Project Civil Engineer (Specialist)

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    CONTRACTOR
  • Posted:
    2 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Engineering, Project Management
  • Deadline:
    18/09/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The UNDP Merged Areas Governance Programme (MAGP) is a comprehensive governance initiative that focuses on technical assistance and implementation support to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) in the integration of the Merged Areas (MAs) (ex-FATA) in three main areas: (1) accelerated development with an emphasis on the delivery of basic services; (2) border governance and connectivity; and (3) support to local governance. Under its new project document signed on December 15, 2022, MAGP has mobilised additional resources, stepping up its delivery to USD 10.2 million under its approved Annual Workplan in 2024, with a heavy emphasis on supporting the Government of Pakistan and GoKP in implementing border and local governance initiatives that involve multiple civil works components. To meet its delivery targets, MAGP requires a Civil Engineer (Specialist) to lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of its interventions, ensuring full adherence to UNDP policies and procedures and the Delegation of Authority (DoA) for construction works.
The Civil Engineer (Specialist) will be responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring civil works projects within MAGP. This includes conducting feasibility studies, preparing designs, BoQs and cost estimates, supporting procurement of civil works, overseeing construction and ensuring quality standards. The Civil Engineer (Specialist)will oversee and manage a team of field engineers employed through a third-party contractual modality, providing leadership, guidance, and technical expertise. This includes assigning tasks, ensuring adherence to engineering standards and project timelines, resolving field-related issues, and complying with UNDP rules and regulations. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing team members, fostering a collaborative work environment, and maintaining effective communication with project stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the civil works and infrastructure projects planning, assessment and design preparation:
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the project plans and strategies to ensure delivery according to the scope, budget and time.
  • Lead planning and design of civil works and infrastructure projects in accordance with UNDP Pakistan Country Offices processes, UNDP Civil Works policy, and MAGP’s Delegation of Authority for construction works.
  • Conduct and supervise the assessment of targeted sites in the Merged Areas where/when applicable, including desk review of reports of conducted assessments.
  • Coordinate and quality assure preparation and/or finalisation of site-assessment reports that inform further procurement activities.
  • Prepare and/or quality assure project feasibility studies, analysing pros and cons, benefits, budgets, risks and constraints, recommending on best options and solutions.
  • Manage the development of concept, preliminary or detailed designs (preparing, writing and assembling drawings, schematics, masterplans, design calculations and reports, and technical specifications) and requiring a detailed knowledge of the local standards and codes.
  • Develop the project budgets and detailed cost estimations for implementing civil, structural, electrical, mechanical or special systems within the projects.

Facilitate and contribute to the timely procurement of goods, equipment and civil works services:

  • Prepare high-quality Terms of Reference for consultants/contractors, specification documents, Bills of Quantities, scope of works, and any similar documents in compliance with UNDP procurement policies and procedures.
  • Prepare technical documentation with regard to bidding processes for construction or design services, including evaluation methodologies, quality assurance and contract management mechanisms, risk management plans, etc.
  • Liaise with the UNDP CO procurement unit and the pertinent MAGP team members to facilitate elaboration and finalisation of the bidding documents to solicit proposals for consultancy services, supply of goods, equipment and civil works.
  • Conduct timely evaluation of the bids and technical proposals by participating in the relevant evaluation committees.

Oversee civil works contract management, monitoring and supervision of the construction works:

  • Manage contractors and contract execution to ensure delivery according to the scope, budget and time and in compliance with the technical documentation.
  • Advise the MAGP technical team in the follow-up with contractors on the works at the site to ensure that the preparation and execution of the works are in accordance with the approved bill(s) of quantities and within the established time frame.
  • Provide real-time, on site data to the MAGP core team, enabling them to conduct timely and well-informed site visits, anticipate challenges and issues, and take timely correction action
  • Ensure full compliance with the DoA for construction works, including designing the ToRs and procuring the services of a third-party engineering firm to supervise the civil works;
  • Provide guidance to the MAGP engineers in overseeing the work of a third-party engineering firm supervising the construction/civil works;
  • Guide MAGP engineers in developing the variation orders and alterations to the scope of the contracts for civil works (if any).
  • Verify and quality assure the accuracy of the variation orders;
  • Support processing the contract amendments for civil works by drafting the respective Note to Files and other documentation.
  • Advise the MAGP technical team in conducting construction inspection, including inspection of materials, equipment’s to be installed.
  • Advise MAGP on checking and certifying the progress/completion of works presented by the contractor.
  • During the defect liability period, intervene as required and liaise with the contractor to fix issues that arise and are covered by the defect liability period in a timely manner.

Ensure certification of invoices and verification of civil works project completion:

  • Review contractor invoices for accuracy and completeness against the contract terms, delivered work, and approved variations.
  • Ensure invoices reflect the actual quantity and quality of work completed.
  • Certify invoices only after verification that all contractual requirements have been met.
  • Conduct and/or coordinate final inspections and prepare project completion reports.
  • Provide post-construction support as required.

Facilitate knowledge management, reporting and archiving:

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  • Ensure the highest standards of knowledge management and complete archiving of civil works projects related files and documentation.
  • Provide inputs for the periodic and final reports to inform donors and the key stakeholders on project progress.
  • Collect, arrange and upload to MAGP workspace at UNDP SharePoint site visits and monitoring reports and photos, etc.
  • Provide training and knowledge transfer to national personnel and contractor’s personnel, including advice on good construction practices, environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.
  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies
  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

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Business Direction and Strategy

  • Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system.
  • Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Business management

  • Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
  • Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
  • Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.

Procurement

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  • Contract management:  Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
  • Supplier/ relationship management: Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture or related field or other relevant disciplines is required OR
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • Certification in Project Management methodology by an accredited body (i.e. PMP, PRINCE2) is desirable.
Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of engineering experience at the national or international level in building construction and civil works project management is required.
  • Proven experience in managing and leading engineering teams is required.
  • Strong computer skills and advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
  • Experience in computer-aided design software is required.
  • Experience in handling tender documents for sizeable engineering works, including technical inputs/specifications for the procurement of services is desired.
  • Familiarity with UNDP Policies and Procedures and procurement rules and regulations is a strong asset.
  • Experience in leading and directing project activities and the achievement of project targets and results is desired.
  • Experience in supervision of construction activities is an asset.
  • Experience in the KP or Merged Areas is preferred.
  • Proven experience in managing and leading engineering teams is required.

Required Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Urdu/or Pashto is required.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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