Infrastructure Engineer

Volunteering Engineering

Overview

Coordinate and oversee coastal infrastructure projects in Tuvalu.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in infrastructure project management.
• Experience with coastal engineering is an asset.
• Knowledge of procurement and contracting regulations is desirable.
• Experience working with community-based projects is desired.
• Fluency in English is required.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Tuvalu, with a land area of 26 km2, is the fourth smallest nation in the world with a population of about 10,000. Due to its geographical remoteness and relatively limited size of the economy, it is one of the least developed countries. It is also one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impact of climate change induced sea-level rise and intensifying storm events. Recent cyclones have already shown large scale population displacement, significant loss and damage of agriculture resources and infrastructure, contamination of water supplies, coastal erosion and scouring, impacting long term sustainable development of the country.

As such, in response to this climate challenge, the Government of Tuvalu has recently received funding confirmation from Government of Australia to fund an estimated 5.5 ha of raised land protecting an additional estimated 800m of densely populated and exposed foreshore. The project will be known as Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, Phase 3 (TCAP1B).. The objective of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, Phase 3 (TCAP 1B), is to focus on reducing the vulnerability of the norther lagoon shoreline of Fogafale Island in Tuvalu to the adverse impacts of wave overtopping, shoreline erosion, and rising sea levels. It follows the successful demonstration of the infrastructure work under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) resourced TCAP Project and TCAP Phase 2, which has built 7.3ha and 8 ha of new raised safe land respectively. TCAP 1 B follows closely TCAP and TCAP Phase 2 designs, approach and established management and safeguards work and requirements. The foreshore that TCAP1B will protect and enhance is a continuation of the dysfunctional shoreline protected by TCAP, TCAP Phase 2 and the Government of Tuvalu’s similar protection work (Queen Elizabeth II Park) and thus, the TCAP 1B site starts only 100m to the north, as contiguous with TCAP and effectively an extension of TCAP and TCAP Phase 2 projects.

The project has the following 3 main outputs. • Output 1: Climate-resilient coastal protection infrastructure constructed along 370 meters of the northern lagoon shoreline, with 5.5 hectares of elevated safe land established on Fongafale Island, Funafuti, enhancing community resilience to climate-induced hazards and risks • Output 2: Gender-responsive land use plan developed for TCAP 1B and the prepared land use plans for TCAP, TCAP 1A and 1B reclaimed land partially implemented ensuring inclusive and equitable access to land resources • Output 3: Government of Tuvalu’s capacity strengthened to plan and prioritize future coastal protection investments through completed feasibility studies and strategic planning frameworks

The project has an established Programme Management Unit (PMU) in Funafuti, Tuvalu with national and international professionals supporting the project and coordination with the relevant stakeholders. The Project desires to recruit an Infrastructure Engineer who will work under direct supervision of the International Project Coordinator and National Project Manager and in close coordination with TCAP Phase II Infrastructure Engineer, SES Specialist and PMU staff.

The Infrastructure Engineer will be overall responsible for the following key function and additional responsibilities maybe assigned as per the requirement of the project.

Assess the feasibility or progress of infrastructure interventions:

• Conduct field visits to several potential locations requiring specific technical assistance and, based on performed assessment recommends the best solution for project implementation and contracts management, to mitigate any deviation and ensure timely delivery; • Prepare/review budget estimates based on the recommended solution for project implementation and contracts management; • Prepare/review of Terms of References for detailed design for reconstruction/ rehabilitation of structures where needed; • Responsible to coordinate the works and oversee the construction and supervise the contractor/s under his/her responsibility through regular monitoring and quality control/review of works; • Submit timely report as required highlight the progress, plans and any challenges which need to be addressed.

Develops technical design documents for construction interventions and provides technical inputs and quality assurance:

• Prepare technical and detailed construction design, costing and workplan of Coastal Protection measures and other infrastructure; • Provide the oversight of the construction work done by contractor/s, including the quality and quantity of the materials, construction techniques and works finishing; • Certify that construction is done in accordance with agreed methodology, best practices in the industry and prevailing codes to promote resilience ensuring that the Social and environmental consideration and impact mitigation measures including the OH&S and proper waste management; • Review and refine technical documentation and specifications (existing and future layout, Bill of Quantities (BoQ) with an estimation of costs, technical description, design, and specific drawings, provide technical support to procurement processes under the project); • Develop an “Infrastructure Owner’s Manual” outlining for example, maintenance schedules, monitoring requirements, improvements, considerations for future work, etc.; • Review adherence to warranty provisions and that mobilisation / demobilisation criteria have been met; • Ensure that technical documentation on construction sites are maintained in accordance with relevant national laws and standards for building back better and contract for works; • Sign off on the final handover documentation upon completion of all (re)construction/rehabilitation works in coordination with the relevant Government counterparts; • Negotiate modifications with architects and engineers; dealing skillfully with a diverse range of people including clients; architects; other engineering professionals; sub-contractors; • Licensing: determines necessary development applications/ construction permits, licenses, and ensures that they are obtained; • Ensure that the contractor is fulfilling all the requirements included in the contract.

Formulates bidding documents in coordination with the relevant functional areas of UNDP and provides effective support throughout all stages of the tendering process:

• Provide technical assistance in the establishment of minimum standards for construction especially coastal infrastructure for the implementation of specific rehabilitation/construction tasks as required by the specific project; • Develop technical project and tender documentation (ToR, tender dossier, tender evaluation, etc.) for the implementation of specific rehabilitation/construction tasks in partnership with the Government; • Ensure that necessary supporting documentation is in place prior to issuance of tender; • Participate in the evaluation of bids and selection of best bidder to the tender for rehabilitation/construction works and assessment of the bidder's competencies and experience against minimum qualification requirements as per the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid requirements; • Analyse measures, quantities and descriptions of each item in the offers against the advertised BoQ; • Analyse and reviews the offered unit rates against the cost estimate in correlation with BoQs, provided by a design company, and to assess whether they are realistic.

Technical assistance, Oversight and building capacity of national institutions:

• Provide technical assistance and quality assurance services to UNDP and national institutions; • Provides the required technical support to national institutions, contractors, implementing partners and other stakeholders ensuring that they are fully aware of the project requirements and technical/logistical constraints; • Prepare guidance and technical documents as applicable and reviews others as requested by national and local partners; • Strengthen national and local capacities, provides training, and participates in capacity building initiatives as well as facilitates information sharing; • Promote awareness-raising among partners on standards and guidelines; • Train, coach and mentor national institutions, contractors, implementing partners and other stakeholders on the designing, BoQ preparation, technical specifications, reporting formats and on the supervision/monitoring of implementation, ensuring quality control and application of international standards; • Support PMU in maintaining good relationship with government and relevant communities and assisting in resolving any issues that may arise during the project cycle.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

• Achieve results
• Think innovatively
• Learn continuously
• Adapt with agility
• Act wit determination
• Engage and partner
• Enable diversity and inclusion

• Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in infrastructure or civil works projects. • Experience in technical design review, preparation/review of cost estimates and Bills of Quantities (BoQs), construction supervision, quality control, contractor coordination, reporting and handover of works. • Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web based management systems, with advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages. • Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contracting regulations and requirements is desirable; background or experience in UNDP procurement procedures is highly desirable. • Qualifications and experience in coastal engineering is an asset. • Working experience in Pacific Island Countries or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an asset. • Previous experience working with UNDP or other UN organizations is desired. • Experience working with community based projects and government institutions is desired. • Experience in capacity building of multiple stakeholders, especially related to operation and maintenance and land use planning, is desired.

Tuvalu is the 4th smallest country of the world with an area of 26 square Kilometres comprising of nine islands. The area of Capital Funafuti is around 2.5 KM and all the government offices and hotels, restaurants and shops are located within walking distance of the airport.

The average daily temperature in Tuvalu in February is between an estimated high of 33° Celsius and a low of 27° Celsius. Accommodation is very limited and basic in the country. The country overall is secure with welcoming people. The living standards including accommodation are basic and only 5 flights operate from Fiji during the week.

Tuvalu is most affected nation by the climate change and UNDP is implementing the flagship programme for climate change adaptation including land reclamation and land use planning. The project provide a unique opportunity to work with a flagship programme well recognized by all stakeholders and working in a remote small Island.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org