Mercy Corps is a non-profit, non-governmental international humanitarian and development organization, registered in the United States and Scotland with offices in more than 40 countries around the world, including Ukraine, where the organization has been active in implementing an emergency response humanitarian program in the Luhansk Oblast.  The program focus has been on food security, with the funding from WFP, humanitarian assistance through cash and commodities, WASH, shelter and livelihoods programming. Currently, the program is looking to change directions and engage in transitional and recovery activities, while still implementing humanitarian assistance projects serving both IDPs and vulnerable, conflict affected families and communities.

The MC Ukraine Shelter Program was set up in June 2015, with activities implemented in the frontline communities in Luhansk Oblast. The typical activities include repairs and rehabilitation of houses and buildings damaged by the ongoing conflict, such as the replacement of doors and windows, roof repairs, interior works on child centers, etc. The shelter team carries out the initial damage assessments in coordination with local authorities, prepares the BoQs, manages supply and labor contracts, supervises the delivery of material and completion of rehabilitation work, and collects beneficiary data during the various phases of implementation.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the management and coordination of all elements of engineering project activities in the assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR, ensuring that implementation is in accordance with the project plan with outputs (physical and social) as outlined by management in respective programs. S/He is responsible for THE management and supervision of the engineering team including Mercy Corps engineers and technical support staff, and any field/site engineers or technical staff hired for specific activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Focal point for receiving all assistance requests from the beneficiary communities as well as for the request for technical support from other Mercy Corps departments (program and operational) and take lead on designing, organizing and implementing projects and activities. This includes, but is not limited to the design of works, BOQs, advice on process, review of plans or documents submitted by contractors, undertaking survey works, monitoring on-going activities, advising on purchases and materials, and cost/materials estimates.

• Day to day management of the engineering and technical staff. Assign tasks and projects to each staff member. Monitor their progress in regards to the plan and provide all necessary follow. Ensure the timely completion of technical support activities in line with budgets and estimates.
• Assess and evaluate all planned projects in regards to Mercy Corps objectives and guidelines, environmental impact, feasibility and Mercy Corps program objectives.  Review all materials estimates and costs for accuracy.
• Review all technical documents, drawings and plans prepared by the engineering unit before implementation. Monitor technical quality of engineering projects at all phases; identification, design, implementation and upon completion. Report all technical matters to the Program Manager.
• Ensure the Engineering team develops and maintains good relationships and lines of communication with relevant local authorities and communities, explaining MC’s role as an NGO and liaising with them during all phases of the project.
• Supervise and monitor progress of technical teams to ensure that all staff are working according to their position descriptions and in accordance with approved implementation plans and MC guidelines.  Be aware of needs for changes in personnel and staff structure and make appropriate recommendations based on these observations.
• Ensure the capacity building commitment of Mercy Corps towards the staff (5% of the time dedicated to capacity building) and actively enhance the technical knowledge of the staff in the engineering department.
• Coordinate equipment and material needs and deliveries. Provide regular updates on planned activities and participate in procurement and logistics planning meetings with the relevant departments.
• Coordinate cash flow needs and prepare consolidated cash flow needs on a monthly basis to the relevant program management.
• Ensure the timely completion of the reports required by the Mercy Corps Ukraine management team and for the general coordination with the shelter cluster. 
• Ensure the continuous monitoring of projects and contractors in regards to progress, timeline and quality of work. Report any variations or problems with implementation of projects (personnel, financial, schedules, technical) to the Program Coordinator.  As necessary, propose changes to project implementation plans and associated time lines.
• Develops tools for and organizes needs assessments and performs permanent monitoring of the activities.
• Provide feedback to the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Department in order to assess the effectiveness of the projects and impact, and propose recommendations for improvements and/or implements solutions accordingly.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Directly supervises: Site Engineers, Program Support Officer.

According to monitoring schedule, regularly visit all project sites.  Arrange, schedule and perform regular monitoring of the progress of projects at all phases (survey, selection, planning and design, implementation, monitoring) completing related reports as per guidelines set forth by Program Management. Supervise engineering project staff to ensure the responsible completion of their duties according to their position descriptions. When necessary (in times of temporary staff absences), delegate responsibilities for project implementation and associated duties to appropriate engineering project staff to ensure the continued smooth operation of all project activities. 

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Manager

Periodic reports include activities carried out, evaluation methodology and suggestions for follow-up, when necessary. Based on input from all engineering staff, complete periodic activity reports as per format provided, and ensure that all other engineering staff under direct supervision complete and submit their reports in a timely manner. Provide written weekly reports in English on activity and progress of projects, as requested. Provide reliable monthly cash flow projections on a timely basis to ensure efficient cash flow. Ensure that proper financial control according to the budget guidelines is achieved and all financial documentation completed. 

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH:  Engineering Staff, Program Management, and support departments: Finance and Operations (Procurement and Logistics)

Cooperate and coordinate with all program and support staff to ensure good internal coordination and subsequent high quality project selection, design, implementation, monitoring and management. Conduct daily meeting with engineering staff regarding all matters of projects (technical, financial, administrative, security). Coordinate staff involved in both components of the engineering program, infrastructure, and water and sanitation, to discuss any project matters that are relevant to both components and ensure good internal coordination and subsequent high quality project selection, design, implementation, monitoring and management.  .

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• A BSc or Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience in developing BoQs, technical design review, site supervision and management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multi-sector program activities
• Strong communication skills with local communities as well as with team members.
• Strong report writing skills are required
• Experience in field assessments
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is desirable
• Good understanding of database concepts and design

The full package of documents should be submitted to [email protected].