Materials and Labor Specialist

About the role

The Materials and Labor Specialist will support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to improve construction practices and affordable housing solutions across Eastern and Southern Africa. The role focuses on value engineering, market system catalysis, and the development of standards that enhance the quality and cost‑effectiveness of incremental, owner‑driven housing.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct sector‑specific assessments and provide expert technical recommendations for housing practices.
• Lead or support studies on market conditions for innovative building materials and alternative construction technologies.
• Identify and engage market actors across the housing value chain, building relationships and facilitating collaborations.
• Manage projects related to market‑systems mapping, value‑chain analysis, and private‑sector facilitation.
• Serve as the liaison for market systems and the Human and Housing Settlements (HHS) sector, applying technical and leadership expertise.
• Support firms in testing and applying economical building materials and appropriate labour solutions for low‑income households.
• Contribute to the development of a Housing Quality Standard guide for incremental housing.
• Work with the measurement team to design and monitor data‑collection and feedback mechanisms.

Required profile

• Demonstrated expertise in construction practices, affordable housing, and market‑systems approaches.
• Strong project‑management experience, especially in mapping and research activities.
• Ability to engage with professionals, training institutions, and private‑sector partners.
• Leadership skills commensurate with a specialist role in the housing sector.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence affordable housing policies and practices across a multi‑country region.
• Collaboration with a global nonprofit dedicated to sustainable housing solutions.