Building Engineer (Civil Engineer) at eHealth Systems Africa

Purpose of the position

• The Building Engineer (Civil Engineer) will support eHealth Africa’s Laboratory System and Diagnostics portfolio by providing civil and structural engineering oversight for public health infrastructure projects, particularly public health laboratories, medical supply hubs, and related health facilities.
• The role ensures that civil works, structural components, and building elements are designed, constructed, renovated, and rehabilitated in accordance with approved designs, technical specifications, safety standards, and international best practices. The Building Engineer works closely with Project Managers, Architects, MEP/HVAC Engineers, contractors, and laboratory stakeholders to ensure quality, durability, and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

What you’ll do

The Building Engineer (Civil Engineer) will support eHA’s Laboratory System and Diagnostics predominantly by:

Civil & Structural Engineering Oversight

Review and support the development of civil and structural designs for:

• Public health and surveillance laboratories
• Medical supply hubs and ancillary health facilities
• Ensure civil works align with approved architectural layouts, laboratory workflows, and biosafety zoning. Assess structural integrity of existing buildings targeted for renovation or upgrade.
• Provide technical input on:
• Foundations, slabs, columns, beams, and load-bearing elements
• Floor finishes suitable for laboratory environments
• Drainage, wastewater, and site works

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure civil works comply with:
• National building codes and engineering standards
• WHO and international public health infrastructure guidelines
• Donor and project-specific technical requirements
• Review contractor method statements, material submittals, and work plans.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and technical risk evaluations to identify potential construction challenges early.
• Ensure construction quality, workmanship, and material standards meet specifications.

Construction Supervision & Site Support

• Conduct site inspections and provide on-site technical supervision as required.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure works are delivered within:
• Approved scope
• Timelines
• Quality and safety standards
• Identify construction defects, non-compliances, and risks, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support snagging, defect rectification, and site handover processes.

Multidisciplinary & Stakeholder Coordination

• Work closely with:
• Project Architects to align civil works with architectural intent
• MEP and HVAC Engineers to coordinate penetrations, equipment bases, and service routing
• Laboratory users to minimize disruption in live facilities
• Support coordination meetings with government stakeholders, facility managers, and donors.
• Provide technical explanations and recommendations to non-engineering stakeholders.

Documentation & Reporting

• Support preparation and review of:
• Civil engineering drawings and specifications
• Site inspection reports and progress updates
• Defect lists and handover documentation
• Maintain accurate technical records and contribute to monthly project reports.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for future infrastructure projects.

Who you are

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s degree is an advantage)
• Professional registration with a recognized engineering body is preferred
• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in civil engineering and building construction
• Proven experience working on:
• Healthcare or laboratory facilities
• Building renovation and upgrade projects
• Experience working in live facilities and low-resource settings is an advantage
• Experience on donor-funded or international development projects is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of:
• Building construction methods and materials
• Structural systems and site works
• Quality control and construction supervision
• Ability to read, interpret, and review architectural and engineering drawings
• Strong problem-solving and risk assessment skills
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong attention to detail and accountability