Infrastructure Manager at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

Purpose

• The Infrastructure Manager will oversee construction activities that include and not limited to management of small-scale construction and rehabilitation development projects during design and implementation with close liaison with Architecture & Engineering (A&E) firms and construction contractors and working closely with the Water Technical Advisor (WTA) in developing the Construction Implementation Plan, planning for and participating in the planning and construction meeting with the A&E and construction contractors, review of construction documentation and record keeping, construction inspection and hand over of the completed projects. Will also be responsible for evaluating the potential environmental impact of any construction project and work with the team to develop mitigation measures in accordance with USAID regulations.

Summary of Primary Duties

The Infrastructure Manager will support the Water Technical Advisor in Objective 2 activities that further sustainable water service delivery in the nine target counties, including oversight of construction activities. The Infrastructure Manager will be required to manage the infrastructure activity planning, implementation, and monitoring as it relates to construction activities to be supported through USAID funding. This may include technical review of the procurement of goods and services related to construction, implementation of project works in compliance with USAID’s regulations, and strict quality control and adherence to environmental and health and safety standards. STAWI construction activities may apply to but are not limited to;

• Solar Equipping of Boreholes including camera inspection, flushing and test pumping of boreholes
• Construction/installation of elevated steel tanks of different capacities
• Pipeline augmentations, pipeline appurtenances, Valve chambers, construction of ground level masonry water storage tanks, installation plastic tanks and related water works
• Construction/rehabilitation of pump houses and water kiosks
• Rehabilitation of water pans
• Construction/rehabilitation of sand dams and subsurface dams
• Construction/rehabilitation of livestock troughs
• Construction/rehabilitation of irrigation schemes including lining of canals
• Installation/rehabilitation of drip irrigation schemes
• The Infrastructure Manager work with the Water Technical Advisor to integrate short-term technical advisors from subcontractors, expected to provide on-demand short term expertise in rural water service delivery models, use of data for improved water service operations, and management information systems. He/She will support the Water Technical Advisor to ensure that strategic small-scale infrastructure investments are linked to identified needs, designed in an inclusive manner, and executed in accordance with the highest engineering standards and the project’s Construction Implementation Plan (CIP).
• He/She will support the Water Technical Advisor to to conduct initial scoping and needs assessments in the nine target counties.
• He/She will support the Water Technical Advisor to use the data from these assessments to work with county governments and USAID to develop infrastructure activity selection criteria. These criteria will then be used to identify specific infrastructure activities where STAWI programming would have the greatest potential to provide sustainable and equitable impact. He/She will support the Water Technical Advisor to advise on the selection of engineering and construction subcontractors, review and approve designs, and ensure that all construction activities are completed according to specifications and in compliance with GOK codes and USAID rules and regulations.
• He/she will ensure that all infrastructure activities are completed according to specifications and support sustainable service delivery goals; this includes the development of STAWI’s plan for developing and reviewing A/E designs, the process for developing and managing construction schedules, quality assurance/quality control measures, adherence to GOK minimum quality standards and regulatory frameworks, bonding of construction works, inspection of completed projects, training, and handover to beneficiaries.

Essential Duties

• In Liaison with the WTA support the selection and design of small-scale construction projects for water and irrigation to ensure quality and value add county government, WSPs and beneficiaries.
• Ensure that infrastructure activities are completed within the specified timeline by providing quality assurance and quality control for the design and construction of infrastructure in compliance with USAID and Government of Kenya environmental and construction codes, reporting, and management requirements and DAI policies.
• Support collaboration and use of participatory approaches with communities and county officials.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and climate resilience requirements, ensuring that all infrastructure meets quality standards.
• Support the production of detailed SOWs, RFPs, RFQs, or BOQs and work closely with the A&E firms to provide appropriate inputs on specifications, deliverables, and contract evaluation criteria.
• Review and advise on contract change (variation) orders as needed.
• Closely monitor the performance of A&E firms and construction contractors including participating in progress meetings.
• Confirm that infrastructure is tested and operational prior to commissioning, and operators have the capacity and tools to operate infrastructure.
• Assist with the review of construction design documents to ensure they are of high quality and within the context of scope, schedule, and budget.
• Work to include women and disadvantaged groups both as beneficiaries and as contributors to the construction projects.
• Monitor and ensure environmental mitigation activities following the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring (EMMP)
• Contribute to and participate in STAWI activity planning, reporting, events, and learning activities.
• Collaborate effectively with the project technical team to align construction activities with broader project goals.
• Understand DAI and USAID rules, regulations, processes, and systems for compliant project implementation.
• Ensure safeguarding of construction staff and a strict zero tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical behavior
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor - WTA.
• Travel to the field as required to oversee and manage construction activities effectively.
• Supervise the Water Infrastructure Specialists/Engineers

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of engineering (civil, structural, water, environmental) is required. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience, with substantial experience in community participation, institutional development, design, construction, or construction management and oversight.
• Proven experience working with a team of engineers on the same project or projects.
• Experience working on USAID construction projects and knowledge of USAID policies, strategies, and regulation is preferred.
• Familiarity with water and irrigation small-scale construction projects involving climate resilient infrastructure and renewable energy.
• Proven experience in the complete construction project life cycle, including contract award, defects liability periods, project completion, and handover.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, power point and proficiency in knowledge & application of AutoCAD and other related CADs
• Registration with EBK as a professional Engineer (PE) and with a valid practicing license is a must
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Deliverables

• Input related to the STAWI biweekly, quarterly, annual and other reports as well as workplans.
• Accurate data in accordance with the STAWI Activity Monitoring and Learning (AMEL)
• Technical and programmatic report contributions relevant to meeting STAWI programmatic demands.