Consultant, Technical Assessment to Measure the Potential of Small and Medium Scale Mud Block Producers at Mercy Corps

Reference Number: MDG/HUMOPS/2018/00047
Location: Various locations within Borno State
Length of Assignment: 2 month assignment
Working day: 5 per week
Reporting to: Shelter Program Manager
Start Date: ASAP

Job Summary

• Assessment to measure the potential of small-medium scale mud block producers to adopt stabilization techniques and exploring the potential market in MAIDA target LGAs of Borno state.

Scope of Work

• Vocational training component of Mercy Corps MAIDA program aim to support youth those return to their origin by providing training and support to start their small businesses in target LGAs.
• Mercy corps is in process of identifying potential trades and explore the possible collaboration with local artisans and institutions to train youth on pre-identified trades for income generation.
• Construction related trades are highly in demand as housing reconstruction and repairs remain an acute need of returnee households during recovery phase due to vast devastation.
• Cement or mud blocks are the basic material for building construction in Borno. Mud blocks are observed as more in demand due to economy, affordability and availability as compared to cement blocks.
• MAIDA program has been exploring local market to explore potential of advancing mud block production through introducing low cost stabilization techniques and finally train youth to start small business.
• MAIDA is looking for an individual to conduct this assessment as described above to work under direct supervision of Shelter Program Manager;

Tasks:

• Comparative strength analyses of stabilized mud blocks, ordinary mud blocks and cement blocks using different stabilizer ratios and bonding additives.
• Exploring local market absorption level for new techniques to produce mud blocks
• Exploring institutional linkages to see possible MAIDA partnerships to introduce the technique and train artisans and youth

Requirements

• Required Education level: HND/Bachelor's degree in of Civil Engineering or Building Construction
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in Hausa & English, other local languages are preferable