Project Technical Associate, Multiple positions

UNOPS Sri Lanka

UNOPS office in Sri Lanka provides technical, operational and administrative support to 4 countries in the South Asia region: Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. UNOPS work in this region focuses on the construction and operation of high-quality sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement, project management for host governments, development partners and UN agencies.

UNOPS’ work in Sri Lanka focuses on the construction and operation of high-quality sustainable infrastructure and sustainable procurement, project management, timely provision of services, and the use of most relevant technologies. Such projects provide social and economic benefits to vulnerable populations across the country and contribute to poverty eradication. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, water networks, urban sewerage and drainage facilities, harbors and anchorages, waste management facilities, climate change mitigation, as well as a range of “soft” support in Capacity Building, operations and maintenance of public assets, local governance, etc.

The Project Technical Associate (PTA) will have technical skills and overall experience in  building housing units. He/She will be responsible for assisting Associate Project Engineer for day-to-day implementation of the project. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals and provides services to the different donors, partners and beneficiaries.

The PTA shall have a good understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the UNOPS, Implementing Agencies, Government and other partners   to ensure the project products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client.

The Project Technical Associate will also support the project activities associated with the implementation and managing of housing construction and in adopting home-owner centric with community-based organizations (CBO) in accordance with the guidance and advice of the Associate Project Engineer, while the agency 1) oversees the process ensuring quality and timely delivery and 2) provides training on the technical, financial and administrative procedures. Work shall include, but not limited to,

• Administration of the quality control mechanism in the field to ensure Onsite training to CBOs and CBO’s workers.
• Participate in awareness activities organized by Community Liaison Associate of UNOPS among the community
• Compile the input of Technical Assistant and Community Mobilizer engaged to this project through company, independently and report to Associate Project Engineer regularly.
• Check and verify the documents for recommending non-exclusive site possession by CBOs for each construction site as per the established mechanism.
• Support the administration of the regular training and capacity development to CBOs
• Administer the relevant processes to ensure that all building and construction activity conform to UNOPS minimum standards, CIDA (Construction Industry & Development Authority – Sri Lanka) and other relevant construction trade standards and specifications.
• Organize periodical meeting with CBOs to review gaps, delays and issues relating to construction and take remedial measures to resolve technical issues with the concurrence of the Project Manager.
• Support in achieving optimum visibility for UNOPS.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Associate Project Engineer.

• Proactively highlights problems with quality, timeliness and safety to the Associate Project Engineer
• Ensure availability of necessary documents on time for making request for milestone payments to CBOs
• Check and verify timely delivery of construction materials to be procured by UNOPS in bulk.
• Monitoring implimentation of health & safety, envirnmental management, and quality assurance plan by CBOs

Education

• Diploma / National Certificate of Technolodgy specialized in Civil Engineering / Quantity Surveying / Draughtsman  is required

Work Experience 

• At least 4 years of relevant experience in the building construction field is required
• Working experience in housing construction is an advantage
• Working experience in UNOPS or in any other UN agency is an advantage
• Multi-tasking, flexibility and attention to details while maintaining a high service level is preferable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Access, databases and internet. Ability to draft various types of documentation in English is required.
• Knowledge and use of drafting skills with AutoCAD software is essential

Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Support
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

• 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.  
• This post is open to Sri Lankan nationals only
  

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.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.