Project Engineering Specialist [Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Pakistan, UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, national partners, and the people of Pakistan to help find solutions to persistent development challenges. Its work derives from and contributes to four outcome areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) which include: governance; sustainable, inclusive and green economic transformation; climate change resilience and environment; and gender equality and women’s empowerment. Supported by enablers, UNDP uses a portfolio approach in Pakistan, triangulating structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and building resilience.

UNDP's country programme document for Pakistan envisions that all Pakistani people are educated and healthy, their well-being promoted and protected through economic opportunities, jobs and a climate-resilient future in a country where women and girls are safe and able to exercise their rights and to put their trust in and benefit from improved governance.

Between June and August 2022, torrential rains and a combination of riverine, urban, and flash flooding led to an unprecedented and devastating disaster in Pakistan that led to a huge humanitarian crisis and set back Pakistan’s development trajectory considerably.

With support from the Government of German through KfW Development Bank (KfW), UNDP has launched the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Programme which aims to deliver results in three concrete areas, i.e., (1) improved transparency and accountability of the financial resources being allocated for flood recovery through enhanced Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems; (2) improved governance mechanisms and capacities for resilient flood recovery; and (3) enhanced recovery support through reconstruction of houses and rehabilitation of community physical infrastructure in Quetta district.

Under the project, UNDP will provide urgently needed recovery support to the flood-affected population in Quetta District of Balochistan through the reconstruction of approximately 1,000 houses supplemented by targeted institutional strengthening and capacity development support.

UNDP would reconstruct the destroyed houses and community infrastructure through a community-driven approach, focusing on resilience and sustainability.

Scope of work 

The Project Engineering Specialist will be responsible for planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring civil works projects within FRP. This includes conducting feasibility studies, preparing designs, BoQs and cost estimates, supporting procurement of civil works, overseeing construction and ensuring quality standards. She/he will lead communication with the key stakeholders in the construction projects, reviewing the information on the completed civil works (e.g. interim payment certificates) and monitoring the quality and timeliness of the works in progress, ensuring contractors are complying with the contract terms and conditions. The incumbent will also provide technical support for donor engagement activities, including the preparation of technical inputs and briefing materials for donor engagement, and responding to technical queries pertaining to the progress and quality of civil works

The Project Engineering Specialist will oversee and manage a team of field UNDP engineers, 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.

1.Lead the civil works and infrastructure projects planning, assessment and design preparation:

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the project’s civil works 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 FRP’s Delegation of Authority for construction works.
• Conduct and supervise the assessment of targeted sites 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. 
• Lead preparation of technical inputs and briefing materials for donor engagement and communication, responding to technical queries pertaining to the progress and quality of civil works.

2.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 FRP 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.

3.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 FRP 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 FRP 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 FRP engineers in overseeing the work of contractors and of a third-party engineering firm supervising the construction/civil works; 
• Guide FRP 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 FRP technical team in conducting construction inspection, including inspection of materials, equipment’s to be installed.
• Advise FRP 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.

4.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.

5.Facilitate knowledge management, reporting and archiving:

• 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 FRP 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.

Expected Outputs:

• Site assessments conducted and feasibility studies, designs, drawings, internal cost estimates, BoQs produced.
• In liaison with procurement, tender documents developed, advertised and qualified contractors selected and awarded respective contracts, with clear milestones and risk management frameworks defined.
• All FRP civil works projects implemented and completed on time and in compliance with the DoA for construction works.
• Effective, regular field visits to project sites, monitoring, and supervision of contractors conducted. Certification of all completed work duly undertaken;
• Timely production of relevant reports; monthly, quarterly, annual, as required by the donor;
• Site visits, monitoring, final acceptance, handover and all other relevant reports and photos collected, arranged and archived at UNDP SharePoint;
• Capacity building to FRP third-party engineers.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Engineering Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the FRP Programme Manager, with supervision by the Operations Specialist, and matrix reporting to Programme Specialist. He/She will be based in Quetta, Pakistan.

Competencies

Core

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicatedsite

Cross-functional & Technical competencies

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.
• CIPS level 4 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

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.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in managing and leading engineering teams is required.
• Strong computer skills and advanced working experience of Microsoft Office is required.
• Experience in computer-aided design software is required.

Desired Skills:

• 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.
• Previous work experience in Quetta is preferred.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and Urdu is required. 
• Knowledge of Pushto will be an advantage.

Professional Certificates:

• Certification in Project Management methodology by an accredited body (i.e. PMP, PRINCE2) is desirable

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.