Housing Support Services - Habitat for Humanity

This position is responsible for the strategic planning, design, monitoring, supporting implementation, and evaluation around Housing Support Services (HSS).

S/he will be responsible for supporting the growth and development of HSS initiatives with Financial Service Providers (FSPs); monitoring and success of the HSS initiatives being implemented by the FSPs; and building the capacity of NO and the FSPs with regards to all matters relating to construction and the technical aspects of housing.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the HSS component of the project and provide guidance and advice to the NO and FSPs on Housing Support Services strategies and issues.
• Significantly contribute to the development of overall HSS (housing support services), and construction design and technologies strategy with the FSPs.
• Gather relevant information on housing, construction processes used, and conduct a suitability and feasibility study of construction and shelter improvements, in target geographic areas where the pilot projects with FSPs will be implemented.
• Lead in the design of new HSS initiatives, and tools for FSPs (which may include assessing the suitability and feasibility of construction interventions; advice to the appropriateness of materials and construction processes used; advice on appropriateness of interventions with regards to regulations etc.)
• Overall responsibility for supporting the planning and implementation of HSS initiatives, as determined by annual plans and agreements with FSPs.
• Work with the HFM project manager to generate a cost recovery strategy for each HSS developed with the FSPs.
• Leads analysis and review of HSS initiatives with FSPs documenting best practices and emerging lessons. Shares the learning and practices in appropriate forums
• Provides appropriate HSS related learning interventions for National Office, regional, and partner staff.
• Rising problems around the implementation of HSS to the Housing Microfinance Project Manager and National director/s
• Research and develop innovative construction related products with the partners.
• Be a resource to the NO, Area office and partners in general in the field of construction technologies and methodologies.
• Train and build the capacity of FSP, consultants and NO staff on HSS methodologies, tools, and interventions as may be appropriate
• Network with organizations and associations working in fields related to low-cost housing;
• Participate in research, policy development and design around low-income construction and housing.
• Responsible for collecting HSS related monitoring reports
• Coordinates the reporting and in communicating on HSS initiatives to partners, other stakeholders and /or donors external to the NO.
• As agreed with his/her supervisor, participates in HSS regional COPs (communities of practice), and other related task-teams.

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s or similar Degree in housing or construction related field (such as Architecture, Building Science, Engineering, Urban Planning, and Construction Project Management).
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in construction/housing industry.

Essential Competencies:

• Good interpersonal skills, oral and written communication
• Strong computer skills
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
• Ability to train others
• Effective coordinator and team leader
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work with other cultures and nationalities
• Ability to work independently; and interdependently within a team, and with partners

Reporting:

This position reports to the Housing Microfinance Project Manager - Kenya.

Interested candidates should e-mail their CV’s and motivation letters to recruitment@hfhkenya.or.ke.

Closing date for applications is 30th July 2012 at 5pm.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.