Job Description
Position Title
Technical Officer – Housing Construction
Duty Station
Puthukkudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariat Division, Mullaitivu District
Project Duration
Six (06) months (with the possibility of extension based on project performance and funding availability)
Reports To
Divisional Manager / Programme Manager
Commitment required
6-month fixed-term contract (full-time), with possible extension subject to project performance and funding. This is a field-based role requiring regular travel to construction sites throughout the assignment — it is not suited to part-time or remote availability.
About the role
Palmera Projects SL is building and repairing homes for vulnerable households in Mullaitivu District. The Technical Officer will provide hands-on technical guidance, quality assurance, and supervision across the full construction process — from site assessment through to handover — ensuring work meets approved designs, engineering standards, safety requirements, and donor guidelines, while upholding high standards of quality, transparency, and accountability.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical assessment & planning
- Conduct site assessments (land, drainage, soil, access) and identify technical risks
- Prepare Bills of Quantities, cost estimates, material specifications, and technical drawings
Construction monitoring & supervision
- Monitor construction from site clearance through to finishing — foundations, structural work, roofing, electrical/plumbing, and finishes — via regular field visits
- Verify material quality, identify defects, and recommend corrective action
- Certify completion of each construction milestone before payment is recommended
Guidance, coordination & reporting
- Mentor contractors, masons, and carpenters on quality and safety standards
- Coordinate with contractors and hold site meetings; escalate delays or poor workmanship
- Run orientation sessions for beneficiary households, respond to technical concerns, and advise on maintaining completed homes
- Liaise with GN, DS, local authorities and relevant government technical officers, and support donor visits and monitoring missions
- Maintain technical records and geo-tagged site photos; submit weekly and monthly progress reports
Compliance & quality assurance
- Ensure all work meets National Building Standards, donor requirements, and approved specifications
- Monitor health, safety, and environmental compliance on site, including waste management
- Support procurement by verifying technical specifications and the quality of delivered materials
Monitoring, evaluation & learning
- Contribute to project M&E activities, including beneficiary verification and technical validation exercises
- Support final completion assessments and inspections, and document lessons learned and best practice
Key deliverables
Site assessment and technical inspection reports, BoQs and cost estimates, construction monitoring sheets, weekly and monthly progress reports, photo documentation, technical training records, final completion reports, house completion certificates, and defect lists where applicable.
Required Experience
- Diploma/HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, or a related field (Bachelor's degree an advantage)
- At least 3 years' experience in housing construction or construction supervision
- Experience preparing BoQs and supervising contractors
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently in the field
- Comfortable with frequent travel between rural construction sites; a valid motorcycle licence is an advantage
- NGO/INGO or donor-funded project experience is an advantage
How to Apply
Applications should include a current CV. Please send details to kularbuan@palmera.org
Applications will be assessed as they are received, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Palmera is an inclusive agency and encourages women and persons with a disability to apply.
Palmera is a child safe organisation and requires personnel to undertake regular Criminal Record Checks and sign and abide by the Palmera Code of Conduct.