SHELTER ENGINEER Full Time

PWJ is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with a civil and structural engineering background, coupled with extensive experience in shelter planning and construction supervision. The ideal candidate will lead and provide technical support for construction and infrastructure activities across various departments, including Shelter, WASH and Administration. The role demands hands-on technical oversight, project planning, construction supervision, quality assurance, reporting, and cross-sectoral coordination to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality delivery of projects in humanitarian settings.

1. Technical Leadership and Project Delivery

• Lead construction and repair activities under the Shelter & Infrastructure Department.
• Provide technical advice and support to WASH, and Administration departments on infrastructure needs.
• Serve as the technical focal point for construction and repair needs organization-wide.

2. Shelter and Infrastructure Management

• Develop comprehensive plans for new settlements within refugee camps, design, and supervise shelter construction projects.
• Develop technical designs, BoQs, ToRs, and implementation plans.

3. Water Supply Support

• Assist the WASH Department with network design, quality control, and construction/rehabilitation of water & sanitation infrastructure (chlorine units, boreholes, latrines etc).

4. Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise contractors, artisans, foremen, and labourers to ensure adherence to technical specifications and quality standards.
• Coordinate activities with donors, partner NGOs, government bodies, and communities.

5. Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Reporting

• Conduct regular site inspections and enforce compliance with design standards and safety protocols.
• Prepare and submit progress reports, technical documentation, and monitoring data.
• Maintain organized project records for accountability and learning.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Engage and train beneficiaries, contractors, and community leaders on construction best practices.
• Represent PWJ at sectoral meetings and technical coordination forums as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in shelter, infrastructure, or construction management (humanitarian or development settings preferred).
• Proficiency in engineering design software (AutoCAD, Revit, or equivalent).
• Experience developing BoQs, ToRs, and technical construction documents.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands effectively.
• Ability to work independently in field conditions, under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
• Good understanding of humanitarian shelter/infrastructure standards (e.g., Sphere Standards).
• Familiarity with construction management principles and practices, including scheduling, budgeting, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multicultural settings.
• Commitment to confidentiality, teamwork, integrity, and humanitarian principles.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of sustainable construction practices and technologies.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for spatial analysis and mapping.
• Ability to work in remote or challenging environments for extended periods.
• A Masters degree and/or professional certification in project management would be an added advantage.

Key Attributes:

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Proactive and safety-conscious mindset.
• Effective time management to meet deadlines.

Tagged as: Kenya, Peace Winds Japan