Architect/Engineer/Urban Planner

Terms of Reference

Architect/Engineer/Urban Planner

Mogadisho, Somalia

I. General Information

Post/Title / Architect/Engineer/ Urban Planner
Date of issue / 3/12/2013
Duty Station / Mogadisho, Somalia
Duration of Assignment / 12 months
Level of Assignment
Deadline for applications / 29/03/2012

II. Background Information

About MIDA
The MIDA project is a TIS-IOM initiative that aims to facilitate the transfer of skills, competencies and knowledge of qualified Somali expatriates to specific institutions within Somalia. The beneficiary institutions will host the qualified Somali expatriate, and will be responsible to provide a safe and secure work environment. IOM-MIDA will monitor the expatriate while in assignment.

III. Activities / Key Results Expected

Within the framework of Benadir Regional Administration’s work programme, policies and procedures and under the overall guidance of the mayor of Mogadishu, in direct collaboration with the deputy mayors, and departments of public works and planning, the Architect/Engineer/Urban Planner will be responsible for providing technical support to Benadir Regional Administration and the Municipality of Mogadishu. The Architect/Engineer/Urban Planner will undertake range of tasks including but not limited to the following:
The Engineer’s specific responsibilities will include but not limited to:
Initial/inception
·  Carry out technical assessment of infrastructure and construction development projects; drainage, road rehabilitation projects and rehabilitation of buildings.
·  Conduct market research for all construction materials and labor rates to assist in formulation of realistic budgets for all construction projects.
·  Assist in planning, directing, and coordinating the Public Works Department's work plan; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
Design, BoQ and other technical documentation
·  Prepare architectural and structural designs as well as other technical documentation relating to infrastructure development in Mogadishu, for BRA.
Bidding/negotiations
·  Prepare and submit budget estimates on projects and specifically prepare bills of quantities, materials specifications lists and bid documents as well as taking part in the bidding process.
·  In coordination with the Procurement Department of BRA, the individual is required to assist in awarding and negotiating for contracts or agreements with contractors and other relevant parties.
M&E, supervision, quality control
·  Conduct regular monitoring visits to ongoing project sites in coordination with government or local technical personnel and provide regular reporting regarding the status of projects e.g. site visit notes, environmental impact assessment etc.
·  In accordance with the contractors’ contract terms, conduct site visits site prior to the disbursement of any funds to confirm that work has been done as per contract. Receive invoices from contractors and forward with supporting documents to the Admin/Finance unit for payment.
·  Develop and implement quality control programs.
·  Monitor construction projects to ensure that procedures, quality, materials and equipment comply with approved project plans, specifications and agreed standards and quality.
Support to engineers, public works and BRA officials
·  Provide Public Works department staff with technical assistance and capacity building that involves: consulting plans and carrying out field surveys to determine the location of existing municipal services; conducting surveys and field work to determine preliminary layout of proposed new works; working with and assisting crews and working foremen on interpretation of designs and collecting data, verifying conditions and noting potential or developing problems.
·  Provide technical support and expert advice to BRA officials, DCs, contractors and site engineers on projects and about site situations and resolve construction problems.
Coordination and Training
·  Coordination of projects undertaken by different partners of BRA eg construction and rehabilitation of buildings and public works utilities (streetlights, roads, drainage and water supply) as well as related matters.
·  Provide training on construction quality standards, measures and practices to BRA’s department of public works.
Reporting
·  Assist in the compilation of data and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
·  Provide updates, feedback, quality monitoring and recommendations to BRA officials

IV. Target Outputs (Measurable Results)

The proposed intervention, will produce the following tangible results:
1.  Monthly progress reports submitted to Benadir Regional Administration
2.  Three quarterly reports and one final report
3.  Progress reports on infrastructure and construction development projects; drainage, road rehabilitation projects and rehabilitation of buildings

V. MIDA requirements

Besides the specific outputs mentioned in section IV, MIDA is requiring the following steps/actions to be undertaken throughout the assignment. These are standard requirements for all assignments undertaken through this project:
1.  Transfer of skills: One of the main responsibilities of the Somali diaspora participant, and one which he/she will be measured against, will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment. It will have to be agreed with the beneficiary institution which civil servants will have to benefit from this knowledge.
2.  Work plan: A work plan will have to be developed with the Supervisor during the first week of assignment which will provide clear and time bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the MIDA Project Assistant. This work plan can be revised during the mid-term review to reflect new developments or changes in strategy.
3.  Mid Term Review: there will be a mid-term review of the assignment between the incumbent and the beneficiary institution to discuss progress of the assignment and feedback on performance.
4.  Interim and Final Reports: A progress report will be submitted by the incumbent to the Supervisor and to the MIDA Project Assistant. Thereafter a final report will be provided at the end of assignment.

VI. Qualifications

·  Degree in architecture or civil engineering (a degree in planning/urban design will be of added value), with relevant experience in urban development in insecure, or post conflict environments.
·  Experience in the field of infrastructure planning and construction, including management of infrastructure projects.
·  Ability to supervise, direct, coach and mentor staff. Drive for results and effective resource management skills.
·  Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Understanding of complex social-political environments. Ability to work under extreme pressure, in difficult conditions while maintaining security awareness.
·  Flexibility and focus on processes and their improvements. Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
·  Stamina, determination, commitment and adaptability in the workplace are required.
·  Excellent communication, written and verbal Somali and English language skills required.
·  Functional competencies: effective communicator with a wide range of actors and partners, successful negotiator, cross cultural facilitator and active learner.

VII. Subsistence Allowance

IOM will liaise with the participant, the donor and IOM’s partners to determine an allowance necessary for the participant to be successful in his or her assignment.
VIII. Security and insurance modalities
Health insurance, including evacuation due to medical emergency, will be provided by the project. However, experts will be requested to provide a recent medical certificate stating that they are physically well and apt to work in a hardship area in Africa.
Please note that IOM, according to the contract, will not be responsible for the security of the qualified Somali expatriates. The host beneficiary institution will be responsible for the security of the individual.
Before leaving the country of residence and upon arrival in Nairobi or in Somalia, the qualified Somali expatriate will receive a pre-departure briefing including security advice and cultural background.
IX. How to apply
All applicants must apply online through the QUESTS-MIDA website. To start the application process, the applicants are required to register an account with the QUESTS-MIDA website. Go to login and register as a user, then fill the form and create a password to enter in the applications section. Short-listed candidates will be informed of the status of their application. If you encounter any problems when applying, please send an email to

1