The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Today, 13.4 million people in Syria – more than half of the country’s population – are in need of humanitarian assistance with needs increasingly being exacerbated by economic decline. Of these, 6.8 million are refugees and asylum-seekers who have fled the country. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.

IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1000+ staff in Syria Country Program. IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, early childhood development, education, women’s protection and empowerment, non-food items and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, protection and rule of law, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

Job Overview/Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Filed Director, the engineer will ensure the correct and high-quality performance of IRC construction and maintenance projects.

The projects include the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of water and sewage systems, prefabricated and building infrastructures, electrical and solar power systems etc. .in IRC programs filed sites, as well as IRC offices and premises throughout the three governorates of Hasaka, Raqqa, and Deir-Ez-Zor. This is in accordance with IRC policies and construction-authorized codes.

The engineer will work with the Supply Chain, Finance, and program teams to develop standard operation procedures (SOPs) for IRC construction and rehabilitation projects.

Responsibilities:

1. The engineer will ensure the proper implementation of rehabilitation and construction projects in IRC-filed sites and premises at all project stages, which includes:

• Planning and preparation stage: Before raising the project for bidding, the engineer will prepare or revise the technical study package (Bill of quantities (BoQs), technical specifications and schemes, etc.) and ensuring that each component has been prepared comprehensively and according to construction authorized codes (the updated Syrian code and the other codes used officially in NES).
• Bidding and contracting stages: the engineer will figure out scoring technical criteria of bidding technical evaluation, as well as the engineer will revise the received offers and prepare the technical evaluation for the projects accordingly.
• The engineer will develop the technical specifications for the rehabilitation/construction work or may verify the technical specifications developed by the program team and recommend changes as required.
• The engineer will evaluate and score the technical section of the construction/rehabilitation bids and proposals.
• The engineer will inspect the work delivered by the contractors / suppliers according to the supply chain SOPs and the construction SOPs, the engineer will develop inspections reports for the Field Director, develop the change orders as required,
• Implementation stage: the engineer will be checking the implementation of IRC projects on the ground and make sure that all are implemented as the contractual agreement and time schedule and submit progress reports accordingly.
• Completion: the engineer will check the quality and quantities of the implemented project items and make sure their match to the contractual technical studies, as well as the engineer will evaluate the contractor’ performance during the project period and before signing the Certificate of Completion by the program lead.

2. Improve SOPs (standards operation pressures) that control and organize comprehensibly all stages of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects implemented by IRC.
3. The engineer will check the evidence of change and amendment orders and verify its technical acceptance in case any modification happens during the implementation of the project.

Reporting:

• The engineer will prepare and submit technical analysis and reports related to all the project phases.
• Immediately reports any variation or problem arising in the project at the site to the Line Manager.
• Check materials received at the site meet the agreed standards and align with approved BoQs
• Checks and certify substantial construction progress/completion and the corresponding pre/post installment payments stipulated in the contract. Advise Line Manager to withhold payment for any work which has been rejected or any work which is not in compliance with the agreed drawings/sketches.
• Assist as an experienced witness in litigation arising from the development or construction of the project and in bearings before various approving and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure that the Contractor maintains safety on site and clears the site after the completion of the rehabilitation work.
• Immediately reports any variation or problem arising in the project at the site to the Line Manager.
• Check materials received at the site meet the agreed standards and align with approved BoQs
• Checks and certify substantial construction progress/completion and the corresponding pre/post installment payments stipulated in the contract. Advise Line Manager to withhold payment for any work which has been rejected or any work which is not in compliance with the agreed drawings/sketches.
• Assist as an expert witness in litigation arising from the development or construction of the project and in bearings before various approving and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure that the Contractor maintains safety on site and clears the site after the completion of the rehabilitation work.
• They will provide technical advice and solutions in case a technical problem appear during any stage of the projects.
• Ensure that the contractor adheres to the site ledger maintained by IRC for critical projects and signs off
• Actively participate in the field needs assessment at the proposal development stage as well as during emergency field assessment surveys to estimate the cost of required repair/maintenance/rehabilitation/construction of infrastructure.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development

• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths the teams in Syria.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, minimally on a monthly basis.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or other appropriate construction related field.
• At least 2-4 years technical experience in implementing construction and rehabilitation projects, of which a minimum of 2 experience years in humanitarian response in NE Syria.
• Previous experience in an emergency or conflict-afflicted setting is required.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• A commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.
• Credible written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development
• Validated sense of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to handle complex situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.
• Excellent management and interpersonal skills and a solid ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.
• Validated ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional patience.
• Highly collaborative and resourceful; ability to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other partners to maximize cooperation and productivity.
• Curiosity, a desire to continually learn and develop and a sense of humor is a must.
• Analytical ability in creating effective solutions to complex matters while adhering to labor laws and internal policies.
• Previous involvement in implementation processes (including development of bill of quantities, cost estimations, technical specification, schemes, analysis structures load…. etc.) is essential.
• Very good user for engineering programs (AutoCAD, Google earth, ETABS, REVIT ,etc.)
• Competent in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel as well as online platforms such as zoom, teams, etc.
• Very good reading, writing, and speaking skills in both English and Arabic are required.
• Excellent initiator and able to handle multiple tasks.

Language/Travel:

• English is required, while Arabic and Kurdish are desired.
• Hasaka base / with frequent visits to interventions’ locations in IRC filed sites and premises in NES.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  Field Director

Position directly supervises: N/A

Indirect Reporting (If applicable):

Key Internal Contacts: Regular relationships with country Supply Chain staff at all levels, Field Director, and Project Coordinators/Managers. Actively participate in supply chain meetings and lead sessions as required.

Key External Contacts:  May Serve as IRC Supply Chain representative in outside meetings, other non-governmental organizations, inter-agency groups, and foundations.

Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Respect at Work Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.

Accountability to Clients: IRC staff must adhere to the commitment of contributing to the sustainability and development of its (CR) Client Responsiveness Mechanisms, preserving the culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to make programmatic decisions and give them greater influence over program design and delivery.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.

IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. In keeping with our core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality, IRC strives to maintain a work environment built on mutual respect in which all individuals treat each other professionally, and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment. IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting. All IRC staff, wherever they are located, are accountable for creating an environment free of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.