international solidarity. They support more than 300 cooperation projects and programmes in some 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

In view of the the further development of its activities the BTC is currently looking for a (m/f):

International Sector Expert Infrastructure

UGANDA

Ref.: UGA/09/020-3

Location: Kampala (Uganda), with frequent site visits

Duration of the contract:30 months

Probable starting date:as soon as possible

Monthly salary package:between 5.299,56 euro and 7.500,22 euro (this includes the gross monthly salary and the expat benefits: hardship allowance and expat allowance). The salary is calculated, depending on the composition of the family and the number of years of relevant experience.

Project:

The education sector in Uganda has experienced a great transformation over the past 15 years. In 1997 the government of Uganda launched the Universal Primary Education strategy. By consequence enrolment in primary education soared. Because of its success (at least in numbers), an equal investment strategy became necessary for secondary education to provide further schooling for the rising number of pupils who finished primary education. The Universal Secondary Education strategy was then put into action in 2007, leading to an instant increase in enrolment figures in secondary education as well.

Recognizing the importance of ensuring the quality and relevance of the education that the children receive, providing teachers capable of delivering education of high quality is considered by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) as the single most important input in ensuring the successful delivery of the Universal Post-Primary Education and Training (UPPET) programme. Therefore upon initiative of the Government of Uganda, the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda has agreed to support interventions geared towards the improvement of teacher training provided by the National Teachers Colleges (NTCs), as well as other Colleges responsible for training tutors and lecturers for Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET), including the training of health Tutors.

Objectives:

The Specific objective of the intervention is to provide an improved teaching and practice-oriented learning environment, supported by a strengthened support supervision and visitation (inspections) service, for the most part on four selected colleges. To reach this objective, the project has defined a strategy that addresses four areas:

· Strengthening the teacher education system in relation to the colleges in the areas of communication, support supervision and visitation, strategic management and lecturers qualifications;

· Strengthening the management capacity of the supported colleges;

· Improving the quality of teaching and learning in the supported colleges;

· Rehabilitating, extending and equipping the colleges’ facilities.

These objectives will be achieved through capacity building at system (central) level, organizational (colleges) and individual (managers and teachers) level.

The project will be executed in co-management.

Function:

The international sector expert (ISE) will support the MoES and the project coordination team (PCT) to follow-up some studies, guide the design and implementation stages of the investments works in the four colleges, develop capacity development activities, and lead the process of evaluation and dissemination of experience. She/he will work and collaborate closely with MoES, the PCT and the International and local consultants and will assume significant coordination responsibilities.

The specific tasks for the ISE include:

· Oversee the infrastructure project activities in close cooperation with the PCT and MoES;

· Assist in the identification of key stakeholders for the project;

· Maintain close relationships with the MoES and other relevant Ugandan agencies, Ministries and the donor community;

· Supervise and guide the contracting of international and local technical consultancy services in close collaboration with the PCT and MoES;

· Supervise and guide the contracting of capacity building organisations and other training providers in close collaboration with the PMU;

· Provide technical guidance on project methodology and strategy;

· Assist the PCT and MoES in the writing of the terms of reference and all related technical specifications required for the execution of the project activities in the area of infrastructure provision and equipment;

· Provide an input in terms of innovative approaches and technologies related to capacity-building, awareness-raising and alternative design and construction of infrastructure facilities and their evaluation;

· Organise activities to evaluate and capitalise on the lessons learned both for MoES and BTC;

· Set up the methodology, the tools, and the assignment of responsibility for the technical site supervision of the rehabilitation and extension works;

· Supervise engineers and consultants during the preparation and tendering of contracts for procurement of works, goods and services;

· Provide support to the PCT in the management of the project;

· Prepare in collaboration with the PC, co-PC and the PCT the Project progress reports;

· Coordinate with the PC the preparation of project work plans in cooperation with the PCT;

· Organise, coordinate and supervise the implementation of project activities in accordance with the approved project work plans;

· Assist the PC and co-PC in their role of supervising the preparation of regular financial reports for the Belgian contribution;

· Assist the PC and co-PC in relation to ensuring the timely replenishment of the project account;

· Coordinate and facilitate the financial audit for the Belgian contribution;

· Contribute to the compilation of the project final report at the end of the project;

· Coordinate and network with other national and international partners.

Reporting

The ISE shall assist the PCT in the preparation of periodic progress reports and financial reports. In particular s/he shall assist the PM in preparing:

· Consolidated and coordinated quarterly and annual progress reports including recommendations;

· Financial reports in accordance with the requirements of BTC and the MEHE;

· A Final report summarising the results of the Project including lessons learnt, and providing conclusions and recommendation on how the achievements of the Project can be sustained;

· Any other reports as requested by the MEHE, Project Steering Committee (PSC) or BTC.

Profile:

Qualifications:

· Degree in civil or architectural engineering.

Experience:

· At least 10 years experience in construction and at least 5 years experience in development cooperation projects;

· Proven experience in school buildings and capacity building activities is an asset;

· Proven knowledge in sustainable projects using energy efficiency principles, alternative technologies and renewable energy production is an asset.

Other:

· Knowledge of the local context will be an asset;

· English proficiency, both in speaking and writing;

· Mature, good communicator and team player;

· Able to work under stressful conditions with no objection to working overtime and undertaking field missions.

Interested?

Please apply not later than May 6^th 2012, through our web site www.btcctb.org .

Use our Standard CV and a letter of motivation to apply.

You can find the model of our Standard CV on the page Jobs of our website.

If you have any additional question, don’t hesitate to contact us at 02/505 18 65.