Building Officer at Healthy Kids/Brighter Future

Healthy Kids Brighter Future (HKBF) is a non-profit organization on a mission to improve the health of low income school-aged children in Zambia. We make schools a focal point for children’s health services through training selected teachers as ‘school health workers’ who provide preventive, monitoring, and curative services as well as referrals to government health facilities. Our goal is not only to improve the health of every Zambian child but also substantially to decrease illness-related school absenteeism so that the health and education of the next generation of Zambians can ensure a strong, vibrant society.

The Building Control Officer works with our partners to provide general support for the construction and management of program spaces, such as school health rooms and learner friendly spaces. S/he will oversee the construction, safety and maintenance of designated building required for program activities and will be responsible for ensuring that these structures are to program standards in compliance with all applicable regulations. She/he will be tasked with recommending and coordinating improvements as needed to ensure a safe, functional, and appealing space.

Reporting: Director of Trainings and Partnerships

Proposed Start Date: August / September 2019

Essential/Primary Responsibilities:

Building Management

• Ensure that new buildings, alterations, installations and extensions meet the regulatory standards of safety, sustainability, accessibility and design
• Help partner schools and health facilities to identify appropriate locations for the construction and/or refurbishment of school health spaces
• Support schools in obtaining necessary approvals and documentation from government offices. Ensure that plans, specifications and other documents demonstrating compliance are obtained and are checked by the appropriate qualified personnel.
• Issuing approval to start building work of projects that confirms the partner has obtained permission for new buildings or structural alterations by the local planning authority.
• Support school or health facilities to complete a bill of quantities
• Provide technical support and oversight to schools and health facilities to ensure the correct materials and items are procured in a timely manner
• Support the school in identifying an appropriate contractor to complete necessary works, overseeing the work of building contractor and providing them with supportive management, providing advice about construction safety matters and new building regulations
• Make regular inspections of building work at various stages of completion of the space and provide feedback and recommendations as necessary
• Provide technical assistance to ensure all structures are built at high quality and ensure compliance with the building consent and program standards. If standards are not met, ensure appropriate remedial action is taken and documented.
• Evaluate contractor performance and provide direction and correction to ensure proper construction of the building
• Ensure that contractors maintain a safe environment with proper lighting, signage, and disability access
• Inspect completed jobs and complete all necessary end of project reports
• Inspect the building regularly following completion to provide technical support on how to best use and maintain the space.
• Support the Director of Trainings and Partnerships to develop necessary reporting templates for construction projects
• Ensure that all program processes and standard operating procedures are adhered to
• Investigate, respond and document enquiries and complaints as directed.
• Maintain all records related to the construction and maintenance of program spaces
• Complete necessary reports and documentatio
• Keeping records of how projects are progressing
• Issuing completion certificates
• Supervises maintenance works at the Healthy Learner offices.
• Partner Management
• Responding to partner needs in relation to technical support as necessary
• Advising on cost and time saving measures during construction, without forgoing safety regulation
• Keep accurate records of communications with school administration, contractors or other partners, including documentation all inspections.
• Maintain a line of communication with contractors, school/health facility administration and Healthy Kids Brighter Future throughout the construction period
• Work with the Director of Trainings and Partnerships on conflict resolution between contractors and partners
• Respond to written and telephone enquiries relating to complaints or concerns and report issues to HKBF
• Ensure services are delivered in an effective and partner focused way, and ensure that effective working relationships are maintained with key stakeholders.
• Establish on-going dialogues with staff, partners, contractors and other stakeholders and ensure services are delivery in an effective and customer focused way to gain their respect and trust.
• Support the Director of Trainings and Partnerships to strategically manage partner relationships ensuring delivery, satisfaction and value for money.
• Establish and foster sound professional relationships, and promote a culture of innovation with Council’s key stakeholders.
• Keeping up to date with relevant regulations and legislation
• Liaising with District Building Officer and other professionals, as well as special interest groups

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree Architecture, Real Estate, Quantity Surveying, Building Science or related profession
• At least 3-5 years of experience in management of construction projects, architecture or related field
• Understanding of Zambian Building Codes and Safety Regulations
• Necessary Certification
• A valid driver’s license is an added advantage due to the need to travel to site

Expected Skills:

• Physically able to do on-site inspections
• Commitment to a strong and consistent partner focus philosophy and able to relate well to various community stakeholder
• Ability to maintain a professional standard of interpersonal commination; including reporting, facilitation and conflict resolution skills, with ability to relate well with tradespeople and members of the community
•   Relationship-building skills, able to build and maintain strong working relationships, function effectively as part of a team and operate effectively in a progressive and dynamic environment
• Well organised and consistent in setting, prioritizing and meeting realistic deadlines, with meticulous attention to detail but also to see the bigger picture.
• Proven ability to work with limited supervision
• Effective time management and strong organisational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with attention to detail.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Conveys a professional and positive attitude, with a courteous and efficient manner.

• An interest in and the ability to understand and interpret building regulations, construction processes, legislation and requirements
• The ability to explain complex issues and legal requirements in simple terms
• The confidence to provide advice and guidance
• IT skills
• Negotiation skills

This is a full-time job. You would work at HKBF’s office in Olympia Park, Lusaka.

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