Lead Civil Engineer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and a portfolio of infrastructure and development projects in Mozambique, Somalia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.

Project Information:

The Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme supports the strengthening and practical implementation of Malawi’s Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) policy towards economic improvement through human capital development. The Malawi Ministry of Labour (MoL) has set an overall vision for a modern TEVET system led by the government but working closely with productive sectors and industries and responding directly to the changing competence needs and qualification requirements in the labour market. Utilising existing colleges, up to four Colleges of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) will be identified and supported to act as lead colleges for skills development in accordance with labour market needs.

UNOPS’s roles in this programme include the rehabilitation of existing buildings or construction of new buildings for the four TVET centers as appropriate, the procurement of quality workshop equipment (including installation) and the development of a maintenance programme. These activities are funded by the European Commission (EC).

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the Lead Civil Engineer will give his/her technical expertise as required to lead the technical supervision and construction monitoring of rehabilitation works including the calculation of quantities. Travel will be expected to remote sites.

The Lead Civil Engineer shall be responsible for the progress control and quality control of construction works. S/He will be responsible for supervision of all works of the contractor and thereby ensure onsite quality control of construction works. Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following substantive tasks:

• Review and analyse existing documents.
• Review and analyse investigation reports.
• Review and verify payment certificates.
• Supervise site engineers.
• Calculate quantities.
• Liaise with technical, procurement colleagues and client and funding representatives as required.
• Monitor implementation progress to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.

Impact of Results

Assist in ensuring high project construction quality, observing all local/international and UN standards applicable, and all relevant health and safety procedures.

The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi (Family Duty Station)

Functional Responsibilities

1. Construction management - Implement approved work packages (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Manager - Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary. - Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers. - Prepare and review progress reports that address specific clients and stakeholder requirements when necessary. - Review contractor’s method statements, safeguards requirements and monitor compliance with approved documents. - Work closely with other technical professionals and contractors in the planning of work, scheduling of tasks. - Advise the Project Managers of any deviations from the plan. Identify areas where alterations to approved design may be required and lead the process to secure approval through UNOPS’s agreed channels. - Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders is achieved. Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted. - Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers. - Ensure the documents prepared meet the quality standard requirements. - Responsible for timely delivery of the expected outputs to project coordinator and manager. - Able to produce civil bills of quantities. - Highlight possible non or late delivery prior to the event. - Carry out site inspections and assessments as required. - Monitor contractor’s progress during Defects Notification Periods and compile reports as required. - Develop specifications, procedures and QA/QC protocols when required. - Proactively assist senior staff in managing the design projects, ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by UNOPS, while delivering the program within its time and budget constraints. - Liaise with clients and address requirements when required. - Carry out technical reviews as appropriate.

2. Personnel management

• Lead and motivate the Construction teams.
• Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established.
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted.
• Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Supervisor.
• Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff). Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UN DSS standards.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering, Architecture, Geotechnical Engineering or other relevant discipline is required.

• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 5 additional years of relevant professional experience in Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering or other relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience - Minimum 5 years’ experience in Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering Design and implementation is required. - Experience in site supervision is an asset. - Experience in construction activities incorporating vertical structures is an asset. - Experience working on projects in conflict/disaster prone areas is an asset. - Experience working in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands is an asset.

Language Requirements - Excellent written and spoken English language is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level: ICS10 (LICA 10)
3. Contract duration : Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Malawi Nationals

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.