Construction Officer

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home. IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. IRC’s Emergency Response Team, with local partner CISCOPE (Civil Society Coalition for Poverty Eradication), implemented a project to support livelihoods and improve WASH in Kogi State from February to May 2013. This was followed by a 3-month nutrition and food security program in the same location from October 2013 to January 2014. The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. Offices were established in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States, North East Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people. IRC has plans in place to extend response to the North west Nigeria humanitarian crisis with activities planned for Zamfara state.

Project Overview

The BHA (Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance) project, “Integrated Emergency Response to the Displaced Population in Zamfara, Sokoto, And Katsina States, Northwest Nigeria’ depending on fund availability will be carried out by a consortium led by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in collaboration with the Alliance for International Medical Action (Alima), Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI), and Life Helpers Initiative (LHI), aims to leverage each partner's expertise to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people populations through area-based approach. The Consortium partners will provide an integrated multisectoral intervention in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection, and Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) activities in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states in collaboration with state governments, UN organizations and other key actors in Northwest Nigeria. The project will be implemented by a dedicated support, quality assurance, and coordination team, who will work closely with all partners through a management unit of well-structured consortium governance for the activity.

Job Overview/Summary

• The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and execution of construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, the holder of th position will also be resobile for Maintance (Electrical, Plumping, Installations, Repairs etc) of all the Organisation’s facilities. This role demands significant expertise in project management, design, and technical aspects of construction and Maintenance.
• The Construction Officer will efficiently coordinate and manage construction projects in compliance with IRC and donor regulations, collaborating with IRC Nigeria support and program functions. Key responsibilities include engineering designs, drawings, bills of quantities, construction contract management, supervision, procurement, capacity building, and reporting. The position reports to the Supply Chain Manager and works closely with and receives technical support from the Construction Manager.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering Designs, Drawings and Bills of Quantities
• Develop and produce technical and engineering designs, drawings, and schedules of materials for various infrastructure projects including classrooms, clinics, nutrition centers, women centers, offices, stores, latrines, shelters, incinerators, boreholes, water distribution networks, and storage tanks.
• Ensure all designs comply with Nigerian Building Code and internationally recognized standards.
• Conduct feasibility studies, engineering surveys, and measurements for the design, construction, and rehabilitation of structures, maintaining up-to-date databases with GPS coordinates, location maps, and route plans.
• Participate in baseline surveys and rapid assessments to identify existing gaps, priorities, and project justifications.
  
  

Contract Management And Procurement

• Prepare documentation for tendering, procurement, contract signing, and monitoring of construction works and services.
• Maintain comprehensive records (both electronic and hard copies) of all project documents.
• Supervise construction activities, provide technical instructions to contractors, and conduct regular site visits with clear documentation.
• Develop detailed work and monitoring plans, accompanied by weekly construction progress reports.
• Conduct measurements and certify completed works as per contract conditions, preparing completion reports and recommending final payments to contractors.
• Support the supply chain department by providing technical details and specifications for local market price collection.
• Ensure transparent and efficient contracting through IRC standard supply chain due diligence.
• Conduct construction market surveys and support the HR/Admin department in sourcing guest houses, offices, and warehouses.
  
  

Community Mobilization And Capacity Building

• Facilitate on-the-job skills transfer and training workshops for construction vendors, artisans, and staff from other sectors.
• Prepare training manuals for the operation and management of equipment and installations.
• Assess contractor capacities and maintain updated lists of preferred contractors in operational states.
  
  

Maintenance Of HVAC System And Facilities

• Carry out full maintenance of HVAC system (installations, maintenances, and repairs)
• Carry out proactive maintenance for IRC assets/properties and facilities
• Track the usage of power supply systems and schedules across the IRC facilities.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance expenses immediately after services.
• Maintain all necessary documentation on generator maintenance and file them according to IRC guidelines.
• Facilitate the collection, dispatch, and fueling of generators at all IRC facilities (Offices, Warehouses, Guest Houses, and Stabilization Centers) and ensure fuel consumption records are documented accurately on generator log sheets.
• Respond to maintenance requests shared by staff across IRC facilities promptly and ensure full resolution of problems within the shortest possible time.
• Raise a Request (Purchase Requisition) for all maintenance needs.
• Responsible for collecting petty cash advances based on IRC policy and liquidating within 24 hours after completion of the work.
• Support the Supply chain manager in preparing operational budget and spending plans for facility and equipment maintenance.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on generator fuel consumption and allocation across IRC facilities and share them with the Supply Chain Manager.
• Provide support to other IRC Offices whenever required.
• Supervise and monitor maintenance works contracted to third-party vendors.
• Be familiar with local regulations/laws.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
  
  

Monitoring, Evaluation, And Reporting

• Provide weekly and monthly technical updates to the supply chain and construction manager.
• Prepare technical assessment reports with recommendations on issues encountered at construction sites.
• Monitor the operation and maintenance of implemented projects, conduct follow-up visits, and provide necessary support.
• Maintain proper project documentation, including assessment reports, stakeholder meeting minutes, technical designs, drawings, BoQs, progress pictures, and change order documents.
  
  

Additional Duties

• Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager/ Construction, consistent with the job's nature.
  
  

Key Working Relationships

• Position Directly Reports to: Northwest Supply Chain Manager
• Position Indirectly Reports to: Country Cconstruction Manager
• Position directly supervises: Nil,
• External: INGO Construction cluster Partners
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, or Architecture with at least 3 years of proven experience in building design, construction supervision, and contract management.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, and ArchiCAD.
• Flexibility, teamwork spirit, and sensitivity to the socio-cultural setting of North-West Nigeria.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local languages, including Hausa, is an advantage.
  
  

Demonstrated Skills And Competencies

• Deep understanding of construction processes, materials, and legal requirements.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception to completion, meeting all objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Proactive in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring all project aspects meet the highest standards.
• Demonstrated training and coaching ability.
• Strong computer and communication equipment skills, including Microsoft Office applications, VHF, and satellite phones.
• Knowledge and understanding of quality care, specifically client rights issues and behavior change communication (BCC).
• Expertise in the substantive area of work and strong program experience.
• Ability to network within the development partner community.
• Familiarity with management and monitoring tools.
• Experience in emergency programming with a humanitarian and resilience focus is an asset.
• Ability to take initiative and respond independently to situations.
• Strong commitment to IRC’s mission, purpose, and values.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Well-organized and analytical, able to work well in a team and undertake tasks independently.
  
  

Work Environment

• The position will be based in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The situation in northwest Nigeria continues to be volatile and the security phase is orange or red depending on location. This is a national position.
  
  

Standards of Professional ConductThe IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.