The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF’s) Classroom Africa program is looking for an experienced Construction Project Manager to oversee the implementation of primary school infrastructure projects in select African countries. Depending on the context, school and community, this could include but is not limited to building classrooms, teacher’s houses or latrines – and in select cases overseeing the design and build contracts for entire primary schools. Any buildings should be thoughtfully conceived and constructed, promoting environmentally sound methods but using conventional construction techniques in line with standard government designs.
Classroom Africa provides communities with educational opportunities and resources in exchange for or to promote the community’s participation in conservation. The program is about more than simply supporting infrastructure projects for schools. Classroom Africa intends to deliver improved educational outcomes for children through professional development for teachers, opportunities to participate in conservation programs, and others areas of need.
To achieve this, Classroom Africa is seeking a Construction Project Manager to plan and manage construction projects from beginning to end, including ongoing school maintenance. The person recruited for this position will have a passionate commitment to this model with the experience and background to support construction development.
The Construction Project Manager will play a key role in the growth of the Classroom Africa program. The position will report to Classroom Africa’s Senior Manager, and work closely with the Senior Director of Programs, and AWF’s Country Offices and landscape teams to ensure that schools have the infrastructure needed for effective learning environments.
Responsibilities
Working closely with AWF’s Country Program Offices and Landscape Teams, oversee select infrastructure projects (such as classrooms, teacher’s houses, latrines, etc.) in the following, but not limited to, focal countries such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Uganda.
Oversee the construction process for Classroom Africa by identifying and engaging local architects (if needed) and contractors, and ensure they meet quality standards.
Manage contract negotiation with external vendors, contractors, and members of the local project management team.
Work with AWF’s Country Offices to obtain the appropriate permits and licenses from authorities for construction projects.
Alongside AWF’s Landscape Teams, work with subcontractors, engineers, architects, and key team members of the project management team to ensure delivery.
Ensure that infrastructure projects are cost-effective and that construction remains within budget and timeline.
Research and understand standard school construction requirements by governments in each of Classroom Africa’s upcoming priority countries.
Ensure Classroom Africa’s infrastructure projects meet a basic standard of quality, cost-effectiveness, and attractiveness.
Adopt government-standard school designs and guidelines using conventional building methods and techniques.
Implementation
Liaise with AWF’s Landscape Teams to provide timely reports and updates on infrastructure projects as determined by donor requirements.
Oversee the development of maintenance protocols and check lists for school staff and communities to follow post-construction.
Work closely with local education authorities and school representatives to ensure maintenance protocols are understood and followed.
Ensure timely receipt, review and analysis of quarterly maintenance reports from the local project management team.
Ensure each site has an annual maintenance audit performed.
Provide guidance on other AWF construction projects as needed.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Identify metrics to measure success and effectiveness of the maintenance protocol.
Design process for data collection and recording of facilities management data.
Test data collection process, collect and record data for existing schools.
Work closely with AWF’s M&E team to streamline and integrate data into organizational tracking tool.
Field Outreach
Develop relationships with a network of architects and contractors in each of the Classroom Africa countries of operation.
Act as an ambassador in local communities when in the field, promoting education and conservation with partners (communities, ministries of education, etc.)
Industry Knowledge
Keep up to date on cost effective construction practices in Africa that are innovative and eco-friendly.
Keep up to date with innovative and cost-friendly energy and waste management solutions
Research and understand new approaches to education construction.
