BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Over more than a decade, Syria has faced a relentless crisis that has driven hunger and humanitarian needs to unprecedented heights. The convergence of ongoing insecurity, widespread displacement, economic deterioration, infrastructural damage, and inadequate basic services has severely heightened vulnerability among men, women, and children. According to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), a staggering 12.9 million people, or 55% of the population, are food insecure, including 3.1 million facing severe food insecurity. Additionally, 2.6 million people are at imminent risk of becoming food insecure. In today’s Syria, the minimum wage can only afford a fifth of a family’s food needs.

CONTRACT DETAILS:

Contract Type: Fixed Term (FT)
Duration: 12 months
Duty Station: Damascus,
Number of required employees: 1
The position is advertised internally and externally.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Engineer will work in the Engineering Team of Syria Country Office, reporting to and under the overall supervision of the Team Lead Engineer. S/He will report in relation to all aspects of design, construction and contract management for different types of projects to be carried out in Syria and in collaboration with the Programme unit of WFP CO. S/He will also supports in guidance and supervise to the team members under his/her reporting line.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The main tasks required for this position will be engineering projects management including planning; engineering design review; construction procurement processes monitoring; supervision and facilitation of construction activities carried out by cooperating partners and contractors and, more generally, technical support to other WFP’s programmes and operations in Syria. Within delegated authority, the Engineer will be responsible for the following duties (not limited to):

1- Provide engineering, project management and administrative services for assurance of the quality of the works during design and construction in line with WFP procedures and processes, international (and local) standards and codes and application of best practices, standards and innovative technologies.

2- Contribute to the implementation of WFP Policies, standards, norms and practices ensuring compliance with wider WFP policies, procedures, guidelines and operations. Apply and implement WFP Construction Manual procedures and processes.

3- Contribute towards the planning of projects including identification, technical feasibility and assessment, develop and/or review project proposal, budgets and detailed cost estimation and preparation of workplan.

4- Support Syria Country Office with the Preparation and/or review of technical document for bidding process such as scope of Works, tender packages in FIDIC modality, tender evaluation and contracting and selection of appropriate partners, consultants and firms as per the requirement of the programme and WFP policies.

5- Undertake and/or review preliminary or detailed designs (preparing, writing and assembling drawings, schematics, masterplans, design calculations and reports, technical specifications).

6- Undertake site visits to project sites and conduct and/or coordinate technical assessments according to specifications and area mentioned in the Project description.

7-Monitor the construction projects for quality and timely implementation and track the progress against the contract and agreed workplan and take appropriate remedial measures.

8- Conduct regular field visits and collate data and contribute to preparation of accurate and timely reporting on outputs. Review monthly reports of infrastructure project including review and clearance of monthly or progress payment.

9- Supervise construction works, programming, co-ordination and managing contractual matters.

10- Liaise with stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization, including the relevant ministries and involved authorities. Attend meetings and prepare and review reports, minutes and correspondence.

11- Coordinate and provide the required support to the WFP sub-offices and relevant units of WFP Syria such as programme, finance, partnership and procurement for quality implementation of the programme through a coordinated approach.

12- Operate computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.

13- Any other duties assigned as per requirement of the Team lead of Engineering.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Master´s degree in Civil Engineering or related Engineering discipline, or Bachelor´s degree with additional years of related professional work experience and/or training courses. Accreditation to “Professional Engineer” or “Chartered Engineer” or recognized equivalent by an appropriate national or international regulatory authority.

Experience:

• With Master´s: At least three (3) years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in managing procurement process (FIDIC) and construction work for all types of engineering projects.
• With Bachelor´s: At least five (5) years of relevant graduate professional experience in managing procurement process (FIDIC) and construction work for all types of engineering projects.
• Experience of working in the Humanitarian Community is an Asset.
• Has managed or contributed to the management of a small to medium scale engineering construction project, taking responsibility for engineering decision- making.
• Has demonstrated experience in planning and organizing, managing work programs and objectives, staff and budgets, and liaison with stakeholders/donors.
• Has developed good knowledge in engineering projects (e.g. Bakery Rehabilitation, Irrigation Canal rehabilitation, rehabilitation of pumping and lifting stations and solar Panel installation for Irrigation Projects).

Knowledge & Skills:

• Good communication and coordination skills.
• Knowledge and/or experience in engineering design.
• Experience of working with multiple stakeholders including government and partners.
• Good knowledge of international contract formats and construction management procedures.
• Good knowledge of AutoCAD 2D and Office package.