Project Engineer

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief Technical Advisor for Rule of Law and Program Manager, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Project Engineer will perform the following tasks:

General:

• Support the development and implementation of UNDP’s strategy in relation to infrastructural support for rule of law institutions;
• Liaise with the UNDP Rule of Law team to enhance support to the sector;
• Promote transfer of skills to South Sudanese colleagues;
• Undertake any other duties as required.

Analytical inputs to implementation of civil works activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of procurement activities with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control,
• Support CO Procurement business processes mapping related to civil works activities and elaboration/establishment of specific internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Procurement, control of the workflows in the Procurement Unit in coordination with supervisor.
• Provision of researched information for formulation and implementation of contract strategy and strategic procurement for civil works in the CO including tendering processes and evaluation, evaluating the contract and contractor, legal considerations and payment conditions, sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality assurance.
• Ensure continuous assurance of quality and quality control during the civil works construction process and independently verifies that all works are executed according to contract specifications and requirements.

Efficient management and implementation of civil works procurement processes:

• Analysis of information for preparation of civil works activities for the office and projects and monitoring of their implementation.
• Implementation of proper monitoring and control of civil works processes including organization of bidding processes, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulation.
• Application of standard engineering practices and precedents in the construction, maintenance, repair and liquidation of structures and facilities;
• Application of commonly used engineering calculations, practices and precedents in completing portions of larger projects related to the construction or repair of buildings, roads, bridges, field defences, and other related structures and activities in the field;
• Conduct preliminary site-investigations to obtain field data such as soil characteristics, drainage and other data required for building site selection;
• Assist in developing technical data regarding materials, size dimensions, quantities and costs to be incorporated into formal specifications;
• Estimate cost of repairs to damaged buildings, facilities and systems in order to determine whether repairs or replacement are feasible;
• Liaise with other engineers and mission specialists responsible for related specialized phases to arrive at mutually satisfactory approaches to problems through exchange and comparison of data;
• Conduct investigations to develop improved construction techniques;
• Produce cost estimates on engineering-related requirements of current and planned field missions;
• Analyse project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and to ensure that project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources;
• Preliminary review of submissions to the Contract, Asset and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP).

Implementation of sourcing strategy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Development and management of the rosters of prequalified suppliers, elaboration of supplier selection and evaluation criteria, quality and performance measurement mechanisms.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the organization of training for the operations/projects staff on civil works procurement.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in civil works procurement.
• Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Review of existing documentation related to civil works;
• Evaluation of associated risks;
• Assessment of compliance with construction codes and local laws related to the civil works and construction;
• Production/revision of technical drawings; preparation/revision of bills of quantity (BoQs) and cost estimates;
• Preparation of reports and other required documentation;
• Carry out assessments of construction requirements in specific areas;
• Provide preliminary data for engineering design/drawings as appropriate;
• Support preparation of the technical documentation as regard to the bidding process;
• Take part in the evaluation of the bidding and preparation of Bidding Evaluation Report.

The Project Engineer should be able to certify the outcome of the procurement process and thus should be fully aware of the UNDP procurement rules.

Support to Program planning and implementation:

• Provide substantial inputs to program planning, implementation and monitoring;
• Contribute to the Program Annual Work Plans for the state regarding construction and renovation together with the Program Specialist, and provide inputs to develop the consolidated Program Annual Work Plans;
• Submit quarterly analytical reports and provide inputs into other reporting requirements to the donor and M&E activities in the rule of law area to the Program Manager on work done and further prospects as decided by the program.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Qualifications/Requirements Required degree level: Bachelor degree or equivalent Education - Additional Comments:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline from a recognised university.

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Required experience: 60 Months Experience remark:

• Five years relevant working experience in Civil Engineering works.
• Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contracting regulations, requirements of international organizations.
• Knowledge and apprehension of common recognized Civil Engineering Contract Conditions.
• Familiarity, experience with FIDIC an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Ability to perform and adapt to complex and changing political, social, and economic contexts.
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of construction projects and programs, particularly in the justice and security sector;
• Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Fosters a strong team approach to optimize results delivery;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• Arabic(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise: Civil engineering and construction supervision, Other development programme/project experience Area of expertise details:

• Five years relevant working experience in Civil Engineering works.
• Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contracting regulations, requirements of international organizations.
• Knowledge and apprehension of common recognized Civil Engineering Contract Conditions.
• Familiarity, experience with FIDIC an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

b) Competencies and values:

• Building and promoting partnerships across the organisation and beyond
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to Sound knowledge of UNDP’s procedures, rules and regulations;; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
• Ensuring effective use of resources

Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to perform and adapt to complex and changing political, social, and economic contexts.
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of construction projects and programs, particularly in the justice and security sector;
• Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Fosters a strong team approach to optimize results delivery;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Driving license: No Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Communication, Professionalism

Application procedure:

* Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool?
First register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup.
Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypageand click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply.

* Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool?
First update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypageand click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call to which you would like to apply.

Application deadline: 03-Mar-2020