Construction Coordinator

About the Organisation

Plan International is a global independent development and humanitarian organization committed to advancing children’s rights and promoting equality for girls. With over 85 years of experience, Plan International works across more than 80 countries to empower children and tackle challenges such as poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, especially focusing on girls. Their efforts aim to support children's rights from birth through adulthood, addressing crises and driving systemic change at local, national, and global levels.

Programme Overview

The Salone Pikin 4 Play en Lan Outcome Fund Programme (SPPL-OFP) is Sierra Leone's flagship early childhood programme running from 2026 to 2029, aiming to benefit over 29,000 children aged 3 to 5 from remote and underserved areas. The initiative incentivizes measurable improvements in school readiness, play-based learning, and caregiver capabilities. Key goals include expanding accessibility of early childhood care and education (ECCE), enhancing quality to meet governmental minimum standards for safety and inclusiveness, boosting early literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional growth, increasing play-based teaching skills, and creating a coordinated national framework from fragmented services. Funding disbursement is tied to verified tier-based performance results including functioning ECCE centres, higher attendance, improved infrastructure, advanced caregiver skills, and better child development outcomes.

Role Overview

Plan International Sierra Leone leads delivery in Falaba, Kono, Tonkolili, and Kailahun districts, overseeing infrastructural upgrades at 44 ECCE centres. The Construction Coordinator will provide expert leadership in planning, supervising, and monitoring infrastructure improvements to ensure timely and safe completion within scope and budget, aligning with approved designs and government service standards. The role involves collaboration with government bodies, the Education Outcome Fund donor, and local NGOs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed infrastructure assessments considering child safety, gender sensitivity, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
• Develop and provide technical construction designs, drawings, and relevant documentation.
• Prepare Bills of Quantities and cost estimates for infrastructure enhancements at each ECCE site.
• Collaborate with district WASH and Construction Engineers to apply approved construction standards for schools and facilities.
• Support supply chain in tender preparations and participate fully in bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor selection.
• Implement a quality assurance plan to oversee construction providers’ adherence to contracts, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Conduct on-site monitoring and supervision, providing immediate feedback to construction partners.
• Organize regular coordination meetings with project stakeholders to report and discuss construction progress.
• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports for the Project Manager, assess contractor performance, and manage payment certifications.
• Assist in the development of long-term local maintenance plans for ECCE infrastructure.
• Engage community leaders and district councils to foster community ownership and participation, including supporting Quality Control Committees.
• Prioritize use of local materials and labor to control costs and build community resilience.
• Participate in knowledge sharing activities and communities of practice to share insights and lessons learned.

Infrastructure Standards

Minimum government standards for ECCE centre infrastructure include:

• Tier 1: Access to clean toilets (separate for children and adults), secure fencing without gaps, plastered or tiled classroom floors, covered wells, leak-free roofs, intact walls/doors/windows, proper classroom ventilation, safe electrical outlets, adequate lighting, and roofed buildings.
• Tier 3/4: Gender-segregated VIP or flush toilets, disability-friendly toilets, classroom access ramps, and on-site boreholes.

Additional Information

This post reports to the Project Manager of SPPL-OFP and is based in Tonkolili. Equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational values. The organization fosters an inclusive work environment embracing racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights, and child safeguarding. Pre-employment checks aligned with safeguarding policies will be conducted, including participation in misconduct disclosure schemes. Plan International will never solicit payments from applicants.