Project Engineer at Care Best Initiative (CBI)

Purpose of Role

• The Project Engineer will be responsible for leading the technical planning, design, implementation, and supervision of all infrastructure-related activities under the WFP-funded Resilience Building and Smallholder Farmers Support Project in Sokoto and Katsina States.
• This includes the construction and rehabilitation of solar-powered irrigation systems, grain banks, and other high-impact community assets. The role ensures that all engineering works meet technical standards, are climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and responsive to local needs.
• The Project Engineer will coordinate with community stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to ensure quality delivery, safety compliance, and effective documentation of all civil works.

Job Description / Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the technical design and implementation of civil works including solar-powered irrigation systems, grain banks, and other community infrastructure.
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and technical evaluations to inform infrastructure planning and design.
• Prepare engineering drawings, bills of quantities (BOQs), work schedules, and specifications in line with national standards and donor requirements.
• Supervise construction activities to ensure quality control, safety compliance, and adherence to timelines.
• Monitor contractors' performance, verify progress, and certify completed works before payments.
• Coordinate closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure local ownership, land allocation, and acceptance of infrastructure interventions.
• Ensure integration of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable practices in all engineering works.
• Provide technical support during the procurement of construction materials and selection of contractors.
• Prepare regular site reports, completion certificates, and technical documentation for donor reporting and audits.
• Train community members and local artisans on maintenance and sustainability of constructed assets.
• Collaborate with program, MEAL, logistics, and finance teams to align engineering deliverables with broader project objectives.
• Ensure compliance with COREN and national engineering standards, safety protocols, and CBI’s operational guidelines.

Job Holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be considered an added advantage.
• COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria) certification is mandatory.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering design, supervision, and construction of rural or agricultural infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in the design and implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems, water retention structures, grain banks, or other agriculture-related civil works.
• Demonstrated experience working with community-based projects in Northern Nigeria, especially in remote rural settings such as Sokoto and Katsina States.
• Prior experience working on donor-funded projects (e.g., WFP, FCDO, USAID, EU) with a solid understanding of compliance, quality control, and reporting requirements.
• Strong capacity in supervising contractors, preparing technical drawings/BOQs, and managing site documentation and handover processes.
• Experience integrating climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable engineering solutions in infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):

• Strong technical skills in engineering design, construction supervision, and infrastructure quality assurance.
• Proficiency in using engineering software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and MS Project for planning and documentation.
• Ability to contextualize engineering solutions within local cultural, environmental, and social realities, especially in rural communities.
• Demonstrated capacity for community engagement, with the ability to communicate engineering concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to meeting deadlines and adhering to compliance protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and construction sites simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of Hausa is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and team coordination skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with contractors, community leaders, and diverse teams.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to CBI’s standards of professional conduct and safety.

Key Behaviours:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to align with CBI's core values, including empathy, integrity, and a commitment to service.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Pro-active and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Key Relationships (excluding own line manager and staff)
Internal:

• Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator
• Program Coordinator
• Other Sector Coordinators
• Finance and Support Services team
• Various staff based in all CBI core departments, as and when necessary (e.g. MEAL, finance, logistics and procurement, etc.)

External:

• Partners
• Consultants
• Service Providers/Stakeholders (Other NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Community leaders/CBOs.