The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Urban Economy Branch of UN-Habitat is seeking a Skills Trainer on Mud Block Production to support the development and delivery of specialized training programs. Under the direct supervision of the Project Lead and in close coordination with project team members, the incumbent will be responsible for promoting local capabilities in sustainable construction through theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Training Materials Development: Developing training materials, including manuals, handouts, checklists, and visual/pictorial guides tailored to the educational level of trainees.
- Planning: Preparing a detailed training plan and schedule, outlining both theoretical and practical sessions.
- Theoretical Instruction: Delivering theoretical training on earthen construction, including soil science, stabilization techniques (cement, lime, and locally available materials), and quality standards.
- Production Process Training: Conducting hands-on training on the full mud block production process, including soil selection, preparation, mixing, pressing, drying, and curing.
- Supervision: Supervising trainees in the safe and effective use of equipment and production processes.
- Masonry Techniques: Demonstrating preparation and application of mortar/slurry and ensuring correct consistency and composition; providing practical training on masonry techniques, including foundation preparation, alignment, bonding patterns, and use of construction tools.
- Pilot Construction: Supervising trainees in the construction of a pilot structure or test section.
- Quality Control: Training participants on field-based quality control methods and conducting basic tests (e.g., drop test, water absorption, density checks); establishing procedures for compressive strength testing of cured blocks.
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring quality assurance during construction, including alignment, leveling, and structural integrity.
- Assessment: Developing and administering competency assessments and supporting certification processes in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
- Mentoring: Providing ongoing mentoring and technical guidance to trainees during production and construction.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Building Construction Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required. Additional training in soil science and mud block production is highly desirable.
- Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in earthen construction, including mud block production and masonry techniques, is required.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in soil classification, stabilization methods, and the use of locally available materials for construction is required.
- Training Experience: Proven experience delivering hands-on training to non-technical or community-based participants is required.
- Quality Control: Practical experience in quality control and testing of earthen building materials is desirable.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the official United Nations Careers portal. You can find the application link and more details by following the application button below which redirects to the UN portal.
