Project Engineer at Chabash Development and Health Initiative

Location: Jakusko, Yobe State
Reports to: Project Manager
Supervises: Assistants, and Project Support Staff/Facilitators

Job Summary:

The Project Infrastructure/Structural Engineer coordinates all construction and civil works under the WFP-supported Integrated Food System and Resilience Project implemented by Chabash Development and Health Initiative (CDHI) in Jakusko LGA, Yobe State. The position ensures quality control, technical integrity, safety, and structural compliance in building climate-resilient community assets. The Engineer works closely with the local government Ministry of Works, community structures, vendors, and Cash-for-Work (CfW) beneficiaries to deliver context-specific infrastructure designed to build resilience against climatic shocks.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Site Assessments: Conduct site selection, topological, geological, and environmental assessments in close collaboration with local authorities and community structures.
• Construction & Infrastructure Coordination: Technical supervision and quality control over all project civil works, including:
  • Deep boreholes/tubewells with solar-powered pumping systems.
  • Water storage structures and water harvesting systems for dry-season irrigation.
  • Climate-resilient grain storage warehouses and post-harvest management hubs.
  • Market stalls, poultry pens, fishponds, and perimeter solar farm fencing.
  • Youth and women agro-processing centers and vocational training centers.
  • Rehabilitation of schools and Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.
• Vendor & Cash-for-Work (CfW) Management: Oversee contracted construction vendors to ensure adherence to engineering standards and technical specifications while supervising unskilled Cash-for-Work community laborers engaged in site clearing, foundation preparation, and basic construction work.
• Safety & Hazard Mitigation: Develop simple, visual safety training modules in local languages to educate community labor on hazard identification, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe lifting, and emergency site procedures to prevent work-related injuries.
• Design Considerations & Standards: Ensure all constructed warehouses and hubs meet optimal design principles regarding accessibility, dry/well-ventilated construction, solid concrete flooring, white-painted temperature control, pest-proofing, proper lighting, and perimeter security.
• Inter-Agency & Stakeholder Coordination: Work in partnership with the local government Ministry of Works, WFP logistics sector, local water resources/WASH actors, and Project Management Committees (PMCs).

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Structural Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 to 6 years of practical civil or agricultural engineering experience, with at least 2 to 3 years directly supervising rural infrastructure, community asset creation (FFA), or disaster recovery projects within an NGO/humanitarian context.
• Professional Registration: Active registration with a recognized engineering body (e.g., COREN – Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, or equivalent national professional registry) is highly desirable.
• Technical Software: Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), structural modeling tools, GIS mapping software, and MS Office applications.
• Contextual Knowledge: Proven experience managing construction activities and community labor schemes in fragile, resource-constrained, or conflict-affected environments (Northeast Nigeria preferred).

Core Competencies

• Strong technical quality control and structural assessment skills.
• Community engagement and participatory infrastructure planning capability.
• Knowledge of climate-resilient engineering, water management, and green energy applications (e.g., solar systems).
• Effective cross-cultural communication and site safety facilitation.
• Sound knowledge of local government coordination and humanitarian standards (SPHERE).

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

• Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
• Adhere strictly to CDHI and WFP’s PSEA policies and guidelines at all project sites.
• Ensure PSEA protocols are communicated to all site actors, contractors, market actors, and extension workers.
• Ensure design of infrastructure sites incorporates safety mechanisms (e.g., site lighting, childcare corners, safe scheduling for women, and clear GBV referral pathways).

Compliance & Ethics

• Ensure strict adherence to humanitarian principles, SPHERE standards, and IASC Guidelines on Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
• Maintain complete transparency in vendor supervision, material management, and site labor records.
• Ensure project assets are constructed on land legally verified and secured through formal consultation with community stakeholders and local government authorities.

Comply fully with CDHI organizational policies regarding anti-corruption, conflict sensitivity, protection, and gender-inclusive practices.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.