National Road Maintenance Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity among its staff, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or other factors.

Job Overview:
The National Road Maintenance Expert will play a crucial role in the ILO's technical assistance efforts as part of the Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Nigeria. This position is integral to the development and implementation of routine maintenance and spot improvements for road infrastructure within the project area. The expert will be responsible for advising on the management of ILO technical assistance, supporting national teams in policy planning, promoting decent work, and ensuring effective maintenance of roads and bridges. The role requires a significant amount of fieldwork, with approximately 35% of the time spent on-site to provide guidance to State Project Implementation Units (SPIUs) and government field offices. The expert will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local contractors, and community groups, to ensure the successful execution of project activities and adherence to ILO policies and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Road Maintenance Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the planning, programming, and implementation of all project activities in accordance with work plans and ILO policies.
• Ensuring timely provision of necessary resources such as personnel, consultants, and civil works contracts.
• Participating in program planning to ensure coordination with other project components and local ownership of improved practices.
• Assessing the capacity of government agencies and addressing any identified gaps.
• Conducting technical training for national staff and community groups, including developing training materials.
• Ensuring that employment conditions reflect the ILO's decent work agenda, promoting inclusivity in infrastructure works.
• Reviewing existing rural roads database systems and providing technical advice for their development and application.
• Introducing appropriate technologies and standards for civil works activities.
• Assisting in quantity surveys, cost estimates, and preparation of bidding documents. 1
• Monitoring and evaluating maintenance works and contributing to project reports. 1
• Promoting project visibility through communication with stakeholders and representing the ILO technical team as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in civil or highway engineering or a relevant technical field. Additionally, they should have at least two years of experience managing rural road infrastructure works, with a minimum of one year related to employment-intensive rural road rehabilitation and maintenance. Proven experience in engaging with government agencies, private sector contractors, and diverse teams in challenging environments is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge in planning and implementing rural transport infrastructure works, as well as experience in public works that align with the ILO's decent work agenda. Skills in community mobilization and stakeholder consultations are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in civil or highway engineering or a related technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of road maintenance and infrastructure development, as well as for effectively managing projects within the scope of the ILO's technical assistance initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in managing rural road infrastructure projects. This experience should include at least one year focused on employment-intensive rural road rehabilitation and maintenance. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government agencies, private sector contractors, and diverse teams, particularly in remote or challenging settings. Experience in project formulation and management is also critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of English, both written and verbal. Additionally, good knowledge of a Nigerian local language is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract with a duration of one year, subject to renewal based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific eligibility criteria for national officer positions. The ILO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to the ILO's values and mission.