WHO WE ARE

Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organization working for better lives for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries. Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalized and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality. Our organization is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work. We need bold, forward-thinking and innovative individuals to lead our country operations, driving change and delivering results that will allow us to reach our target of 100 million girls.

With approximately 38 years of experience in implementing its programme, Plan International Kenya (PIK) mainly operates in 11 geographical areas; Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Marsabit and Tana River.

OUR STRATEGY STATEMENT

Plan International Kenya’s (PIK) strategic goal in the next five years is to end teenage pregnancies and end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against adolescent girls and young women. We aim to help create an enabling environment where girls and young women are safe, valued, equally cared for, and have equal opportunities. PIK will contribute to the global strategy by aiming to reach directly approximately 2.75 million (children, including girls and young women over the period of the strategy 2022-2026 and to reach additional beneficiaries through its interventions.

THE ROLE

The Project Manager, Construction Engineer for Ezakaso and GANA project, is responsible for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, reporting, management of the budget, monitoring and evaluation for the project. S/He is responsible for, implementation and scheduling of the Construction projects.

The incumbent will be responsible for establishment of relationships with key stakeholders at National and County level. The role will ensure that all the project activities and outcomes are aligned to realizing Plan International Country Strategy and project specific goals. The role will entail coordination of all Plan Kenya project team and implementing partners to ensure synergy and integration of project interventions in Kilifi. The role will require good understanding of the interface between the software project elements and the hardware infrastructure to enable realization of the project goal.

He/She will be responsible for Project Management of an Integrated program whose goal is to provide through a five-pillar approach, a revitalised safe and engaging learning environment where boys and girls can be healthy, learn, play and thrive. S/He will ensure proper planning of all construction projects and oversee their implementation in a timely and cost-effective manner. Quality standards are key in this deliverable.

He/She will supervise a team of two Project Officers, while ensuring an integrated interface of the project components namely Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Nutrition, Income training and Empowerment.

MANAGEMENT SCOPE, REPORTING LINES, KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Position Reports to: Director of Program Implementation and Quality

Matrix reporting to: The Program Unit Manager

Direct reports – Project Officers

Key relationships

Internal

• Kilifi Program Unit program team
• Director of Program Implementation and Quality
• Supply Chain Manager
• Procurement, Logistics and Administration Coordinator
• Technical Advisors
• Functional departments Heads at KCO

External

• Line Ministries e.g. Public Health, Public Works, Department of Children Services, Ministry of Gender, Education, Youth, Interior and Coordination.
• County Government
• Partners organisations including Public and Private institutions
• Civil society organizations
• Youth Led organisations
• Community Based Organisations
• Donors

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

Mid-level: Medium level of interaction with children

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Typical office environment with frequent visits to project field locations

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

1. Project Planning – 20%

• Participate in and provide technical /engineering input and budgets for proposals with construction components.
• Develop technical drawings and Bills of Quantities (BOQ) for required Construction to guide procurement of construction services.
• Ensure that the proposed infrastructure meets the objectives of the interventions and comply with all the regulatory requirements.
• Advise on good environmental practices and controls at construction planning and during implementation to mitigate environmental impacts of the works.

2. Project Implementation -20%

• Review and recommend construction designs for approval and ensure these are in line with government standards.
• Review existing plans for accuracy and quality — and where possible suggest technical changes.
• Participate in procurement of construction related works, from tender preparation to evaluate and ensure adequate technical consideration are in place before award of construction contracts.
• Review and recommend all changes and adjustments and ensure these are warranted.
• Ensure compliance with Plan International Safety policies and procedures in construction and implement site safety and hazard assessments for all sites.
• Ensure constructions are implemented in compliance with donor rules and regulations.
• Certify the completed works for payments.
• Provide overall management on the implementation of the software integrated components of the project (Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Nutrition, Income training and Empowerment)

3. Technical Construction project oversight – 30%

• Oversee and direct construction projects from conception to completion
• Review the project in-depth to schedule deliverables and estimate costs
• Oversee all onsite and offsite constructions to monitor compliance with building and safety regulations
• Coordinate and direct the contractor and subcontractors in line with the terms of the contract and construction best practice
• Select tools, materials and equipment and track inventory
• Meet contractual conditions of performance including ensuring construction projects are implemented within the agreed timeframes.
• Review and document the construction works progress periodically.
• Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status as required
• Proactively anticipate and mitigate against risks and resolve any emerging issues that may arise during the construction
• Support in the negotiate terms of construction contracts, draft contracts and timely acquisition of permits and licences that are required before, during and after the construction project is completed
• Analyse, manage and mitigate risks including escalating any significant risks identified during the construction period
• Ensure quality construction standards and the use of proper construction techniques

4. Contract Management, Monitoring, Supervision, and Reporting- 20%

• Manage constructions contracts and ensure these are delivered within budget, time and quality (standard specifications).
• Manage relations with contractors on behalf of PLAN INTERNATIONAL from inception to closure, ensuring that all parties adhere to the provisions of the contract.
• Lead review performance review of contractors as part of Procurement Committee
• Document any breaches by contractors and escalate to management accordingly.
• Supervise and follow up constructions to ensure timely, cost effective and quality delivery of the works.
• Supporting and liaising with PLAN INTERNATIONAL contractors to ensure good quality work standard are done as per the specification, requirement and standard of PLAN INTERNATIONAL & its funding agency.
• Monitor and track constructions across all PLAN INTERNATIONAL field sites to ensure timely, cost effective and quality delivery of the works.
• Supervisee and Ensure PLAN INTERNATIONAL construction supervising staff conduct regular monitoring and supervision field sites, and these are documented.
• Verify completion and standards by signing completion certificates.
• Provide regular and periodic updates and reports on construction work as required by Plan International.

5. Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) 5%

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Leads the orientation of programme staff to ensure that they are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in project design, during implementation and as principles applied in day-to-day work of Programme team;
• Ensures that Plan Kenya contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

6. Others (5%)

• As assigned by the supervisor

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Courageous in taking a lead, focussed on Plan International’s purpose and making the most effective contribution within my own work context.
• Behaves in line with our values and safeguarding practices, inside and outside work.
• Challenges own attitudes, unconscious bias and behaviour and speaks up when they see wrong doing, especially by those who use their power over others to create fear or abuse.
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date.
• Honest and efficient in use of resources, including own time.
• Takes responsibility for own performance and development: reflecting; seeking and listening to feedback; learning from mistakes; finding people or resources to help them learn.
• Constructive and optimistic in facing setbacks, challenges and change, using own initiative to analyse issues and improve things.
• Good team player, communicating effectively and being open and supportive towards those around them.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
– Understands relevant sectoral context including how the sector operates in terms of funding and governance and awareness of Plan’s purpose, values, and global strategy
– Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, Safety and Security
– Managing activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management
– Managing people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills
-Managing resources and delivery: -Knows the resources required for their role. Manages their own workload, avoiding under or overcommitting to delivery activities; -Works according to a budget and uses the relevant financial systems.; -Works according to principles of data protection; -Understands how information is used for reporting and decisions making; – Seeks to continually improve personal working practices.
-Programme and project management: -Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations. -Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.; -Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role; -Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work.
-Digital working: Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities. Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose. Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines.
-Evidence-based management: Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data. Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making. Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related field
• At least 7 Years’ proven working experience in construction management
• 3 Years in a leadership/managerial role
• Advanced training and knowledge of construction management processes, means and methods
• Expert knowledge of building products, construction details and relevant rules, regulations and quality standards
• Understanding of all facets of the construction process
• Familiarity with construction management software packages
• Leadership and human resources management skills
• Excellent time and project management skills

Desirable

• Managed construction projects end to end.
• Project Management experience that includes software aspects of community development
• Master’s degree

Languages required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Kiswahili, desirable

Knowledge

• Participatory community development processes
• Experience in regular report writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.

Skills

• Computer Aided Design
• Development of BoQs
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Excellent leadership and planning skills.
• Ability to write clear concise reports and skills to negotiate with/ advise contractors.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Disclaimer: Plan International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate applicants on any basis. We also do not charge Job seekers any fees at any point of the recruitment process.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.