Project Engineer

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the WaSH Coordinator, the WaSH Engineer will assist in assessment, design, planning, implementation and monitoring of WaSH component of the BPRM project in Beqaa and Hermel-Baalbeck governorates. The Project Engineer will ensure the design and preparation of all technical documents, Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and drawings of the WaSH and Cash for Work (CfW) projects and the day-to-day field management, supervision and coordination of all the WaSH activities taking place during the lifetime of the project. The project will provide access to improved WaSH services for vulnerable Syrian Refugees and host communities. In addition to contributing to the technical assessment, design and preparation of bills of quantities for Cash for Work schemes of a public benefit nature. This will also include government engagement, scale up & sustainability, promotion of Syrian and Lebanese participation in project activities, strengthening the role of women in decision making in regards to hygiene practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design and prepare all technical documents, BoQs and drawings of the WaSH and Cash for Work (CfW) projects.
• Ensure effective local stakeholders’ participation, including local government, refugees and host communities, at all levels of the WaSH activities identification, design and implementation. Take account of gender and protection concerns in WaSH activities design and implementation; carry out activities in a way that reflects the needs of specific groups and individuals e.g. elderly people, children, and people with disabilities.
• Conduct and coordinate detailed technical assessment for the rehabilitation or improvement of WaSH or community project (Cash for Work) infrastructures; prepare bills of quantities and specifications, and raise purchase requests for goods, services or works. Ensure that the various aspects of the WaSH activities are integrated with the cash for work and SGBV activities, and that they form part of a coherent response.
• Supervise the rehabilitation or improvement of water supply, sanitation and other infrastructures; closely supervise contracted WaSH activities and liaise with contractors and consultants as necessary for the successful and timely achievement of activities.
• Work together with hygiene promotion assistants and the WaSH Coordinator to develop hygiene promotion communication plan, designed IEC materials, and implementation of the hygiene promotion activities.  
• Conduct regular team meetings, staff check-ins, and frequent supportive monitoring field visits, monitor activities progress against plan and propose corrective measures as required.
• Ensure proper tracking and documentation of the WaSH activities, lessons learned or any relevant information related to Beqaa and Baalbeck-Hermel governorate in the google-based program file.
• Lead field activities related to construction/rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure undertaken by Mercy Corps in program target areas, and ensure effective and timely completion of the interventions.
• Closely supervise the implementation of technical components of the project contracted out to private contractors and/or partners ensuring full compliance with required standards.
• Provide technical support and advice to private contractors and Mercy Corps partners engaged in the implementation of water and sanitation interventions.
• Under the guidance of the Project Manager and WaSH Coordinator, coordinate field activities with Water Establishment and relevant municipalities.
• Support in carrying out community mobilization and hygiene promotion sessions among the refugees and host communities, implemented by Mercy Corps hygiene promotion assistants.
• Conduct WaSH facilities assessment to determine the scope of work, resource requirement and estimated cost.
• Provide support including on-the-job training, supervision and monitoring of hygiene promotion assistants.
• Monitor the WaSH project progress as per Mercy Corps regulations and standards.
• Prepare weekly field reports to be submitted to BPRM Program Manager, Project Manager and Area Manager;
• Support in facilitating agency and donor monitoring visits;
• Jointly with WaSH team, conduct emergency assessments and, in coordination with others, design and organize the implementation of appropriate responses.
• Support in establishing and maintaining proper project documentation and records, including but not limited to: needs assessments questionnaires, monitoring questionnaires, certificates of vouchers receipts, consolidated list of beneficiaries, photos etc.
• Identify equipment and material needs by developing a detailed bill of quantities, and in co-operation with the local logistics team assess what is available in the local market.
• Participate and represent the organization in field coordination meetings
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Other

• Understand and follow Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards (PM@MC) to ensure all project planning and documentation is completed in a timely manner;
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy and Do No Harm strategies;
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

Organizational Learning 

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to the international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: NA

ACCOUNTABILITY: Assessment, design and execution of water, sanitation and infrastructure activities in AoR in Beqaa and Baalbeck-Hermel governorates;

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: WaSH Coordinator;

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Project Manager, WaSH Coordinator, CfW Officer, Hygiene Promotion Assistants.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education as Civil, Mechanical, or Architectural engineer. Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or MS level is required. 
• Practical minimum of postgraduate three (3) years of experience in infrastructure engineering, including documented experience in designing and supervising the implementation of water and sanitation projects.
• Knowledge in preparing surveys, planning and execution of construction projects. Preference given to those with experience in Civil or Mechanical engineering.
• Documented skills in project planning and design, drafting, calculation, Bill of Quantities preparation and technical writing.
• Good computer skills in programs i.e. AutoCAD, EPA Net, MS Office incl. Word, Excel etc.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Previous experience with International NGOs within the WaSH sector would be an asset.
• Understanding and alignment with the aims and humanitarian objectives of Mercy Corps.