RTI International is implementing the USAID Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students in Liberia (TESTS) Activity. This activity works closely with and supports the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) to improve the quality of teachers’ instruction in primary and early childhood education (ECE). This consultancy is based in Monrovia, Liberia. The Communication Consultant will report directly to the MEL Director and work in close collaboration with TESTS Senior Management. The incumbent will liaise with eight partner higher education teacher training institutions (HETTIs) the MOE, and the NCHE.

TESTS is seeking a highly qualified and experienced construction consultant for a 7-day site visit to assess accessibility and feasibility (risk) of small-scale construction being planned at Cuttington University, African Methodist Episcopal University, Adventist University of West Africa, and LICOSESS. The consultant will provide expert advice on risk management, compliance to accessibility norms for people with disabilities, address questions pertaining to scope and scale of the plans, and an estimate of costs for each assignment.

Responsibilities

1. Site Visit and Accessibility Assessment:

• Conduct on-site evaluations at CU, AMEU, AUWA, and LICOSESS to identify construction-related risks not just in the construction process but potential follow-on risks; challenges; and importantly, assess whether the plans will be adequately accessible for people with disabilities.
• Ensure that proposed construction projects are accessible according to the norms for individuals with mobility limitations, including the design of ramps, bathrooms and other accessibility features such as railings.

2. Feasibility Study:

• Conduct a feasibility study to confirm the viability of the construction projects, considering the specific site and its appropriateness (if a ramp is built, but there are obstacles of getting to the ramp or elsewhere from the ramp. Address questions about scope and scale of the projects; and consider longer term maintenance issues that the institution may have to plan for (spare parts, maintenance of the grounds, labor to keep clean, etc).
• Assess the cost implications of managing the construction projects.

3. Risk Identification and Analysis:

• Identify and analyze risks associated with the planned construction works specific to each site and any follow-on risks that should be considered after construction.
• Recommend risk mitigation measures that may have to be implemented during and after construction.

4. Report Preparation:

• Compile a report summarizing: feasibility (providing details about scope and scale); appropriateness for accessibility; risk assessment in construction and afterwards; any maintenance issues.
• Provide risk mitigation strategies per assignment.

5. Cost Analysis:

• Provide an estimate cost of construction per assignment and the cost of managing the process.

6. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with leadership at each HETTI to understand the rationale of each assignment being requested and the context.
• Together with TESTS, engage with key stakeholders to discuss findings and recommendations, including whether the plans will indeed increase accessibility for people with disabilities.

Qualifications
Minimum Required Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in construction engineering; preferred Master’s degree and license from the Engineers Association of Liberia.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the implementation and management of construction, including experience with the norms and standards of construction for people with disability.

Skills & Abilities:
Skills and abilities required to perform the essential job duties of this job are listed below.

• Extensive experience in construction consultancy with emphasis on risk management (quality assurance), accessibility and costing.
• In-depth knowledge of construction industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Ability to grasp, retain, and disseminate extensive and varied body of information; the ability to exercise sound judgment and employ decision-making skills.
• Effective organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and is excited to advance and share in the success of highly successful programs.
• A minimum of intermediate level proficiency with computer skills
• Capacity to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and set priorities.
• Proven ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• High level of personal and professional integrity and motivation to perform at one’s best.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including fluency in English.
• Availability to travel within Liberia.