Field Officer Engineer – North Lebanon

About Chemonics

Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. Since 1975, we have worked in 150 countries around the world, and we are currently implementing 118 projects in 84 countries. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and we also work with foreign donors such as the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Global Fund. We have more than 4,000 staff in our project offices around the world, and more than 500 staff based in our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

1.  Project Background

The Lebanon Community Support Program (CSP) is a multi-year project funded by USAID to support municipalities and underserved and vulnerable communities in providing better services and enhanced economic opportunities to improve lives and reduce tensions that contribute to conflict and violence, primarily in Lebanon’s North, South, and Bekaa regions. The work of CSP is organized around components (also known as task orders) that work together to achieve CSP’s overall objectives. Under CSP’s Community Support component, (also known as TO 2), the project is implementing both rapid stabilization interventions to repair and rehabilitate light infrastructure and local economic development interventions to achieve sustainable community development.  TO2 is a multisectoral, dynamic, and fast-paced program.

   2.  Summary of Position

Reporting to the Regional Program Manager (RPM) who represents CSP in his/her assigned region of intervention, the Field Officer Engineer (FO Engineer) maintains relationships with key stakeholders to design and implement technically sound and impactful community stabilization and development activities/projects. CSP interventions are not sector-specific, rather they span a wide range of sectors to respond to community needs and address emerging priorities. Specific interventions may include the procurement, delivery, and installation of equipment like water tanks and generators; cash-for-work and promotion of livelihoods; and support for the sustained delivery of essential services like solid waste management and solar energy solution. The FO Engineer is responsible for the technical follow-up and reporting of the field activities, as well as liaising with the various subcontractors and key stakeholders in CSP’s areas of focus.

  3.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage with local partners and beneficiares to assess needs in the field as well as any other follow up tasks with the local community.
• Assist in making recommendations for program-led community stabilization activities.
• Undertake site visits in the designated area for identified projects. Technical site visits might be requested to other communities across CSP areas of focus.
• Prepare and/or review feasibility studies and formulate projects ideas.
• Prepare BOQs and cost estimates as well as technical specifications for the required works in coordination with the central engineering unit; prepare drawings if required.
• Provide pictures for site conditions, propose solutions, and make recommendations for sound engingeering design and implementation.
• For the solicitation of contractors for new projects, provide technical support on bidders’ queries and conducts site visits within the bidding process.
• Serve as CSP technical liaison with local authorities, partners and local staff.
• Supervise, monitor, and report on works implemented by contractors/suppliers ensuring proper implementation; provide technical guidance and make sure that works are compliant with technical specifications, drawings, and project schedule.
• Validate quantity and quality of the works and submit technical reports to the RPM, Activity Fund Team, and Engineering Team.
• Approve receiving of goods and servces on for community support projects in coordination with the RPM, Activity Fund Team, and Engineering Team.
• Communicate any delay or amendment to the RPM.
• Ensure all necessary documentation, including but not limited to material submittals, engineering and shops drawings, and as-built drawings are electronically filed for each construction project.
• Follow-up on the implementation and compliance of the Cash-for-Work interventions, including the assurance of best practices are being implemented.
• Other duties, as assigned by the supervisor or his/her designee.

4.  Minimum Qualifications

• University degree is required in a relevant discipline such as engineering or architecture  
• At least two years of professional experience in engineering, construction, or another relevant area of expertise. (Solar) energy related experience is a plus.
• Experience in construction projects design, implementation, oversight, or monitoring is preferred.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and networking skills.
• Proven experience fostering effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including local government, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
• Experience working with communal committees and donor-funded projects is an asset. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Fluent spoken Arabic, with strong English required.
• Access to a car for transportation to site visits.

5.  Place of Assignment

The Field Officer Engineer – North will be based in primarily in North Lebanon and will be expected to travel to the project’s main office in Beirut or other CSP areas of focus at least once per week for meetings and consultation.  

6.  Reporting

The Field Officer Engineer – North will report directly to the Regional Program Manager. He/she will be coordinating on engineering/technical aspects of the activities with the Engineering Manager, or equivalent.

 Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants that can legally work in Lebanon will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.