Civil Engineer

Volunteering Engineering

Overview

Provide technical support for civil works during the AMOS-RD project.

You have:

• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction supervision/management, and quality assurance of civil works projects, preferably within a developing country context.
• Demonstrated prior experience working on construction-related projects funded through official development assistance (ODA) and in partnership with international organizations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting and enforcing construction drawings, specifications, and international building standards and codes.
• Experience in conducting site inspections, documenting non-conformance reports and corrective actions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
• Prior experience working in the Solomon Islands, the South Pacific and/or other disaster-prone contexts is an advantage.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to promote sustainable development.

Advancing Meteorological Observations System for Resilient Development (AMOS-RD) is a flagship initiative of UNDP Solomon Islands funded by the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) aiming to strengthen institutional capacities of the Solomon Island Meteorological Service (SIMS) to provide reliable and effective meteorological services, including early warnings, for several government departments and, ultimately, the people of Solomon Islands.

AMOS-RD seeks to improve weather and climate prediction products by enhancing collection of weather and climate data across the country and ensuring their timely dissemination to global data centers. The project also strengthens national systems for monitoring, detection and analysis under pillar 2 of the UN Early Warnings for All Initiative.

As part of the initiative, UNDP and SIMS plan to expand the national meteorological observation network to improve weather forecasting accuracy and climate monitoring. This expansion involves establishing three new upper-air observation stations in Taro, Tulagi and Lata and revitalizing an existing SIMS staff facility in Kirakira. The project will also upgrade observation facilities at 7 surface weather stations in Taro, Munda, Auki, Honiara, Henderson, Tingoa and Lata.

• Provide technical support during the tender process to select a general contractor for civil works. This includes attending pre-bid meetings, evaluating technical bids, providing expert recommendations to the AMOS-RD project management unit and identifying potential implementation risks and mitigation strategies.

• Support with executing the project’s quality assurance/control (QA/QC) plan and ensure the construction works comply with prescribed procedures, protocols, technical specifications and industry standards.

• Process contractor submittals. Assess and verify the contractor's documentation, including method statements, material approval requests, and inspection and test plans (ITP) to ensure alignment with quality requirements before implementation.

• Conduct regular site inspections of all construction activities to monitor progress and adherence to approved plans and safety regulations. Submit monthly progress reports in an agreed-upon format to the AMOS-RD management.

• Identify and manage non-conformances. Issue and log non-conformance reports for any deviations from the project specifications or standards, track their resolution, and monitor the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.

• Coordinate quality-related communications. Liaise with the AMOS-RD Project Specialist, in-house engineers and architects, and the general contractor to address quality issues, participate in site meetings, and ensure all parties are aligned on the project’s quality objectives.

• Maintain comprehensive quality records. Ensure meticulous documentation and control of all QA/QC activities, including inspection reports, test results, checklists, and certifications, to ensure traceability and support accountability.

• Verify completed works for acceptance. If required, participate in final inspections and prepare snag/punch lists before project handover, ensuring all outstanding defects are rectified and the finished product meets all contractual and quality standards.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction supervision/management, and quality assurance of civil works projects, preferably within a developing country context;

• Demonstrated prior experience working on construction-related projects funded through official development assistance (ODA) and in partnership with international organizations;

• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting and enforcing construction drawings, specifications, and international building standards and codes;

• Experience in conducting site inspections, documenting non-conformance reports and corrective actions;

• Experience working with national and sub-national governments, international organizations, civil society and/or private sector in the context of construction-related/engineering projects is desirable;

• Prior experience working in the Solomon Islands, the South Pacific and/or other disaster-prone contexts is an advantage;

• 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;

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands, with Honiara as the main administrative and commercial hub. Local markets offer seasonal produce and fresh seafood, while imported goods are available in supermarkets, often at higher prices. Housing ranges from modern apartments in Honiara to more basic options in the provinces, with utilities generally reliable in the capital though occasional disruptions may occur. With its tropical climate, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities, the Solomon Islands offers a unique and rewarding living and working experience. Flexibility and an open mind will help make the most of the country’s diverse landscapes and way of life.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org