Education Officer (Infrastructure)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on aiding displacement-affected communities. The organization aims to meet basic needs, improve livelihoods, and enhance resilience against future shocks through six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. With a workforce of 370 staff, NRC operates in key locations such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, allowing it to respond effectively to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. The organization has established sub-offices in Monguno and Mubi, which further enhances its reach and ability to provide humanitarian aid and development cooperation, focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced individuals and returnees.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer (Infrastructure) will play a crucial role in the daily implementation of education-related construction projects and WASH facilities. This position requires technical oversight, quality control, and community engagement, specifically targeting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities in complex humanitarian settings. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that education infrastructure is constructed and rehabilitated according to established standards and designs, while also promoting hygiene and sanitation practices within the community. The role involves monitoring project progress, conducting quality checks, and building the capacity of local staff and community members through training and mentoring. The officer will also represent NRC in community forums, providing technical feedback and ensuring alignment with donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Officer (Infrastructure) will supervise the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms and WASH infrastructure, ensuring adherence to designs and standards. Responsibilities include adapting technical tools for field use, conducting regular field visits to inspect materials and workmanship, and contributing to the technical specifications of construction materials. The officer will lead hygiene promotion campaigns, train community members and school staff on WASH practices, and submit weekly activity reports detailing challenges and recommendations. Additionally, the officer will participate in the preparation of Terms of Reference for selecting team members, develop necessary construction tools, implement monitoring plans, archive project documents, maintain control over materials and tools, and ensure that construction activities meet objectives within set timeframes. The officer will also promote accountability to beneficiaries and ensure effective inclusion in programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a university degree in Environmental Health, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Public Works, Architecture, or a related field. Higher education certificates will be considered an advantage. A minimum of three years of experience working as a Project Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context is required, along with solid knowledge of WASH principles in conflict environments. Documented results related to the position's responsibilities and good knowledge of English, both verbal and written, are essential. Candidates should also possess proven knowledge in construction works, borehole construction, irrigation infrastructure, and latrine construction, as well as project design skills and the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Health, Hydraulics, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Public Works, or Architecture. Higher education certificates are considered an added advantage, indicating a preference for candidates with advanced qualifications in related disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience working as a Project Officer in humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience should include a solid understanding of WASH principles in conflict settings and documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. Experience in complex and volatile contexts is highly valued, as is the ability to work effectively in diverse teams and environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of local languages and cultures in the areas of intervention is also beneficial, as it enhances the officer's ability to engage with the community effectively and sensitively.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 12 months. It is classified as Grade 5 in NRC's grading structure. The reporting line is to the Education Coordinator (Infrastructure). This position is open to Nigerian nationals only, and candidates are encouraged to apply early as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting NRC's commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in its workforce.