Physical Planner at Tanzania Water and Environmental Sanitation (TWESA)

PHYSICAL PLANNER POSITION

TWESA is a Tanzanian NGO that was formed in 1997 to relieve suffering of disaster victims in emergencies and of poor communities in needy areas, through development and implementation of improved and protected water supply, environmental sanitation and hygiene.

TWESA implements water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services and facilities in the Kagera and Kigoma regions of Tanzania, including in the Nyarugusu, Nduta and Mtendeli refugee camps.

All TWESA employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s core values: accountability, impartiality, compassion, non-discrimination and excellence. These attitudes and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships. TWESA is an equal opportunity employer – women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Roles and responsibilities

The Physical Planner will be based at the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Kasulu district, in the Kigoma region and be directly responsible to the TWESA Camp Manager. The Physical Planner will be responsible for managing TWESA’s shelter planning and construction projects in Nyarugusu and Kasulu.

The responsibilities of the Physical Planner will include the following:

    Develop site plans and technical drawings for shelter construction with consideration to the available resources and overall needs, cultural preferences and concerns of the local communities
    Provide shelter and settlement support to ensure technical integrity
    Advise Team Leader/Camp Manager on all matters related to shelter and settlement
    Oversee site planning issues in Nyarugusu Camp including plot demarcation
    Review settlement sites and facilities in close coordination with the UNHCR, relevant implementing and operating partners and local authorities
    Perform physical planning for Nyarugusu Camp, with regard to the location of different villages, clusters and blocks, as well as the organisation of households at village level and their proximity to basic services like water, health, education, registration centers, youth centers, reception centers etc
    Review the road networks, offices and other existing infrastructure in the relevant settlement
    Review existing refugee shelter and sanitation facilities and identify gaps
    Update the available maps of settlements using relevant mapping features, with reference to the existing maps and settlement boundaries
    Map the occupied space in the clusters/settlements as well as the available contingency space
    Plan and supervise the maintenance and upgrading of family shelters in order to improve standards
    Work in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders including local authorities, implementing partners and affected communities on issues related to sustainability of the shelter and settlement program
    Oversee all matters related to construction activities within the settlement among different sectors such as water, sanitation, health, education facilities, etc.
    Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of site planning and shelter activities, provide input for situation reports and report back to the field office on progress and standards
    Manage all land use disputes in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs


Required Academic Qualifications

    Minimum of Bachelor degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering or Urban and Regional Planning

Desired Professional Competencies

    Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a relevant field, including collaboration with humanitarian organisations and government technical departments
    Experience in identifying, designing, delimiting, clearing and developing land
    Knowledge of UNHCR standards and criteria for site selection, including consideration of cross sectorial issues related to protection, WASH, land property issues etc., is an added advantage
    Experience in construction management including supervision, monitoring and quality control
    Good computer literacy skills i.e. proficiency in MS Office, AUTOCAD and other relevant software to produce digital maps, site plans, layout and technical drawings, as well as internet and email. Knowledge of ARC VIEW is an added advantage
    Fluency in English and Kiswahili, both written and verbal


Desired Personal Competencies

    Sensitive to cultural differences and able to work with a diverse range of people
    Good team member, but also able to work independently
    Strong communication skills
    Excellent time management and able to work to tight deadlines
    Able to work and solve problems with creativity and initiative
    Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments
    Highly motivated and enthusiastic

Salary range: Between 800,000 – 1,000,000 TSh, depending on available funding 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications are accepted from Tanzanian citizens only. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email your CV and cover letter to: twesa@twesa.org Candidates who do not include both documents will not be considered. Applications may also be delivered in hard copy to the TWESA office in Dar es Salaam or Kasulu.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please mention the position “Physical Planner Kasulu” in your email subject.