Project Engineer, Multiple positions

Bangui

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Bangui
Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Engineering
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Ghana Operational Hub based in Accra – Ghana with Country Offices in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. UNOPS GHOH has developed a compelling solid reputation across the globe in the delivery of its core mandates in the areas of Project Management, Infrastructure and Procurement.

What drives us is a passion to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities to those most vulnerable. This means we often work in the most challenging environments, building foundations for communities to function and people to live with dignity and respect. To succeed here, you'll need to be able to combine creativity with the organizational skills to manage numerous different projects to tight deadlines simultaneously, as well as working with the different units to meet their expectations.

We are therefore, looking for intellectually curious talented qualified Gambians with solid Transportation or Highway Engineering acumen with stakeholder focus to join the team as Project Engineer for the Gambia Country Office.

Things happen quickly at UNOPS- Ghana Operational Hub and the work culture encourages you to be an enthusiastic team player - a self-starter who can work cross-functionally and isn't frightened to take risks or try out new ways of doing things within UNOPS.

Project description The overall objective of the project entitled "Reinforced Access of the Most Vulnerable Populations to Markets and Socio-economic facilities through a Feeder Road Rehabilitation Programme" is to enhance socio-economic development around the road network in the Gambia, West Africa. The project involves the reconstruction / rehabilitation of 126 km of rural feeder roads using a mix of work contracts and labour intensive methods where possible.

The project is financed by the European Union (EU) and will be implemented by UNOPS. A strong focus will be placed on the improvement of maintenance by local communities using labour intensive methods, the sustainability of the primary road network would also be reinforced by strengthening the planning capabilities of the National Road Authority (NRA), Gambia and through the implementation of an axle load control master plan.

The identified activities to be implemented are:

Rehabilitation/construction of feeder roads – UNOPS will be tendering and supervising the works contracts for the roads.
Road maintenance management–UNOPS will provide Technical Assistance to enhance the maintenance management plans for the coming years using HDM IV.
Maintenance works using labour intensive methods– UNOPS will provide a Technical Advisor (TA) for the staff supervising these maintenance works in handling and supervision of labour intensive maintenance works to develop their capacity so that they will be able to take over the procurement and supervision of labour intensive maintenance works on the feeder roads following the completion of the project.
Creation of axle load control regulations– Technical assistance will be provided by UNOPS for the implementation of updating and/or preparing regulations concerning the axle load control in accordance with ECOWAS agreements.
Weighing stations – Technical assistance for the design of weighbridge locations will be provided by UNOPS, as well as support for the procurement and installation.

Functional Responsibilities

General Construction
Feasibility Study/Needs Assessment
Design Management
Construction Supervision
Knowledge Management

1. General Construction

Plan and coordinate work activities with the Team Leader/Project Manager.
Take timely action to prevent potential delays and/or cost overruns that can be avoided.
Report and recommend remedial actions regarding potential delays and/or cost overruns to the Team Leader.
Provide supervision of project work progress and quality for on-time project delivery.
Monitor contractor presence on the project site, including Bill of Quantities (BoQ) as per approved contract.
Provide data and information about project work to Team Leader/Project Manager) for reporting purposes.
Provide monthly report to the Team Leader/Project Manager detailing all project matters including quality, health and safety, environmental and financial, as well as any issues relating to possible delays, cost overruns, variations and any other matter as agreed with the Team Leader/Project Manager.

2. Feasibility Study/Needs Assessment

Complete needs assessment, organize preliminary studies and monitor/supervising consultants.
Support the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works.
Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow up actions.
Assist the Team Leader/Project Manager in redacting the tender dossier, with particular focus to the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards).
Make necessary changes in the design drawings.
Conduct engineering surveys for roads and structures.
Review hydrological and drainage designs and modify it as required.
Develop geometric design using AutoCAD and/or Civil CAD programmes

3. Design Management

Assist the Team Leader/Project Manager to outline design requirements (e.g. timeline) to procure design services, including concept, preliminary and final stages where applicable.
Assist the Team Leader/Project Manager to manage the design plan ensuring deliverables are available on time, and to the required quality.
Prepare the BoQ for comment and approval by the Team Leader/Project Manager.
Assist the procurement team with technical assistance in preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required.

4. Construction supervision

As tasked by the Team Leader/Project Manager, supervise construction works and administer works execution as per the contractual provisions and the design specifications.
Ensure quantity/quality control and time schedule consistency.
Verify that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly of eventual deviations.
Support the overall management of works implementation to ensure constructions works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.
Provide regular supervision of the project work progress and quality for on time delivery.
Assist the Team Leader/Project Manager in the preparation of project/contracts related documentations such as periodic progress reports, site monitoring reports, stake holder meeting minutes, engineer’s instructions and variation orders, contractor’s bills review reports, certifications, client hand-over documents and contracts close-out reports.
Oversee surveying works, engineering control of the works etc.

5. Knowledge management

Assist in providing training and technology transfer 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
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Project Engineer directly impacts on achievement of the projects and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Master' s Degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Transportation Engineering or Highway Engineering is required.

Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years relevant professional experience in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Highway Engineering or Transportation Engineering may be considered.

Additionally, applicants with Technical/Professional Diploma Certification with 9 years relevant professional experience in Civil Engineering involving highways may well be considered.

Experience:

5 years of work experience, related to the project requirements in Civil Engineering is required.

Must have a minimum of 2 years professional work experience in Highway Engineering.

Previous experience on European Commission (EC) funded programmes and working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development Agencies is desirable.
Experience in the use of AutoCAD or Civil CAD Programme is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Functional competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning
Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to practice areas
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to lead recruitment, contracts management, performance appraisal, career development management, build teams, maintain high staff morale
Excellent knowledge of UNOPS HR strategy and policies
Strong IT skills
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change
Management and Leadership
Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Background Information - UNOPS

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: LICA 10
Contract duration: One (1) Year

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

This is a local position, therefore only nationals of the duty station or applicants who are legally entitled to be employed in the duty station will be considered.
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
This career opportunity is a National (Local) position and Gambians are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
The UNOPS Personnel Management Framework has a Policy on Harmonization between work and personal life.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is now closed.
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