Construction Coordinator-GCF Project
Lead construction activities for climate-resilient projects in Malawi.
Overview
Lead construction activities for climate-resilient projects in Malawi.
You have:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing shelter or construction projects in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Strong skills in design software (AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SAP, ETAB, or similar) and computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Proven experience preparing BOQs, cost estimates, and technical drawings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage contracts, technical teams, and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage performance of self and others.
- Knowledge of public health and WASH issues in health and education sectors, with attention to the needs of women and children.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel and work in remote field sites for extended periods.
The Opportunity
Save the Children (SC) is seeking to recruit a Construction Coordinator for the GCFProject in six climate-vulnerable districts of Southern Malawi.
The role will report to the GCF Technical Lead and will be responsible for leading all construction-related activities under the project, including solarisation, light-to-moderate renovations, and gender-sensitive climate-resilient WASH infrastructure at health facilities and schools.
The Construction Area Manager will oversee a technical team of District Construction Technicians, ensure compliance with WHO construction standards and SCI policies, conduct needs assessments, prepare designs and BOQs, manage contractors, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health. The role will also include mentoring and capacity building for health personnel and project staff.
This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise in civil engineering and WASH infrastructure, and the ability to deliver high-quality construction projects in humanitarian and climate-resilient contexts.
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder may be expected to work outside the normal role profile and vary working hours accordingly.
To be successful, you will bring/have:
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing shelter or construction projects in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Strong skills in design software (AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SAP, ETAB, or similar) and computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Proven experience preparing BOQs, cost estimates, and technical drawings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage contracts, technical teams, and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage performance of self and others.
- Knowledge of public health and WASH issues in health and education sectors, with attention to the needs of women and children.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel and work in remote field sites for extended periods.
Desirable
- Experience developing shelter strategies for emergency, transitional, and recovery phases.
- Experience preparing concept papers, donor proposals, and reports compliant with international standards.
- Knowledge of structural analysis software (SAP).
- Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), WASH, and emergency response.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a past project where you managed a construction team. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? | This question assesses your practical experience in managing teams and tackling construction challenges. | Provide a specific example, focusing on the project scope, your actions, and the outcomes. |
| How do you ensure compliance with international construction standards and local regulations in your projects? | The interviewer wants to understand your knowledge of standards and your ability to implement them. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you explain your process for preparing a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and why it is important? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Give an example of how you have successfully collaborated with stakeholders in a previous project. What was your strategy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you implement to ensure gender-sensitive construction in WASH infrastructure? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with emergency response and how it informs your construction management approach. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach mentoring and capacity building for junior engineers and technicians? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools and technologies do you find most effective for managing construction projects remotely? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |