Lead Construction Management 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

Background Information - UNOPS Kenya Multi Country Office

In East and Southern Africa, UNOPS is represented by a Multi Country Office based in Nairobi, Kenya and operating across 16 countries. The portfolio of engagements managed by the Kenya Multi Country Office includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple infrastructure, procurement, fund management, and HR management projects in Zimbabwe, Somalia, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and several island states. In 2023 a country presence will be established in Malawi in order to implement and oversee the new education sector project and build a pipeline of future projects.

Background Information - Job specific UNOPS manages a range of infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe in different sectors including education, health, agriculture, and transport applying different implementation approaches such as labor-based and outsourced designers/contractors but always with direct supervision from UNOPS. The Republic of Zimbabwe, through its Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), is actively spearheading the implementation of the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Program (SIRP), with the invaluable backing of funding provided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The overarching mission of the SIRP resonates with the imperative of ensuring that rural households not only attain but also sustain food and nutrition security, fortified against the unpredictable impacts of climate change and the oscillations of economic shocks across various program districts. This transformative program is underpinned by the resolute objective of empowering rural households to chart a trajectory of enduring income growth, not only within the confines of SIRP-supported schemes but also in the contiguous rainfed areas.

The MLAFWRD invited the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to provide advisory support to the implementation of the SIRP in order to expedite its rate of implementation especially at 10 irrigation schemes across 3 provinces. This has been necessitated by the fact that the rate of implementation at these particular sites encountered challenges primarily related to the delayed completion. UNOPS will be utilising elements of its Back on Track (BOT) methodology. Leveraging UNOPS's distinct proficiency, the forthcoming eight months are poised to witness a proactive infusion of BOT advisory services, thereby serving as a bedrock for elevated project delivery standards and the holistic advancement in the completion of affected irrigation schemes. Ultimately, this BOT approach strengthens the SIRP's resilience and effectiveness, ensuring its positive impact on rural livelihoods, food security, and climate adaptation.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Lead Construction Management engineer (Advisory) is responsible for supporting the Project Manager in providing sound advice on aspects of the day-to-day construction/contract management and timely delivery of the project and associated outputs in accordance with agreed timelines, standards, and budget of the Government of Zimbabwe contracts.

This list is not representative of all the duties required but indicate typical duties and responsibilities:

• Provide sound advice on the development and management of the existing Contract Management Plan developed by the PCU (Project Coordination Unit) and the DOI (department of Irrigation) including, but not limited to, insurance and goods procured, subcontractor's personnel qualifications, delivery of contractual terms, reports and payments, services delivered against contractual requirements and specifications and standards.
• Provide sound advice to the senior management of the PCU and DOI through the Project Manager on any potential issues and recommend remedial actions or solutions.
• Advise the PCU and DOI on the appropriate existing contract management tools, guidelines, and manuals for standardization and knowledge-sharing purposes.
• Advise the PCU and DOI in monitoring cash flows on regular basis with regards to the ongoing projects and financial agreements.
• Advises the PCU with the evaluation of the contractors’ performance against the agreed performance measurement criteria.
• Support and advise on reviewing and processing variations.
• As needed, provide advisory support on contract matters to the PCU project manager and the DOI Director or other operational staff.
• Provides advice and guidance on the maintenance of contractual records and documentation.
• Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of Stage Plans and End Stage Reports;
• Maintain and update issue and risk registers.
• Attend procurement/ Contract related workshops/ discussions.
• Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated in the infrastructure projects monitoring systems.
• Actively engage in knowledge sharing and also improve one’s professional skills.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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: - A Bachelor's Degree in Construction Contract Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Project Management or related field from an accredited university is required.

• A Masters degree in Construction Contract Management,Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Project management or any other related field will be an added advantage and will be accepted in lieu of the respective years of experience.

  Certification:

• PRINCE2 Foundation Certification is an added advantage.

• Membership of a related professional association is an added advantage.

  Experience:

• A Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience with bachelor’s degree, or a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience with master’s degree in Engineering and/or Construction Management and contract management environment, is required.
• Experience working in project teams and working in a multi-project environment is required.
• Experience working in remote locations is highly desired.

• Experience in FIDIC contracts management is highly valued.

  Language requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Working knowledge of another official UN Language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: Local ICA Specialist-10 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Zimbabwe 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

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• 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.