Cercopan is looking for a Volunteer Construction Manager. The volunteer would be based at our second centre at Rhoko in the Nigerian rainforest which is about 80 km away from Calabar and 8 km from the village of Iko Esai, with possible temporary duties in Calabar.

Construction and Maintenance Manager

Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential
-Appropriate technical qualification within a construction and/or building services discipline (e.g. BTEC ordinary/higher national level diploma or equivalent) or equivalent high level of work experience, preferred
-It is essential that the volunteer has sufficient work experience and skills to undertake the duties described below. We are looking for a good all rounder who possesses a wide range of skills/knowledge/experience. We accept that strengths in some areas will offset weakness in others with the overriding need to get the job done which may require the volunteer to learn on the job.
-Driving licence essential, ability to drive 4 x 4 and some knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance beneficial
Desirable
A minimum of ten years in the construction/building services industry with management/supervisory experience to include financial/budgetary responsibilities and the training/development of others.

A working knowledge of and an ability to undertake, manage, supervise, train, develop others in activities including:

Planning

Purchasing/sourcing materials

Labour-control and man management including motivation and discipline

Setting out

Foundations

Concrete and reinforced concrete

Block work/brickwork

Floor screed

Construction and erection of wooden buildings

Roofing systems

Water services, plumbing, rainwater utilisation and sewage

Electrical distribution and final sub circuits

Air-conditioning

Fencing and enclosures

Security Systems

Alarm systems

Installation of joinery including doors, windows etc

Additional desirable skills/experience:

Has worked in a developing country (preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa or better still Nigeria)

Practical knowledge of African/bush building methods and materials

Computer literate in Word, Excel and AutoCAD

Experienced in the training of young people and apprenticeships

Practical skills in basic vehicle maintenance

Practical skills in basic plant/power tool maintenance
Personal Qualities
-Must be able to live and work in the rainforest environment
-Hands-on person who can lead by example
-Good interpersonal skills, ability to resolve conflict in a diplomatic way
-Ability to work well with people of different cultures and skill levels
-Ability to motivate and build confidence in a team environment
-Flexibility and ability to think laterally
-Good negotiation skills

Context
We have two centres in southeast Nigeria. One is in the town of Calabar where we have our administration offices, primate enclosures, education/visitors centre, permanent veterinary facilities and staff accommodation. The volunteer would be based at our second centre at Rhoko in the Nigerian rainforest which is about 80 km away from Calabar and 8 km from the village of Iko Esai, with possible temporary duties in Calabar. Follow link for more information about Rhoko environment. There is a dedicated workshop with tools and power tools (used in conjunction with portable generator). There is a VHF radio and mobile phone antenna for communications with Calabar. There is a refrigerator, laptop, and solar power. CERCOPAN has been assisting the Iko Esai community to protect more than 20,000 hectares of community forest on the borders of the cross River National Park since 2000.

Job Description
The volunteer will be responsible for undertaking and managing the construction and maintenance of the physical environment of Cercopan’s Rhoko operations and where practicable at our establishment in Calabar. This will involve the management, training and development of local staff.

Duties will include
1. The undertaking of two new projects in 2008 including:

Three high specification ecotourism chalets at Rhoko camp

A community centre at Iko Esia village to accommodate:

Ecotourism

Education

Library

Offices
 Workshop

Bedrooms

Kitchen

Bathroom
 

2. To maintain, repair, replace, construct, upgrade etc existing Rhoko camp built environment and services including:

Staff accommodation

Ecotourism accommodation

Dining/communal area

Workshop

Offices, kitchen

Nature Trail furniture and signage
 Viewing platforms

Tree platform

Fencing

Primate enclosures

Simple furniture for accommodation
 

Terms
One day off a week and 4 weeks holiday a year. Stipend and travel coverage dependent on qualifications, experience and length of stay. Bed, board provided. The volunteer will be expected to journey to Calabar (2-3 hours away) at least once a month for meetings, networking, reporting, etc. Calabar has office facilities (desks, computers, printer, etc.) with a generator and solar back up power system.

1-2 year contract preferable, but would consider 6 months to 1 year

Position to commence in January 2008
Interviews planned for mid November

http://www.cercopan.org/volunteer_construction_manager.htm