PROJECT RATIONALE:

KTK-BELT responds to current threats and opportunities in the eastern region of Nepal. It operates in three intersecting spheres: environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation.  We focus on youth, women and minorities, and on empowering subsistence farmers and local labor through training and systems design to meet the threats of climate change, extreme poverty and the degradation of biological diversity and wild habitats.

Between 1990 and 2005, Nepal lost more than 1.2 million hectares of forest or one-quarter of its total forest coverage in just 15 years (FAO State of the World’s Forest Report 2007). The high rate of deforestation continues at 1.7% per annum. Nepal is also experiencing a demographic youth bulge, with 40% of the population between the ages of 16 and 40 (Youth Survey of Nepal, 2011). It has been estimated that 38% of this youth population, or more than 5 million young people, are unemployed.  Many of these youth are migrating abroad to take low-pay, low-skill jobs often in dangerous working conditions. They are also leaving agriculture, threatening local food production systems.

KTK-BELT is training and educating youth to bridge conservation and livelihood needs through its fellows program. The aim is to create self-sustaining local organizations that are youth-led which can help create improvements in education, conservation, and livelihood. To ensure financial sustainability, a ‘Vertical Fund’ will be launched in 2017, to support local products and services that can generate revenue and attain fiscal self-sufficiency.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS/ SPECIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Technical Drawing Production:

• Collaborates with the lead architects and intern architects to prepare design and construction drawings, specifications, reports and other deliverables necessary for the final stage of construction documentation
• Reviews plans and specifications for constructability, completeness, clarity, and coordination of disciplines
• Advises the design team on required changes as per the construction requirements
• Prepares a master schedule showing duration, responsibility and priority for all major activities
• Updates the master budget to reflect any changes in the construction process in collaboration with the Cost Consultant

Construction Planning:

• Reviews plans and specifications for constructability, completeness, clarity, and coordination of disciplines. Advise the design team on required changes as per the construction requirements
• Prepares a master schedule showing duration, responsibility and priority for all major activities in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Updates the master budget to reflect any changes in the construction process in collaboration with the Cost Consultant
• Manages project budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time

Recruitment and capacity building:

• Develops a detailed recruitment strategy for skilled, unskilled and community volunteer labour. Recommend the division of labour into separate contracts to permit phasing. Consider such factors as construction durations, construction document preparation and labour availability
• Organisation of community workshops and trainings on health & safety, materials fabrication and construction detail. On-the-job training to community construction volunteers over the course of the project.
• Oversight of work product, feedback to community construction team, and resolution of disputes

Materials Procurement:

• Develops a detailed market survey for building materials in conjunction with architect, procurement officer, and local contractors
• Develops a detailed materials procurement procedure. At least three competitive bids for needed materials. Selection of suppliers for materials, agreements with said suppliers

Construction coordination:

• Day-to-day site supervision and guidance, including overseeing delivery of materials to site, planning and assignment of labour teams
• On going development of construction strategy, scheduling and construction quality control
• Regular communication with architect and support for materials testing procedures and reviews with the structural engineer
• Sign-off on construction work product

KEY QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors and Masters in Civil Engineering 
• Position requires a minimum of five years of experience in civil engineering field
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Sketchup or equivalent software and Microsoft Office required.
• Engineering license needed.
• Extensive knowledge of architectural detailing and construction standards.
• Familiarity with building systems and the ability to coordinate with consultants from multiple disciplines.
• The post will be primarily located in Eastern Nepal with occasional travel to the other sites. Compensation will be based on the experience. Initial one month trial prior to extending the offer.

RENUMERATION:

• The base salary will be between 20,000- 50,000 NRs/month depending on experience.

WORK PROVISIONS:

• This is a field-based position for an initial contract of 6 months after the trial period. When in Yangshila, provisions will be made for the use of office space, desktop computer with internet facilities, and office furniture. Necessary stationery, printing and copying facilities will also be provided.

HOUSING, TRAVEL, AND MEALS:    

• When in the field sites, serviced accommodation will be provided

TO APPLY,

Please submit your cover letter, CV, 3 work samples and 3 references with a range for salary expectations to [email protected] including the position title in the subject heading of your email.