International Consultant: Civil Engineer Expert, On-site supervisor (SSAs)

Background:
Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected duration of up to 180 working days per calendar year. Work location: home-based with field visits to Ivano-Frankivsk, Khmelnytskyi and Velyki Mosty in Ukraine.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis. The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the OSCE decision-making bodies in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) is an autonomous OSCE decision-making body that deals with military aspects of security. The FSC Support Unit co-ordinates and facilitates the OSCE’s role in the politico-military dimension. The primary task of the Unit is to provide expertise and support to the FSC. The Unit initiates, develops, implements technical assistance projects in the field of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SCA), including preventing and combating illicit trafficking in all aspects, as well as performs quality assurance and quality control of the implementing agencies (OSCE Field Operations, UN agencies, and commercial contractors). The amount of Unit’s workload, as well as the need for technical expertise under specific assistance projects require relying on additional technical capacity hired through consultancy.

Objective of Assignment: 

The OSCE extra-budgetary project “In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” implemented by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre / Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit aims to address challenges and risks related to illicit trafficking and misuse of weapons, ammunition, and explosives (WAE) in Ukraine.

The OSCE extra-budgetary project “In support of strengthening capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” implemented by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre / Forum for Security Co-operation Support Unit aims to address challenges and risks related to illicit trafficking and misuse of weapons, ammunition, and explosives (WAE) in Ukraine.

Duration of Assignment:
Up to 180 working days within one calendar year

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The consultant/expert would be hired through the FSC Support Unit. The consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Assess compliance of proposed solutions with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and operational requirements;

2. Provide recommendations for technical improvements, including structural integrity, energy efficiency, and functionality of both the container facility and tent structure;

3. Facilitate the preparation and submission of documentation required to obtain Technical Conditions (TCs) for utility connections;

4. Provide technical guidance for connection to: electricity supply (including internal and external lighting systems), water supply and wastewater systems, other utilities as required (e.g. telecommunications, heating);

5. Review and validate engineering designs related to: electrical systems, including lighting tailored for sports use, water supply and sanitation facilities and fire safety and emergency systems (including evacuation lighting);

6. Liaise with relevant utility providers and competent authorities to ensure timely issuance of TCs;

7. Provide support in developing tender documentation in line with the OSCE policies, national and international requirements and norms;

8. Provide consultations during the tender procedure and at all stages of the process;

9. Participate in the technical evaluation of bids;

10. Verify quality, compliance, completeness, etc. of the architectural design and cost-estimate documentation;

11. Provide technical support in obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for construction works;

12. Ensure compliance with national legislation and local regulatory requirements;

13. Assist in preparation and submission of documentation required for: construction commencement authorization, and coordination with local authorities and regulatory bodies;

14. Conduct regular on-site engineering supervision, monitoring, oversight, quality assurance for the services, documents, works and materials;

15. Ensure quality control and satisfactory performance according to technical standards, norms, architectural design and cost-estimate documentation, budget and schedule;

16. Inspect, verify and certify the completed works and documentation for acceptance;

17. Submit progress reports to the OSCE project team;

18. Perform other related tasks as required.

Deliverables:

To enhance the operational efficiency of canine and EOD teams in the detection of illicit firearms and explosives, it is envisaged to upgrade the training infrastructure for law enforcement agencies in Ukraine, specifically by:

• developing a rapidly deployable, modular container-based training site designed to accommodate EOD operators;

• designing and installing covered training facilities (including tent structures and mobile units) for canine teams.

In this context, the OSCE Secretariat seeks to engage a qualified Civil Engineer to develop required tender documentation; participate in the technical evaluation of bids; conduct on-site supervision, monitoring, oversight and quality assurance for the services, documents and works; provide consultations and suggestions; provide other services, as required for the needs of the law enforcement agencies representatives in Ukraine.

The consultant will act as intermediary between the contractor(s) and the OSCE Secretariat project team. The consultant will be responsible for monitoring and verification of the full cycle of architectural design services and construction works performed at the site premises by contractor(s). He/She will closely collaborate with the OSCE Secretariat and involved parties.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, etc;

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in the field of civil engineering (architectural design, construction, supervision, oversight, quality control and assurance, etc.);

• Prior experience as a designer and/or member of technical acceptance committees for construction projects is an advantage;

• Valid professional certificate in the areas of civil engineering and/or architecture in accordance with the Ukrainian laws is required;

• Advanced knowledge of relevant national construction standards;

• Experience in design and construction of modular container-type site or on-site supervision, monitoring, oversight, quality assurance would be an advantage;

• Previous relevant experience with international organizations in the respected field would be an advantage;

• Prior experience in application of safety and security standards for construction works would be an advantage;

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;

• Ability to provide high-quality written assessment based on contractors inputs and relevant national regulations;

• Punctuality and ability to effectively multi-task and deliver under tight deadlines;

• Strong interpersonal, communication and mediation skills; experience in negotiations on matters related to quality and ability to get a point across clearly and precisely;

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications, construction design software products) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource;

• Professional fluency level of English and Ukrainian (oral and written);

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;

• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.