Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)

Tier 2: Staff holding UNDP temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UNVs with host entity UNDP

Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The project “Advancing Meteorological Observations System for Resilient Development (AMOS- RD)”, funded by the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF), is an initiative aiming to support and strengthen Solomon Island’s capacities to provide reliable and effective meteorological observation services. Implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) over five years period between August 2024 to July 2029, the project aligns and contribute to the overall objective of supporting the mandate of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) as the lead government entity for the administration of the meteorological information and services in the country.

The overall goal of the AMOS- RD Project is to improve weather and climate prediction products by localizing and implementing the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) in the country. GBON, an initiative under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), aims to strengthen and standardize the global collection of essential weather and climate data. Its primary objective is to ensure that all countries, especially those with limited resources, contribute consistent, high-quality observational data that can be used for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. GBON sets specific requirements for the minimum density and frequency of surface and upper-air observations, ensuring that critical data, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, are standardized and regularly reported. This network is vital for improving global data exchange and supporting more reliable, timely weather predictions, which are essential for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Within this framework, the AMOS-RD Project will enhance local observation systems by providing, installing, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the project will foster an enabling environment for data collection, monitoring, and exchange by promoting the development of essential human and institutional capacities. It will also offer the necessary coordination and expertise to complement existing in-country capacities and systems.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor under the PMU, the Project Civil Engineering Analyst will work closely with the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, Bureau of Meteorology Australia and other relevant subject matter experts as well as the UNDP Operations, Programme and Project staff to deliver the annual work plans and contribute to project results.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Civil Engineering Analyst will be based at the UNDP sub-office in Solomon Islands. He/She will be working under the supervision of the AMOS- RD Project Manager and in close coordination with the PMU team.

In coordination with UNDP PMU and SIMS teams and other relevant experts, the Project Civil Engineering Analyst will be responsible for the following key functions:

Coordinate and support assessment and necessary on ground preparation work for infrastructure interventions

• Together with the PMU, support design and related costing for construction intervention, including the preparation of TORs and technical documents, including layouts, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), cost estimates, technical descriptions, designs and market search 
• In coordination with the PMU, facilitate coordination and engagement with local relevant stakeholders and identify and monitor possible local social and environmental risks associated with the construction works. 
• Guide the identification of proper risks management measures, based on the social and environmental safeguards screening and environmental assessment, including considering to the extent possible appropriate grievance mechanisms, and mechanism for stakeholder engagement to ensure ownership and local acceptability of project interventions.

Provide technical accompaniment, coordination and overall quality assurance in preparation and during the construction works

• Provide oversight of rehabilitation and construction works by contractors, ensuring material quality, construction techniques, and work finishing meet standards and compliance with UNDP policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor work progress and identify potential deviations on the ground. 
• Certify that all repairs and construction comply with national Building Codes and public Building Guidelines as well as with SOFF standards. 
• Review and refine technical documents, including layouts, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), cost estimates, technical descriptions, and designs and provide technical support throughout all procurement processes.
• Ensure all rehabilitation/construction documentation complies with national laws and "build back better" standards and sign off on final handover documentation in coordination with government counterparts.
• Develop technical project and tender documentation (ToR, tender dossier, etc.), and ensure necessary supporting documents are in place before issuing the tender.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid evaluations, and select contractors. Assess bidder qualifications and competencies based on the tender requirements.
• Analyze measures, quantities, and descriptions in bids against the BoQ, and evaluate unit rates to ensure alignment with cost estimates and project requirements.
• Negotiate design or technical modifications with engineers and experts, including manage interactions with clients, contractors, and peer reviewers.
• Identify required building permits and licenses and coordinate with relevant counterparts to ensure they are obtained on time.

Actively assist to capacity strengthening and knowledge sharing:

• Strengthen national and local capacities by delivering training, participating in capacity-building initiatives, and promoting information sharing among stakeholders.
• Support and promote awareness of relevant national and local stakeholders around standards, best practices and guidelines
• Provide specialized assistance, quality assurance and advisory services to SIMS, UNDP and other project stakeholders, as and when needed.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and community of practice

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 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

People Management:

The Project Civil Engineering Analyst supervises the deliverables of consultant engineers and other personnel engaged temporarily by the project.

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & 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 on other parts of the system
• Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Management    

• Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to UNDP | People for 2030 – Competency Framework – Cross-functional Competencies (2024) use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
• Partnerships Management: 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
• Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks

2030 Agenda: Engagement and Effectiveness    

• Effectiveness: Social and Environmental Standards

Digital    

• Data governance: Knowledge of data science, skills to develop data management tools, organize and maintain databases and operate data visualization technologies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or relevant related fields 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.

Experience:

• Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level  in design, oversee and quality assure construction interventions 

Required skills:

• Proven understanding in construction of meteorological infrastructure and/ or equipment is required.
• Excellent usage of computers and office software packages, including engineering design software is required.
• Familiarity with national legislation, norms and standards related to construction works is required
• Experience in managing social and environmental safeguards in construction industry is required.
• A valid driver’s license is a requirement. 

Desired skills:

• Prior experience with the UNDP or another UN Agency or International Organization.
• Experience and excellent knowledge of technical specifications of meteorological systems.
• Previous experience in community engagement and consultations in relation to construction works.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Pidgin is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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