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.

 

There is a strong correlation between poverty and access to basic services and amenities. While around 65 percent of non-poor households in Timor-Leste have access to improved sanitation facilities, nearly half of the poor do not. According to the SDG 6 based analysis of the WASH data by WHO and UNICEF 2021, sanitation is particularly challenging as 43% of the total population are deprived of access to basic sanitation and 14% of the total population are deprived of basic drinking water, a problem that is higher (19%) for rural populations. Employment opportunities are very limited as the public sector is the biggest employer and private sector is very constrained, and the economy is not diversified. 

In response to this, UNDP has initiated the ‘Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIReP)’ to safeguarded   rural communities in the targeted four Municipalities. This project will focus on constructing a total of 40 infrastructure units that include water systems, public toilets, bridges, maternity health centre, rainwater harvesting systems, gabion/retaining wall, and community centres. Having better access to community infrastructures will enable them to have enhanced access to various services. The project will benefit a total of 16000 households, 75000 (47% women) individuals in 4 Municipalities.

Moreover, the Project seeks to strengthen the Resilience of the communities in the most vulnerable areas such as Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquica and Oecuse.

The interventions will include:

Output 1. New community infrastructures are constructed, or old/damaged community infrastructure rehabilitated based on communities’ needs and priorities. 

Output 2. Men and women in the communities are meaningfully engaged in the process and obtain short-term employment through the construction works in the communities.

Duties and Responsibilities


Under the direct supervision of the National Project Manager (NPM) and the International Engineer Specialist, and in coordination with the national and field engineers, the Field Engineer, with strong skills and background in civil engineering, will perform the following roles and responsibilities: 

a. Management of Civil Works:

  • Conduct on-site assessments, measurements, prepare technical report and designs. 
  • In coordination with the project’s engineers and counterparts, develop detailed designs, drawings, Bill of Quantity (BoQs), and Technical Specification documents for the community infrastructure in the targeted municipality under Output #1 and Output #2 of the project. 
  • Prepare Quality Assurance System Guideline and instructions for the project monitoring to be done by both CIReP project team and Government counterparts;
  • Monitor construction works as per the contractual provisions and design specifications, and in accordance with established procedures including community Climate-Resilient infrastructures, gender-inclusion approaches, accessibility, and sustainability;
  • Verify construction works and conduct materials testing to ensure they are consistent with the project technical specifications, and inform the International Engineer and Project Manager of any deviations that might arise;
  • Supervise the overall implementation of works to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to a high-quality standard, including taking timely action to prevent potential delays and/or cost overruns that can be avoided;
  • Ensure that health & safety measures are adopted and followed to the full extent and with no deviation, and, if needed, instruct additional safety measures.

b. Monitoring and Reporting of Civil Works:

  • Undertake regular monitoring activities throughout the implementation of the infrastructure activities; 
  • Support in preparing periodic progress reports, site monitoring reports and minutes, stakeholder meetings minutes, engineer’s instructions and variation orders, contractor’s bill review reports, certifications, etc.;
  • Take pictures and collate operational documents in digital formats for the contract records and duly maintain an electronic library of photos/documents of the progress of the works, and ensure that the daily records are kept in the site workbook; 
  • Report and verify the quantities of works prepared by the contractor – review each payments certificate of the contractors and assist in the verification of the quantities;
  • Collate all documentations for the payment requests for each statement;
  • Monitor the workplans and inform the International Engineer and Project Manager for any deviation; 
  • Provide regular feedback to the International Engineer and the National Project Manager of any issues which may arise with the Contractor;
  • Support in the preparation of inspection for the substantial completion of the construction;
  • Conduct monitoring and reporting of the construction work after the retention period prior to releasing last payment; 
  • Support in the preparation of the completion/handover/close-out reports, events, and technical site visits.

c. Support Procurement of Civil Works:

  • Support the project’s Procurement Team and/or Government Procurement Team with technical assistance in preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis as required;
  • Strictly follow UNDP payment disbursement procedures; 
  • Ensure that all tendering and contracting is performed by the government (PDIM&PNDS) in accordance with stated procedures.

d. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing on engineering monitoring and evaluation:

  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building, including those on gender-sensitive approaches, accessibility, and Climate -resilient infrastructures;
  • Assist in providing training to national personnel and contractor’s personnel, and advice on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction; Collaborate and coordinate with government counterparts, and other stakeholders on engineering issues, as well as conduct joint monitoring to strengthen cooperation and coordination.

The field engineer will be based in four municipalities (Ermera, Bobonaro, Liquica, and Oecuse) with frequent travel to the project sites within the respective municipality to conduct assessment and monitoring of civil works.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:   LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously:   LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:   LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:    LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:   LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:   LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction and Strategy  Business Acumen

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely lead to a good outcome. 

• Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
Business Development  Knowledge facilitation Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share, particularly externally.
Business Management Resource management  Ability to allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with principles of accountability and integrity
Ethics Financial Disclosure and conflict of interest  Analyze and eliminate or mitigate potential and actual conflicts of interest disclosed in the annual financial disclosure programme
Operations: Administration and Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard and electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving 
Operations: Administration and Operations Travel policy and procedures  Knowledge of travel policy and procedures; ability to interpret travel policy, the staff rules, administrative circulars and financial regulations and rules on travel-related matters 
Operations: Administration and Operations

Building, facilities & office space management 

 Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data 
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Secondary education is required. Or
  • University degree (Bachelor's degree) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction management, Environment/Natural Science, Natural Resources Management, or other closely related fields will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.  
Experience:
  • Minimum of 6 years (with Secondary Education) or 3 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant experience at national or international level in the field of engineering and/or implementation of rural infrastructures. 

Required skills :

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD or other design software’s and applications associated in infrastructure design;
  • Experience drafting BOQs, conducting field assessments, and monitoring of infrastructure is required;
  • Experience in thefield of construction engineering and contract management is an asset.
  • Experience in civil construction work with local communities and community-based infrastructure is an asset. 
  • Experience in Monitoring and reporting in Civil works and construction is an asset.  

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

  • Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems
  • Work experience in international organization and/or government institution would be an asset.
  • Knowledge of Local culture and/or local language 
  • Experience working with community or local government for longer periods of time.

Required Language (s): Fluency in English, Tetum and Local language/dialect 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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