Internal to UN - Programme Policy Officer (Agricultural Engineer), NOB at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

This position will provide leadership in developing engineering solutions for climate food systems in the counties (including settlements) that host refugees in Kenya.  The position will contribute to efforts to align WFP operations to the shift from encampment to integrated settlements, specifically, optimising food systems to enhance livelihoods. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Provide agricultural engineering and project management services for the relevant area office, and apply best practices, standards and innovative technologies that comply with WFP standards and processes for high-impact food systems.
• Conduct relevant analyses of the context and recommend or lead in conducting appropriate assessments to determine the feasibility of proposed engineering projects.  This will entail close collaboration with county government engineers and other key stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance for food system procurement processes, provide oversight monitor the implementation of the projects through field visits and provide necessary technical support. This will also include developing procurement documents for feasibility, construction projects and development of user manuals for non-technical staff and communities.
• Collate data and contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on outputs to facilitate informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Prepare evidence-based recommendations on measures to improve facilities/infrastructures suitability to operational purpose, safety, and efficiency of structures and equipment including support in the development of project guidance materials (e.g. manuals) on project implementation.
• Work closely with the programme team, provide technical guidance that supports procurement of quality tools and equipment and ensure they are supplied to the communities for effective implementation of projects.
• Participate in technical or design review, exchange of knowledge and experience keeping abreast of water harvesting technologies and food systems engineering technologies in general, to facilitate implementation of innovative solutions to enhance food systems and livelihood opportunities.
• Support building of partnerships with other UN agencies, NGOs,  the County government and the private sector to improve synergy and impact of the projects.
• Represent WFP in relevant forums and sector working at county level and other meetings and conferences, that focus on the development of infrastructure for food systems enhancement, especially water resources.
• Collate data and contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on outputs to facilitate informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to the stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance that supports a successful construction procurement process.
• Participate in community engagement processes during project identification, design, implementation and evaluation.
• Support the capacity building of engineering staff to facilitate continued development and high performance.
• Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitoring the management of risks.
• Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Three (3) years post graduate relevant professional experience with Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Water Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, or related field.

OR

• Five (5) years post graduate relevant professional experience with a first university degree Agricultural Engineering, Water Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 or more years of progressively responsible work experience designing and implementing projects in agricultural engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance for the design and implementation of engineering projects and solutions in rural, semi-urban and urban settings for food systems.
• Competent in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Registered or registrable with Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and/or Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK)
• Procurement and contract management experience using FIDIC contracts suites.
• Competent in the use of land survey tools for engineering and waterworks
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D or any other relevant CAD software

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of community-based participatory planning approaches
• Ability to conduct capacity gaps needs assessments and design programmes to fill these gaps.
• Experience in working in arid and semi-arid parts of Kenya and with communities in displaced settings, including refugee contexts.
• Familiarity with rainwater harvesting technologies and pastoral livelihood approaches, underground water extraction
• Excellent communication skills - both written and oral in English and Kiswahili.
• Strong organization and planning skills coupled with good interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, negotiating skills;
• Ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
•  Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English language.