Technical Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they inhabit. IOM's mission includes providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating migration processes, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Technical Consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Bahay Matibay (BM) and Tahanang Ligtas (TL) shelter retrofitting and rebuilding projects. This position involves conducting site assessments, recommending beneficiaries for loan availment, preparing engineering designs, and ensuring the quality and safety of construction work. The consultant will work closely with the Senior Project Assistant (Engineer) and IOM Engineers, providing technical guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires a combination of fieldwork and office-based tasks, including documentation, reporting, and participation in meetings. The consultant will also contribute to the capacity building of local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the projects adhere to best practices in shelter construction and disaster risk reduction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Consultant will be responsible for conducting technical assessments of shelter locations, evaluating conditions, and recommending appropriate retrofitting or rebuilding solutions. This includes reviewing and validating shelter designs and materials, preparing scope of works and bills of quantities, and supervising construction to ensure compliance with safety standards. The consultant will provide technical input during training sessions for microfinance institutions (MFIs) and beneficiaries, offer ongoing support throughout the loan cycle, and document progress and lessons learned. Regular reporting on project status and stakeholder engagement will also be essential, along with maintaining high ethical standards and effective communication with all parties involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Structural Engineering, or a related field. A professional license in any of these areas is considered an advantage. Applicants should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in shelter programming, infrastructure projects, or humanitarian construction, particularly in post-disaster or low-resource contexts. Expertise in safe shelter construction and retrofitting, as well as familiarity with Build Better and Safer (BBS) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) principles, is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including community members and implementing partners.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Structural Engineering, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a professional license in any of these fields will have an advantage in the selection process. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in technical principles related to construction and engineering, as well as an understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks and safety standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in shelter programming, infrastructure projects, or humanitarian construction. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in safe shelter construction and retrofitting, with proven experience in applying BBS and DRR principles in practical settings. Experience working with community-based or demand-driven shelter interventions, including providing technical support to beneficiaries or local builders, is highly desirable. Knowledge of the Philippine context, including the National Building Code and hazard profiles, will be beneficial.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English, Filipino, and Bicol dialects is required for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms. While English and Tagalog are mandatory, proficiency in additional languages such as French or Spanish may be considered an asset during the selection process. Language skills will be evaluated through written and/or oral assessments as part of the recruitment process.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be expected to conduct periodic field visits to project sites in Bicol, which may require travel coordination with the project team. Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be provided during duty travel. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and medical fitness certification. IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational reasons. Candidates must provide proof of medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses before commencing work. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.