Field Emergency Radio Communications Expert (3 Positions)

Objective:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Sub Office and the direct supervision of the IECN Project Manager, the Technical Engineer will support installation of HF/VHF radios, repeater stations, masts, atoll solar power supply, siren and flashing light alert system in the targeted municipalities under Installation of Emergency Communications Network project in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The IOM IECN project will contribute to enhancing the overall capacity of the communities and governments of RMI to be better prepared for, and more resilient to hazard events and disasters. The project will be achieved by supporting communities to have increased capacity to receive and relay Emergency Communications (EC) in accordance with the EC Roadmap.

The successful candidate will work as part of a team that provides support and technical expertise at both community and governmental level regarding DRR through Emergency Communications, protecting well-being of those affected by climate change as well as natural disasters and support preparedness efforts.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Project Manager and Head of the Sub office to develop scopes of work, schedules, design, preparing cost estimates, specifications and drawings for construction and installation of masts, atoll solar power supply, siren and flashing light alert system.
2. Oversee and implement installation including logistic considerations on key aspect of the installations, mast footings that can assist in any changes required at individual locations in line with the technical structural design of guy and base footing for transportable mast approved by the PREP II project.
3. Inspect and supervise support in managing construction projects to ensure quality completion on time and within budget by utilizing and applying professional skills and knowledge in the project management.
4. Lead and supervise team consisting of two programme assistants (local EC Operation and Maintenance Trainer) ensuring necessary support for the installation of the mast, solar equipment, and radio.
5. As a team leader, responsible for the overall implementation and reporting on site, ensuring that the Safety Plan and CESMP is followed on site.
6. Oversee and assist in operational tests and trouble shoot with the community support and program assistant by serving as a technical liaison with community, National Disaster Management (NDMO) focal points, local government, and local Disaster Committee (or DisCom) and other stakeholders.
7. Support coordination with local vendors for required catering, training set up and implementation, community drill and overall team support, defined rolls and responsibilities for the field trips.
8. Supervise and lead on; training on the standard operating procedures for the radio operators with RRRC and interested community members, operator training on the use of the emergency communication equipment with RRRC and interested community members, and basic technical training for the radio operators on how to maintain the system with RRRC and interested community members in the targeted Atolls/islands.
9. Prepare project status reports to monitor installation progress by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and reporting on various aspects of the project including financial, technical and schedule compliance.
10. Assist in ensuring the effective implementation of project requirements to control each site installation and training plans by monitoring activities, assigned team, schedules, coordination with procurement, construction and hand-over, and close out.
11. In close coordination with project manager, assist in the complex logistical planning and creative use of resources to maximize time and transport resources by providing adequate monitoring inspection and carrying out quality assurance and control tasks for the sites assigned.
12. Provide on-site and remote monitoring of the construction work and installation of the station, radios and mast where applicable.
13. Support each site close out and final inspection and acceptance of completed projects by recommending solution to questions about scope changes and feasibility of accepting time delay due to such changes.
14. Utilize and maintain accurate each site progress/status, tracking all inspections and work completed by providing reports and other information as required by Project Manager.
15. Undertake duty travel in project implementation area.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results (value of services rendered in relation to their cost).

• Performance should be assessed according to the tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment above.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• University degree in Electronics Engineering Technologist / Communications Technologist or graduate from a similar program/ or equivalent education in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Technical certification in electronic telecommunications, computer technology or other related field. Practical training should include radio communications, voice and data communications, experience in emergency radio communication and trainings will be a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• Experience in installing, configuring, managing and delivering training on two-way emergency radio communication equipment;
• Experience in troubleshooting/repairing HF/VHF/UHF radio systems applied experience in telecommunication network and systems including previous hands-on experience implementing emergency communications systems using the latest generation HF and VHF land mobile equipment.
• Knowledge and experience in both digital and analogue networks, covering both the telecommunications systems and signal transmission technology.
• Experience in implementing and commissioning communications systems for disaster management purposes, including training and development of technician and non-specialist staff
• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Experience with camping/backpacking in remote, hardship and/or rustic locations for longer periods of time (1-2 weeks); and
• Experience working with a non-governmental organization and/or international organization an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to handle planning multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Understanding of the cultures and traditions of Pacific Island Countries and ability to work within local social and cultural settings. Previous working experience in the Pacific is highly desirable.
• Well versed in radio installation, operations management best practices.
• Ability to concurrently handle multiple tasks and prioritize them, while staying organized to ensure timely and accurate work.

Languages

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of multiple languages (especially Marshallese) an advantage.