Skills Trainer in Mud Block Production

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an agency of the United Nations established by the General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development. Founded over four decades ago, UN-Habitat has been instrumental in supporting countries to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of urban development, housing, and community resilience.

Job Overview:
The position of Skills Trainer in Mud Block Production is crucial for equipping displacement-affected youth with practical skills that will enable them to produce quality materials for affordable housing solutions. The trainer will be responsible for delivering hands-on training that covers the entire production cycle of mud blocks, from soil preparation to the construction of pilot structures. This role is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving socio-economic recovery and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities affected by displacement. The trainer will work closely with youth groups organized under small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ensure that the training is practical, inclusive, and accessible, taking into account the varying educational backgrounds of the trainees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: developing training materials such as manuals and visual guides tailored to the educational levels of trainees; preparing a detailed training plan that includes both theoretical and practical sessions; delivering theoretical training on earthen construction principles; conducting hands-on training on the full mud block production process; supervising trainees in the safe use of equipment; demonstrating the preparation of mortar/slurry; providing practical training on masonry techniques; overseeing the construction of a pilot structure; training participants on quality control methods; establishing procedures for compressive strength testing; ensuring quality assurance during construction; developing competency assessments; and providing ongoing mentoring and technical guidance to trainees throughout the project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Additional training in soil science and mud block production is highly desirable. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in earthen construction, including mud block production and masonry techniques, is required. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in soil classification, stabilization methods, and the use of locally available materials for construction. Proven experience in delivering hands-on training to non-technical or community-based participants is essential, along with practical experience in quality control and testing of earthen building materials.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Architecture, Building Construction Technology, or Civil Engineering is required. Additional training in soil science and mud block production is highly desirable, indicating a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of construction.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in earthen construction, specifically in mud block production and masonry techniques. Candidates should have a proven track record of delivering hands-on training to participants with varying levels of technical knowledge, particularly in community-based settings. Experience in quality control and testing of earthen building materials is also desirable, ensuring that the trainer can effectively guide trainees in maintaining high standards during production.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of local languages such as Somali and Oromiffa is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication and understanding with the trainees and the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of two months, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.