NGO Jobs in Kenya – IIRR

Background Information: The International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is an international development, research and training organization with over 80 years of grassroots experience working in people‐centered and sustainable development programs in Africa and Asia. 


IIRR is well reputed for its knowledge management capacity through documentation of best development-oriented practices, and is seeking to strengthen Education project activities by appointing a Project Engineer to be based in Marsabit. 

This position is to support implementation of Schools Development Fund Project (SDF) being implemented by IIRR and partners with 100 primary schools in Marsabit County.

Position: Project Engineer
Workstation: Marsabit

Job Summary: The main purpose of the project engineer is to supervise construction works so as to build climate resilient schools in Marsabit County to increase demand for primary education.


S/He supervises all construction works, right from design stage, implementation, certification and handing over of the completed structures. 

He or she also oversees facility upgrades and is actively involved in any other project-related work.

Primary Key Deliverables
  • Supervise installation of solar lighting with 36 primary schools
  • Supervise construction and installation of adequate sanitation and hand washing facilities with 29 primary schools
  • Supervise construction of water tanks and installation of rain water harvesting systems with 40 schools
  • Together with Natural Resources Management Mobilizer, supervise installation of improved energy efficient stoves with 40 schools
  • Supervise improvement of existing schools infrastructure, e.g. classrooms, dormitories and others to meet climate proofing standards with 8 schools
  • Supervise construction and equipping of green boarding facilities with 2 primary schools
  • Supervise construction of classrooms with 6 primary schools to make them more suitable for learning in consideration of the prevailing climate change effects
  • Together with the Natural Resources Management Mobilizer and other team members, pilot low cost irrigation technology for commercial tree and food production with 12 primary schools
  • Provide technical guidance and monitoring of all constructions by the contractors to ensure compliance with required standards
  • Provide bi-monthly progress reports of the construction
  • Work closely with Schools Management Boards (BoM’s), Public works and Ministry of education in jointly monitoring the construction work to ensure quality.
  • Ensure timely completion of the constructions.
  • Facilitate certification and issuance of completion certificate from relevant authorities
  • Ensures all team members have a clear understanding of management of the construction works and required supervision.
  • Ensure all designs of structures to be constructed are in line with the donor approved designs and completely measure to such standards on completion
  • Manage the interface and communication processes between parties on all project activities under supervision of the engineer.
  • Ensure risk assessments are undertaken; changes to technical specifications are risk assessed, managed and appropriately captured in engineering and related documentation.
  • Review work schedules/plans, identify opportunities to improve performance, reduce costs, maximize use of resources, etc.
  • Ensures all activities are in line with industry/engineering standards.
  • Provide end report for each construction
  • Perform any other duty as directed by the Project Manager
Experience / Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Civil engineering.
  • At least three years relevant experience in an engineering/technical role
  • Documentation Skills, Safety Management and ability to supervise construction works
  • Experience in project planning, actual construction works and cost control
  • a high level of verbal and written communication skills
  • Computer literate and appropriate design skills
  • Good in construction management and ability to comply with deliverables according to timelines

IIRR is well reputed for its knowledge management capacity through documentation of best development-oriented practices, and is seeking to strengthen Education project activities by appointing an Office Assistant for its Samburu Office.
 
Job Summary: Reporting to Field Education Officer. H/She will perform a wide variety of office support and administrative functions in support of the assigned Education project activities. 

They require proficiency in the full range of general office services and functions as well as specific technical knowledge and expertise in the services of their department and work assignment.


Primary Key Deliverables
  • Provide general administrative and clerical.
  • Maintain electronic and hard copy filing system
  • Open, sort and distribute incoming correspondence
  • Contribute to the work of IIRR as appropriate.
  • Attend IIRR team meetings and organizational initiatives as required.
  • To undertake duties as directed / requested by the Project Manager / Officer to support the delivery and Implementation of distinct projects; which focus on Education.
  • Prepare written responses to routine enquiries Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments
  • Prepare agendas for meetings and prepare schedules and Minute taking.
  • Participate in establishing and maintaining project data bases at the field level
Experience / Qualifications / Skills
  • Diploma in Business Administration or IT.
  • 2 years experience working in similar capacity.
  • Be computer literate
  • Be good at networking.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and adjust to the needs of the service.
  • Good organizational and communication skills
  • Accuracy / attention to detail
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

IIRR is well reputed for its knowledge management capacity through documentation of best development-oriented practices, and is seeking to strengthen Education project activities in Samburu County by appointing a Natural Resources Management Mobilizer.
 
Job Summary: Reporting to Field Education Officer, this position will be in-charge of implementing activities related to building climate resilient schools to increase demand for primary education in Samburu County. 

This will include facilitating establishment of “green schools”, installation of institutional energy saving stoves and solar lighting among other activities.
 
This position will also support the community mobilizer and the Field Education officer to achieve the other deliverables for the project.


Primary Key Deliverables
  • Ensure timely installation of energy saving jikos in 16 schools as follows
  1. Be in charge of identifying the TOT Masons to be trained for the Energy saving Jikos
  2. Be in charge of rolling out of trainings and construction of energy saving Jikos with the selected schools
  3. Ensure and track the functionality of these Jikos
  • Establish and support environmental clubs in 40 schools
  • Facilitate climate change and environmental competitions between project schools environmental clubs
  • Work with project engineer to support installation of solar panels with 14 schools
  • Establish low cost irrigation technology in 7 schools for tree and food production
  • Engage county on mainstreaming Climate Change and education in development policies.
  • Support other education activities within IIRR as required
  • Establishing school vegetable gardens, tree nurseries in 4 schools (9 model schools per county)
  • Submit reports to the field officer on these activities monthly
Experience / Qualifications
  • University degree in NRM/DRR/Environmental education
  • 4 year experience working with grassroots communities
  • Report writing and computer skills
  • Experience working in Pastoralist communities in Kenya on education and NRM sectors
  • Understanding of local language will be an added advantage.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Position: Schools Community Mobilizer
 
Workstation: Samburu County
 
Job Summary: Reporting to Field Education Officer. Main focus will be mobilization of Schools, Head Teachers, Schools Boards of Management (BoM’s), pupils, parent’s action groups and other
participants in preparation for respective activities including construction work, trainings, among others as per the planned activities under this project.


Primary Key Deliverables
  • Mobilize each of the identified 30 head teachers/schools to support SDF project implementation.
  • In collaboration with Natural Resources Management Mobilizer-participate to identify and supervise the artisans to be trained in installation of energy saving stoves and solar lighting.
  • Mobilize and ensure the BoM’s participate in all SDF related activities like construction, school garden development, and materials supply to their schools.
  • Mobilize communities to attract new enrolment.
  • Ensure schools keep correct records –school registers and items delivered to them.
  • Keep updated enrolment, attendance and completion of schools data for pupils.
  • Undertake any other activities in the education project as advised by project manager.
Experience / Qualifications
  • Degree in education with 2 years experience working with pastoral communities, or, Diploma in education, or community /social work with bias in education with at least 4 years experience with pastoral communities
  • Computer literate
  • Be a good mobilizer and diplomat in addressing schools and community issues
  • Be good at networking.
  • Understanding of local language will be an added advantage.
Application Process:
 
Suitably qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter explaining their suitability and a current CV with details of 3 references one of them being your current supervisor and quote your current and expected salary to:

Regional Human Resource and Administration Officer,
International Institute for Rural Reconstruction,
P. O. Box 66873-00800, 
Nairobi

Email: recruitment@iirr.org

Closing date for applications is 22nd May 2015.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


IIRR is an equal opportunity employer.