Project Support Assistant - Road Maintenance G4 (5 Positions)

Introduction

This ILO technical assistance form’s part an integral part of a larger Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project (RAAMP), Nigeria delivered by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with 5 States Projects Implementation Unit. Within this framework, the the project Support Assistant will support the project and perform activities within the scope of the ILO technical assistance especially for Routine Maintenance and Spot Improvements and Decent work component in the states.  

This position is for 18 months with initial one-year contract, subject to renewal based on performance. These positions are in 5 RAAMP states stationed at SPIUs and will contribute to the overall establishment and monitoring of sustainable road maintenance system and Spot Improvement within the states. To perform his/her duties, the Project Support Assistant will be required to spend almost half of his/her time in the field providing technical backstopping to the Project team and Contractors. 

Reporting lines: 
Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor CTA based in FPMU in Abuja, and in close collaboration with the Training Roads Maintenance Technical Officer and Senior Roads Maintenance Engineer, the incumbent will directly report to Road maintenance Engineer in respective State.  He/she will assist his supervisor in the works operations within the Maintenance and Spot Improvement and capacity building component of RAAMP.  

Description of Duties

The incumbent shall be based in the States Project Implementation Unit (SPIUs) and will be working to provide technical support to SPIUs in overall achievements of the rural road’s routine maintenance and Spot Improvements activities under the project. He /She shall report day to day to the State Road Maintenance Engineer of SPIUs on activities and ILO’s Chief Technical Advisor/ Training and Roads Maintenance Technical Officer/Senior Road Maintenance Engineer in the FPMU and shall be technically supported by the State Road Maintenance Engineer.  
His /her key responsibilities shall be to support the PMU and the project team in the following areas:  

• Assist SPIUs in data collection, road condition surveys and updating of rural roads inventory in the states. Assist SPIUs in the formulation of their annual and multiyear road maintenance plans with computerized information systems this will include activities such as data collection, drafting standard correspondence, reports, technical documents, presentations, communication, monitoring and review on a yearly basis.  
• Assist in training and development of Road Maintenance Groups and Spot Improvement maintenance contractors, on-site and off-site training modules for States level maintenance events and provide technical support to local contractors and communities involved in the infrastructure works. 
• Apply appropriate quantity surveys technical design standards, cost estimates, work methods and organisation, standard bill of quantities, work norms and appropriate unit rates for the planning and design of Routine and Spot maintenance infrastructure works, prepare bidding documents and civil works contracts and review tenders. 
• Liaise and work with counterpart agencies, contractors and local communities through community consultations as part of securing adequate local involvement in the planning and implementation of works on local resource-based work approaches including    the use of employment-intensive work in the rehabilitation and maintenance of transport infrastructure. 
• Assist in the reviewing of contractors’ work programmes, methods statements, material sources, testing of gravel, aggregate and other building materials.  Review results of material testing and provide necessary design recommendations. 
• Contribute to work drawings and to carry out regular inspection and measurement of works, quality of materials and as-built drawings to instruct appropriate quality assurance measures to secure compliance with designs, work specifications and common workmanship standards for certification and approval of  payment of completed works. 
• Inspect working conditions at construction sites, ensuring that occupational health and      safety practices are following prevailing standards and recommend remedial action during events or circumstances that significantly impact works in terms of quality and time. 
• Assist in field inspections during extreme weather to secure that rehabilitated infrastructure shows the necessary climate resilience, assessing the performance of drainage and safe discharge of water, clearance above potential flood levels, assess erosion protection measures, risk of washouts, landslides or other debris compromising the function or safe use of the infrastructure.  

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• Undertake missions to project sites and/or accompanying other team members and officials. 
• Provide support and technical advice regarding the maintenance of rural road works including identification, prioritization, selection, and implementation of road works, with quality control and quality assurance.  
• General administrative and logistic support for meetings, seminars and/or workshops organized under the project. Maintain files, databases and official records related to project activities. Search and select relevant information and records for officials upon request. 
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor. 

Education

Completion of secondary education. Formal training in related field.  

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in general project management, clerical support and field of rural road rehabilitation/construction/ maintenance.  
• Experience in the development and implementation of employment-intensive public works and a solid understanding of the ILO decent work agenda will be an asset. 
• Experience in Rural Roads Maintenance, training of and working with local contractors will be an advantage 

Languages

Excellent command of English and good knowledge of an official national language of the duty station. 
 

Competencies

• Ability to organize own work. 
• Ability to prioritize work assignments, organize own schedule, perform routine work independently, meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands and multiple tasks.  
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office. 
• Ability to obtain services from other work units inside or outside the office for completion of tasks. 
• Ability to work as a member of a team and manage a heavy workload under time pressure. 
• Knowledge of practices and procedures for preparing administrative documents and maintaining filing systems. 
• Ability to draft correspondence and correct documents in accordance with established standards. 
• Ability to work with accuracy and to pay attention to detail. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Customer service skills in order to provide courteous, prompt and efficient responses to clients. 
• Understanding of principles of non-discrimination and gender equality. 
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.   
• Ability to prepare technical reports and recommendations.  
• Ability to work in teams, cultural and Gender awareness and networking skills.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to succinctly explain technical issues to various stakeholders including local level non-technical functionaries. 
• Computer literacy.