We are seeking to appoint a full-time construction project engineer to be based in Harar, Ethiopia. The role is to support the construction and renovation works under Hararghe Health Research, a partnership between Haramaya University and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The post holder will also advise on relevant institutional, local and national policies, rules and regulations.   

Background

Hararghe Health Research (HHR) is a collaborative research effort between Haramaya University (HU) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Current research projects include Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance network (CHAMPS, http://champshealth.org/). The post-holder will work with HHR staff based at the College of Health and Medical Sciences and off-site locations and with relevant offices in HU and LSHTM, including the HU construction and maintenance department and LSHTM construction s department. 

Job summary

The post holder will be an engineer with professional experience in construction and supervision of design, construction, buildings maintenance and renovation.

The Construction Project Engineer will be responsible for the effective management of building projects and renovation works commissioned by HHR and will oversee building maintenance. He or she will oversee the professional specification and management of projects and advise LSHTM and HU on statutory compliance requirements. 

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring health and safety compliance at project level and showing an understanding of requirements of relevant legislation to ensure best and safe practice is maintained.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• To produce and communicate project related materials for a range of internal and external audiences for the purpose of sharing information, providing project updates, keeping projects on track and minimising disruption.

• To develop and maintain an internal communications system to ensure that project stakeholders are kept informed about the objectives, activities and outputs of different construction, renovation and maintenance projects.

• To report to the HHR management team and project boards as required.

Teamwork

• Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all HHR colleagues and other key contacts, both internally and externally.

• Facilitate meetings with the project management board, contractors and other key stakeholders as needed.

• Proactively contribute to tasks, inspiring those in the project as well as the wider team to use effective project management methods and try out new processes and concepts.

Liaison

• Develop working relationships with local government stakeholders and suppliers for smooth implementation of projects.

• Liaise with end users and other stakeholders throughout the project process from inception to post completion reviews, identifying, addressing and resolving differences between individuals and interest groups involved in the project.

• Act as a point of contact or project lead for different construction work streams/projects to facilitate effective outcomes.

Service Delivery

• Take responsibility for all aspects of project delivery, from conception to completion.

• Collaborate with contractors, architects etc. to determine projects specifications.

• Negotiate contracts with external suppliers to reach high value for money agreements.

• Coordinate the development of construction planning works including preparation of the design, drawings, specification and Bill of Quantity (BoQ).

• Develop detailed project plans to monitor and track progress and manage changes to project scope, schedule and costs.

• Obtain permits and licenses from appropriate local government authorities.

• Ensure all assigned building projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Prepare contract agreements and detail work breakdown structure for construction activities/schemes.

• Adhere to national and international construction contracts, with close communication and coordination with relevant actors.

• Manage the appointment of contractors and external consultants in line with LSHTM and HU procurement policies, and ensure contracts are in place promptly.

• Monitor contractors' delivery, quality and standards of work and safety compliance. escalating to senior management/project management board where necessary.

• Work with Contractors, LSHTM and HU health & safety teams to implement a robust approach to safety, management and inspections.

• Carry out post completion inspection of contract works, ensuring required quality standards are met and deal with contractors to ensure any substandard work is remedied.

• Monitor financial performance of projects and advise of deviations from budget.

• Direct all construction and administrative activities at the project site in accordance with pre-established policies, project schedules, budgets, drawings, specifications, and procedures. Attends site visits and/or pre-bid conferences, coordinates construction activities with other contractors and performs post occupancy evaluations.

Planning and Organising

• Produce and maintain project plans and risk mitigation plans for all active projects.

• Use project planning techniques to ensure that projects are well documented in an accessible and auditable format, including realistic project timelines, key milestones and workflows.

• Ensure all elements of a project are appropriately resourced.

Initiative and Problem Solving

• Make decisions based on the requirements of the project through the project brief, LSHTM and HU legal and operational requirements, and to be able to understand the impact of any decision made.

• Propose creative and innovative ideas to problem solving a range of complex project issues

• Use initiative to formulate a project plan and deliver against the approved project objectives.

Analysis and Research

• Perform analysis of construction project data, presenting findings accurately and appropriately, including financial and technical information.

• Collate and analyse information as required, on time and with accuracy.

 Number of posts: 1

Report to: Operation Manager 

Job Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• Master degree or above in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Building surveyor or a related discipline with relevant experience in construction project management.

• At least 2 years substantial experience in project management (feasibility study, design, construction supervision, contract administration etc.)

• Experience in contract document preparation, negotiation management, and development of bid documents, Bill of quantities (BOQ) and specification, as well as supervision and administration of projects.

• Experience of managing building or refurbishment projects, ideally in a Health Research/Education environment.

• Experience of negotiating and working with  professional consultants, contractors, government stakeholders etc.

• Experience of achieving quality and value for money in construction projects.

• Ability to work closely and build relationships with national and international colleagues

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (including fluency in English).

• IT skills including competence in Microsoft Office.

 Desirable Criteria:

• Project management qualification

• Fluency in Amharic and/or Afaan Oromo.

• Understanding of and interest in research and health service delivery.

How to Apply

Place of Application                     

• Haramaya University Human Resource and Development Directorate office, Administration Building 1st Floor, Room No. 114 at Haramaya’

• CHAMPS office at College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University SGS building, Harar.

• Haramaya University Liaison Office at Addis Ababa, Arat Kilo. Former Germany Cultural Institute Building Office No.15.

• Send your credential and CV to the following email:  mmekonnen@hararghe.org

 Deadline for Application Within 10 (Ten) Working days after the announcement of this vacancy