Consultant - Construction Engineer

Work Location Abyei

Expected duration 6 months, with a possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities Description and Scope of Assignment This position is in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The Consultant / Minor Construction Works Specialist reports to the Chief of Facilities and Environmental Management, supports the construction of SMART camps and implementation of advanced and sustainable facilities in view of reducing the Mission’s environmental footprint during peacekeeping operations.

Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Chief Facilities & Environmental Management Unit, the Consultant/ Minor Construction Works Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

1. Administration - Advise on the promotion of best practices in relation to facility management, minor engineering construction works, ensuring compliance with UN legislations and standards. - Advise on the most advanced, cost effective, and low maintenance smart/remote monitoring solutions for asset and facility management based on implemented construction activities. - Plan, coordinate and implement repair/maintenance works for the Mission’s buildings, facilities and services - Formulate Standard-Operating Procedures for measuring Key Performance Indicators. - Supervises and monitors performance indicators for UN personnel and related contracts management within the Unit as required. - Provide full package of recommendations and scope of requirements for the implementation of assets and facility improvement projects. - Plan for camps development, analyze Field Remote Infrastructure Monitoring (FRIM) data to provide monthly maintenance schedule for campground maintenance, and maintain proper stock level of maintenance supplies using mission platforms. - Monitor the performance of contractor works using mission platforms. - Identify root causes for underperformance and propose corrective actions for process improvement.

2. Planning - Conduct needs and feasibility studies, systems analysis, and the design, development and implementation and evaluation of new systems in relation to construction and Facility Management. - Evaluate engineering work-requests and assign individuals or work-teams to carry out building maintenance and repair tasks, as required - Act as the main technical adviser on a construction site for subcontractors and operatives - Check plans, drawings and quantities for accuracy of calculations - Ensure that all materials used, and work performed are in accordance with the specifications - Oversee the selection and requisition of materials - Plan the work and efficiently organize the site facilities in order to meet agreed deadlines - Oversee quality control and health and safety matters on site; prepare reports as required using FRIM data. - Resolve any unexpected technical difficulties and other problems that may arise. - Contribute to the development and co-ordination of cross-mission Environmental Sustainability Awareness Campaigns such as water and energy consumption reduction, solid/liquid waste reduction/recycling schemes using FRIM data and sustainable procurement. - Drafts relevant audit responses on facility management related issues as required. - Participates in the development of contract risk assessments and risk management plans, including mitigating measures relating to minor construction works of the Mission. - Develops a quality assurance plan to provide a systematic method to monitor performance of minor construction works performed by Contractors. - Participates in the assessment of contractor performance, including advice and action to address instances of poor performance and/or non-compliance with contractual obligations.

3. Implementation - Be fully involved in the planning, design, and supervision of new construction projects, including developing statement of works, bills of quantities and drawings as part of a team - Carry out scheduled and preventive maintenance of all structures in the Mission and periodically inspect ongoing projects using mission platforms. - Exercise overall supervision over the efficient operation of the Mission’s buildings, facilities, and services, including, but not limited to, generators, sanitation, drainage, water supply, electricity supply, air conditioning, waste disposal, and security facilities - Apply commonly used engineering practices and precedents in completing portions of larger projects related to the construction or repair of buildings, roads, bridges, field defenses, and other related structures and facilities in the field - Involved in developing technical data regarding materials, size dimensions, quantities and costs to be incorporated into formal specifications - Undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations and using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs - Compiling job specification, scope of works and resolving design and development problems, as well as managing budgets and project resources. - Making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety, assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects, and ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time - Maintain a record of hazardous and emergency issues and actions thereon at the mission, including, for example, a list of potentially hazardous installations within the mission (e.g. petrol station, warehouse storing flammables) in cooperation with fire marshals or other staff at the mission designated to deal with emergencies. - Carry out any other tasks required to support the DOS Environmental Strategy and the Mission Environmental Action Plan as directed by the Chief of Mission Support though analysis of FRIM data. - Ensure the incorporation of environmental improvements and sustainability in all aspects of civil or minor construction works in support of the Mission Environmental Action Plan (MEAP), Field Remote Infrastructure Monitoring (FRIM), etc - Ensure asset risks are identified, mitigated and monitored through an asset risk register. - Provide operations and emergency response duty cover - Lead and manage a multi-disciplined team to support safe and reliable operations of the Mission facilities. - Assist operations engineers to manage maintenance priorities according to safety and environmental criticality, production reliability, asset performance and cost. - Optimize inspection rounds to maximize efficient use of resources, personnel, contractors and other third parties. - Generate data showing construction and maintenance completion status, overdues and backlog for inclusion in management reports.

4. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills Competencies Professionalism: in-depth understanding of planning, design, and supervision of new construction projects, with a particular knowledge on developing statement of works, bills of quantities and drawings as part of a team; ability to develop comprehensive arguments for and against the suitability of pragmatic and robust solutions that provide benefits towards sustainability improvements in field Mission operations. Proven ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensures equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning And Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Teamwork - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals -Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others -Places team agenda before personal agenda -Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position -Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Building Engineering; Civil Engineering; Structural Engineering or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in building construction, civil and structural engineering, facilities and maintenance management or related field with a national government/administration, a non-governmental organization, the private sector or an international organization is required. Experience with methodologies for project planning, execution and evaluation of construction standards and proven ability in analytical work is required. Good computer and data analysis skills: Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PPP & Visio) is required. Experience in construction of SMART camp is required. Professional knowledge in AutoCAD is required. Excellent report writing skills to write professional detailed technical and complex information, with the ability to effectively communicate detailed construction works information to specialist professionals and non-specialist elected members, officers and the public is required. Knowledge of the UN rules, regulations and working practices pertaining to field missions is an advantage.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.