Oxfam GB Public Health and Construction Supervisor Engineer

Public Health and Construction Supervisor Engineer

Ethiopia - Heloweyn Camp, Dolo Ado, Liben Zone, Somali Region

GBP21,341 - GBP30,406 net per annum pro rata

Fixed-term, 4 months

Country Purpose:

To significantly reduce poverty, inequality and suffering amongst the poor and marginalised in Ethiopia , Oxfam will, both via direct implementation and via local partners/contractors , focus on • Meeting humanitarian needs • Strengthening local capacities • Enabling communities In addition to developing and supporting the strategic and operational capacity of our partners and local institutions, we will build alliances and knowledge networks, undertake research and analysis to inform decision-making and influence local and global policy makers to facilitate and leverage change.

Team Purpose

To enable partner organisations to quickly and effectively respond to humanitarian crises situations and to develop strategies for resolving the underlying causes of these situations, as aligned to Oxfam's aims and objectives. To implement Public Health Engineering activities in humanitarian responses in order to meet the urgent public health needs of beneficiaries.

Job Purpose

To implement public health engineering activities, within the camp and host community, and to supervise the works for the construction of 2 elevated water tanks of 250m3 each from pressed steel, 1 reservoir of 400m3 from galvanised steel with polyurethane lining, and all the necessary works for the construction of a water supply system and sanitation facilities in the Dollo Ado camp in Ethiopia. To ensure that Oxfam can implement viable emergency water, sanitation and hygiene activities that to respond to the needs of the refugees and host communities. To ensure an effectives coordination activities with relevant water and sanitation authorities and other WASH actors in the area.

Background

Oxfam has a long track record of WASH programming in Ethiopia varying with focus from pastoralist, drought, AWD and refugees. Current footprint geographically varies from Moyale, Jijiga, Harshin, Dolo Ado and Dire Dawa.

The humanitarian crisis due to drought and conflict in Somalia has fuelled a significant refugee influx into Ethiopia prompting the opening of several refugee camps in Dolo Ado. There are 183,258 registered individuals by UNHCR across the five camps in Dolo Ado. As per UNHCR figures, the refugee population in Heloweyn is approximately 32,000 inhabitants. Oxfam have been responding to the set up and configuration of WASH infrastructure in Heloweyn camp since August 2011. Oxfam’s response includes the abstraction of water via jet wells, water treatment and distribution, shared household latrines, and urine diversion latrines (small scale pilot now being extended more widely in the camp). It is our intention to invest in the WASH infrastructure over the next year with due emphasis on sustainability and operation and maintenance. This will entail the construction of permanent ground and overhead water tanks, the upgrade of the piped network etc.

Dimensions

• Assessment of the humanitarian public health situation of the people affected in the refugee camps • Supervise the work of contractors and other relevant staff in the Design, Production, Fabrication, Supply, Erection at site and Testing of the Water tanks and Elevated Towers, and construction of the water distribution systems. • Provide support and advice to managers in areas of responsibility • Establish liaison with local, district, provincial and national authorities for the timely delivery of structures and facilities for the refugees and host communities that meet national and international Oxfam standards • Supervise the work of partner organisations, and other relevant staff, in own area of specialism , as required • Where appropriate, ensure beneficiaries’ participation and consultation through the use of participatory approaches • Integration within team and with other sectors (sanitation, PHP, protection) to produce maximum benefit and impact

Key Responsibilities

• To lead and provide support on assessments of the public health situation of refugees and communities in Heloweyn camp and directly linked host communities. Assessments may extend to other areas and camps as needed. • Supervise the work of contractors and other relevant staff in the design, production, fabrication, supply, erection at site and testing of the elevated water tanks and towers (2 tanks of 250m3 each), water treatment tank (400m3) and construction of the water distribution systems in Dollo Ado camp. • Supervise and monitor the implementation of the water supply programme according to the design. • Supervise contracting process for construction of sanitation facilities in line with Oxfam procedures and ensuring transparency. • Support Oxfam public health team to supervise construction by contractors to ensure quality of work. • Ensure that wherever possible an empowering approach is used to working with refugees and communities, involving all members of the community, women, men and children in all aspects of programme implementation. • Ensure that all work is carried out in a way that is sensitive to community needs and gender issues. In particular to promote the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of the work and to ensure that Oxfam’s response is in line with the needs of the affected people. • Ensure that work aims to meet Minimum Standards, technical specifications and adheres to Oxfam’s emergency guidelines and protocols • Monitor and report regularly on progress design, production, fabrication, supply, erection at site and testing of the Water elevated tanks (250m3 each) and towers, water reservoir (400m3) and construction of the water distribution systems and sanitation facilities in Heloweyn camp. • Ensure with the WASH Coordinator and PHE Team Leader full co-ordination and collaboration with UN agencies, local and international NGOs and government agencies in the implementation of water the water system facilities. • Supporting the WASH coordinator in the design, construction, supervision, operation and maintenance of appropriate and acceptable water supply and sanitation facilities in Heloweyn refugee camp and host communities. . • Facilitate the water quality analysis monitoring of household water, and the water sources commissioned by Oxfam for use by the community. Water quality analysis will range from bacteriological, chemical and physical sampling. • Be familiar with and abide by the NGO/Red Cross Code of Conduct, SPHERE standards, the People in Aid Code, Oxfam International procedures and other regulatory codes (e.g. InterAction Field Co-operation Protocol).

Skills and Competence

• A relevant degree in Civil, Water, Mechanical engineering or a related discipline, with a good technical understanding of methods for water abstraction, storage, treatment, supply and delivery. • At least 5 years of experience as an engineer working as a water specialist, construction of civil engineering systems, etc. Demonstrable experience working in technical supervision for similar projects and knowledge of construction standards. • Field experience in developing countries in different settings of refugees / displaced people will be an advantage. • Experience of working with contractors, local partners, including local authorities. • Experience in the elaboration of bill of quantities, implementation work plans, etc., • The ability to present regular and concise reports about the work status, sometimes at short notice, reflecting the problems and possible solutions for particular situations. • Experience and understanding of community mobilisation approaches in relation to water supply, particularly in settings of displaced people. • Demonstrated experience of integrating gender and diversity into emergency response programmes and longer-term strategies. • Diplomacy, tact and administrative skills in order to work with people in need, contractors and, on occasions, senior government levels. • Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts. • Ability to work well under pressure and in response to changing needs. • Ability to travel and to work in difficult circumstances. • Able to communicate in English, Amharic and Somali would be an advantage. • Proven experience as a team player and demonstrably cooperative with members of other teams, responding quickly and accurately to queries and issues. • Commitment to Oxfam's overall aims and policies and experience of promoting gender equity and diversity and the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of Oxfam's work.

How to apply:

How to apply

To find out more about this role and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs and quote ref: INT6054. When you apply we'll ask you to upload a CV. Please ensure you indicate how your skills, competencies and experience match the position for which you are applying.

Closing Date: 15th March 2013.