Local Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Specialist for Kenya E3 Analytics and Evaluation Project at Management Systems International

Project Summary:

MSI, in partnership with Palladium, implements USAID's E3 Analytics and Evaluation Project, which supports the design and implementation of rigorous evaluations for USAID's Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3). Under this Project, the MSI team is conducting a study in Kenya as part of a larger multi-country study examining partner country architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) capacity and issues related to urban infrastructure.

The study will investigate AEC capacity levels in each country, identify the regulatory environment around codes and standards for construction activities, processes and barriers to monitor and enforce these regulations, and other related issues. The study is also expected to examine how city managers address shocks (e.g., conflict, weather, natural disasters) and population shifts which create internally displaced persons (IDPs), existing strategies involving infrastructure to mitigate these shocks, options for multifunctional buildings to address IDPs, and potential areas for future USAID programming to address these issues. The goal of the study is to create a scalable tool and model that will allow USAID to improve AEC project outcomes while simultaneously providing infrastructure that can mitigate the effects of various shocks.

Position Summary:

MSI is seeking a Local AEC Specialist for Kenya to advise and support the MSI team during field data collection activities in that country. The Specialist will ideally have experience in one of the key sector areas: engineering, construction, architecture, city planning, and/or infrastructure, as it relates to Kenya, as well as experience facilitating and scheduling interviews, meeting with government and NGO stakeholders, and taking and organizing interview notes. Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience working on USAID projects, with other donor organizations specializing in AEC activities, government agencies responsible for standards/codes in construction, and other similar experiences. The Specialist should be familiar with country standards for AEC projects and have knowledge of which government offices oversee these efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Identify government stakeholders involved with the regulation and enforcement of AEC standards to form interview and FGD sample.
• Provide information about the AEC sector in Kenya, trends and sources of data for the study.
• Assist in data collection by conducting interviews and focus groups, as well as reviewing relevant documents and data.
• Assist in scheduling and coordinating meetings with key stakeholders for data collection.
• Review data collection instruments for cultural sensitivity, country norms, technical accuracy, and improved data quality.
• Ensure that data collection schedule is reasonable and relevant, including confirming interviews with respondents and confirming participation with focus group respondents in advance.
• Contribute to relevant study documents, including data collection instruments, data collection and analysis plans, work plans, sampling plans, and other relevant sections.
• Participate in relevant USAID meetings, in collaboration with the MSI team.
• Contribute to the analysis and write up of the final report, as needed, which may include: reviewing and analyzing secondary documents, conducting key informant interviews in person and remotely, conducting structured observations on AEC activities, facilitating group discussions, reviewing trends for the country by sectors, and a write up of sector specific information (if appropriate).

Qualifications:

• Must have at least a Master's Degree in social science, evaluation, city planning, urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or similar field. Certification in general construction will also be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including experience conducting relevant data collection or AEC activities in Kenya.
• Familiarity with codes and standards for construction/engineering/city planning in Kenya is preferred. Experience with USAID projects or working with USAID/other donors preferred.
• Prior knowledge and experience conducting qualitative data collection in Kenya.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with local firms in Kenya.
• Native or near-native fluency in English including speaking, writing, and reading preferred.
• Outstanding analytical and report writing skills.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.