Labour Based Training Specialist (Feeder roads)

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:

1. Rehabilitation/construction of feeder roads – UNOPS will be tendering and supervising the works contracts for the roads.
2. Road maintenance management–UNOPS will provide Technical Assistance to enhance the maintenance management plans for the coming years using HDM IV. 
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Weighing stations – Technical assistance for the design of weighbridge locations will be provided by UNOPS, as well as support for the procurement and installation.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the Labour Based Training Specialist (Feeder Roads) is responsible for the training and support for the introduction of labour intensive techniques to both contractors and government representatives involved in feeder road construction and maintenance. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

The Labour Based Training Specialist (Feeder Roads) works with a diverse technical team promoting a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team. He/she will also provide mentorship to junior team members ensuring knowledge transfer for capacity development.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

• Continually review the status of the road contracting sector and its capacity to undertake labour intensive works.
• Identify their training needs and conduct/facilitate the training programme to enable them to implement road works, using labour-based or mixed technology methods, in a cost effective, qualitative acceptable and timely manner.
• Increase the awareness and knowledge of the Supervising Consultant in the Supervision of Labour Based Works.
• Assist the Project Team to establish good Contract Management practices in line with international standards.
• Identify the equipment, training and organizational needs for routine maintenance.
• Pilot and operationalize this type of maintenance on the project roads. If successful scale it up across the network.
• Work closely with the Project Team in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing an integrated designs and effective supervision.
• Review and ensure the documents prepared meets the quality standard requirements.

Knowledge management

• Provide 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.

Education: Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline/field is required. 

Applicants with Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field with additional 2 years of experience will be considered in lieu of the Master’s Degree.

Additionally, applicants with Technical/Professional Diploma with additional 4 years of relevant professional experience in Civil Engineering involving road construction will well be considered.

Prince 2 Certification (i.e. Foundation /Practitioner) will be an advantage.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in training Labour-based contractors or direct implementation and supervising the implementation of Labour-based works is required.

Candidates with experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies will be an asset.

Candidates with with at least 2 years significant experience working for UNOPS will be required.

At least 2 years minimum technical proficiency in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), MS Project is required.  AutoCAD is an added advantage.

• Ability to work to meet tight schedules under stressful environment and varied cultural context.
• Good team player attitude.
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

• 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.  

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.