Expedited SVN - Project Associate - Civil Engineer WASH

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM has been present in Nigeria since 2001 with a footprint in five sub-offices (Benin City, Lagos, Yola, Katsina and Maiduguri) and a main office in Abuja, leading its interventions in 30 States and the Federal Capital. IOM Nigeria works closely with migrants, displaced populations and affected communities, ministries, departments and agencies, and intergovernmental and non-governmental partners at the Federal and State levels. 

Besides forced displacement and deepening humanitarian needs that are predominant in Nigeria, States such as Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa, Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, parts of Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, and Benue also face extreme vulnerabilities as a result of hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods and drought, and the ever-increasing competition for resources. The impact of climate change is exacerbating local farmer-herder tensions as floods and droughts become increasingly regular and intense. 

Since 2009, the insurgency in the Northeast involving several armed groups has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of over two (2) million people, and humanitarian crises, with significant social, economic, and political impacts on the affected communities and the country. The region has also faced environmental degradation, resource competition, and land use competition, further exacerbating tensions. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), as of February 2023, Nigeria is currently hosting 3.57 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to armed conflicts and other drivers of displacement. The tensions between farmers and herders, exacerbated by the increasing issues of accessing water and land, are forcing the population in Southeast, North-central and Northwest into internal displacement. Malnutrition, and waterborne diseases, including cholera, continue to plaque mobile populations in fragile contexts. The nature and scale of forced displacement in the country present humanitarian and development challenges, that require innovative approaches and response mechanisms from IOM and other stakeholders.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) or the Head of Office in Maiduguri, Nigeria and direct supervision of Programme Officer (WASH), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office and relevant Divisions/ Departments/ Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Project Associate – Civil Engineer WASH will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the WASH programming in Nigeria, both for emergency and transitional programs, including settlement planning, development and improvements.

Responsibilities

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information. 
4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation. 
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions; 
8. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
9. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Graduate degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or an equivalent combination of education, training & experience, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 1 year of relevant experience

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 

Skills

• Ability to conduct WASH needs assessments, including technical site appraisals and identifying appropriate engineering solutions. 

• Ability to ensure adherence to technical specifications and engineering standards throughout all WASH construction and infrastructure activities. 

• Ability to prepare, review, and follow up on technical documentation—including drawings, BoQs, schedules, and cost estimates - using appropriate engineering design software such as AutoCAD

• Ability to support the planning, development, and follow‑up of WASH implementation plans - ensuring designs and activities align with project timelines, and technical requirements - in coordination with technical colleagues.

• Ability to monitor WASH infrastructural activities in the field, including construction quality, adherence to technical standards, and progress against plans. 

• Ability to conduct regular field monitoring visits and document findings, risks, and required follow‑up actions.

• Ability to implement and maintain project progress trackers and monitoring tools, consolidating information from field visits, partners, and government counterparts.

• Strong knowledge of procurement processes and ability to support logistical and contractual follow-up to ensure timely and compliant delivery.

• Experience in reviewing and analyzing bids, verifying technical compliance, comparing specifications and cost estimates, and providing inputs for supplier selection

• Ability to liaise effectively with government authorities, partners, contractors, and site representatives throughout all phases of project execution.

• Ability to supervise or guidfield workers, contractors, or junior staff on technical tasks and field procedures. 

• Ability to support training or induction sessions on WASH/Technical standards, field protocols, and site procedures.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills;

• Ability to present clear and concise information; 

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;

• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;

• Good level of computer literacy; personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results

• Knowledge of SAP is an advantage

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Working Knowledge of Local languages is an advantage

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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