Lead Construction Management Engineer (Technical Coordinator)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The project ‘Mozambique Northern Crisis Recovery Project’ (NCRP) will be based in and around the City of Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province supporting the resettlement of IDPs from temporary settlement sites to approximately 20 relocation sites. The project will support both IDPs and Host communities. The project comprises of 4 main objectives broken down into components as follows:

• Component 1: psychosocial social support and community peace building; and enhancing State-society trust and confidence.
• Component 2: provision of agriculture and fisheries inputs, cash for work programs for youth and women and the provision of kits for micro and small business development; and training on entrepreneurship and business management.
• Component 3: the restoration of basic services, small works for agriculture production, education and health infrastructure and the construction or rehabilitation of school and health infrastructure and community services and amenities in temporary and relocation sites and host communities.
• Component 4: strengthening of technical capacity of government authorities and local governments for conflict management. This component will also support project implementation, financial management, procurement, safeguards, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.

UNOPS has been entrusted with the critical role of supporting the national Government PIU to deliver this project and ensure adequate support is provided to build sustainable capacity in relevant institutions. Thus, the project will be implemented in collaboration with government authorities and will be guided by the various programme guidelines provided by the World bank- as the funding source.

The project team is expected to contain Programme management staff, Safeguards and Monitoring and Evaluation staff and infrastructure staff and will require significant stakeholder and partner coordination and management. Local Context: The project will be based in the city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado, this position is expected to maintain regular travels to Niassa and Nampula provinces, as needed. Interested candidates should note that Pemba is a non-family duty station.

The project team is multi-disciplinary and multi-agency. The UNOPS team will be composed of Infrastructure staff, Safeguards and Monitoring and Evaluation staff, Community Development team, Project Management and Support personnel. With several components to be implemented by other UN Agencies, and considering the complex humanitarian and development partner landscape in the North, the project will also require significant stakeholder and partner coordination and management.

The selected candidate will also be required to support the Senior Project Manager to establish full operations and UNOPS presence in the project location with the support of the Multi Country Office.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Lead Construction Management Engineer (Technical Coordinator) will work directly under the Senior Project Manager for Component 3 to effectively manage the delivery of the infrastructure components of the project. The Technical Coordinator will actively support the Senior Project Manager in creating the Project Implementation Plan (PIP), using the Project Appraisal Document (PAD), Project Operations Manual (POM), UNOPS Project Proposal, and the Project Agreement.

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the Technical Team in the successful delivery of infrastructure in the Health Sector, Education, Water supply and Irrigation, Community Infrastructure, among others. S/he will be responsible for mainstreaming the application of Environmental and Social Safeguards instruments as well as Health and Safety into the planning and implementation of infrastructure delivered by UNOPS.

S/he will also coordinate the Cash-for-Work team under Component 2 to optimize employment opportunities for IDPs and community members on infrastructure projects through the application of Labour Based methods, where possible.

The Lead Construction Management Engineer (Technical Coordinator) is expected to develop an understanding of the respective roles and capacities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs. S/he will play a lead role in developing and strengthening relationships with key government counterparts at different levels, as well as relevant UN agencies.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Infrastructure Portfolio Planning, Delivery and Performance

2. Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance

3. Partnerships and Stakeholder Management

4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

5. Resources and Personnel Management

Infrastructure Planning, Delivery and Performance - Take responsibility for infrastructure project portfolio oversight as delegated by the Country Manager and the Senior Programme Manager. - Mentor and assist the team members in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, including but not limited to design development, design management, design review, construction management, works supervision, contract management (FIDIC), change control, quality management, health and safety and environment, and other infrastructure related areas of expertise, ensuring incorporation of best practice of infrastructure project management processes. - Work closely with the Programme Management Office (PMO) to ensure that project management policies, processes and methods are followed and practiced according to the UNOPS standards, best project management practices are promoted, and overall assurance of projects is provided. - Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the infrastructure portfolio of projects according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery. - Establish and execute the infrastructure portfolio of projects implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client-oriented services.

Risk Management, Oversight and Quality assurance: - Identify and anticipate in a timely manner potential risks and issues through infrastructure expertise and knowledge, advise on mitigation measures and ensure implementation thereof, escalate critical issues / risks to the Senior Programme Manager and partners so that maximum benefit to partner(s) and other stakeholders is achieved. - Oversee and advise on the preparation, quality and proper management of infrastructure portfolio of projects documents (including business cases/strategies, projects plans, risk assessments and infrastructure-related documentation such as site assessments, design package, contract management and works supervision documentation, as-built design, testing and commissioning reports, change orders, completion and handover certificate, etc.) - Ensure and advise on compliance with all organizational policy especially those in the Project Management Manual and infrastructure-related policies . - Ensure and advise on compliance and delivery of all legal agreements obligations, including quality and timely reporting, timely closure of infrastructure projects, compliance with audit requirements, etc. - Provide routine oversight, track delivery progress and projects status, evaluate performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality), assist with and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system. - Provide technical advice and support to project teams, partners, beneficiaries across the multi-country office.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Management: - Build and strengthen partnerships in the infrastructure space through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in infrastructure project service delivery and management. - Collaborate with the Partnerships Officer to prepare and develop infrastructure-related proposals and engagement. - Establish solid working relationships with partners, clients and key stakeholders. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover infrastructure outputs and management products. - Advise partners and clients on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as operations and maintenance) - Identify and report to the Country Manager potential business opportunities for UNOPS

Knowledge Management and Innovation: - Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology in the infrastructure space to enhance the infrastructure portfolio delivery and results. - Provide feedback to Practice Groups on policy or supporting guidance in the area of expertise to align operations with changing environments with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies. - Lead the planning, implementation and organization of infrastructure-related capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the infrastructure portfolio of projects. - Contribute to the oversight of lessons learned procedures, ensuring that case studies, lessons learned and best practices are shared and institutionalized for corporate development planning and knowledge building. - Collaborate with the multi-country office infrastructure-related personnel where appropriate to ensure a harmonious approach to infrastructure best practices in the sub-region

Resources and Personnel Management: - Plan and propose to the Senior Project Manager required infrastructure resources (human and financial) to meet the NCRP project Deliverables - Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts for infrastructure portfolio based on UNOPS and Country Office financial goals. - Oversee forecast, budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time. - Manage infrastructure portfolio resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability. - Plan, recruit, manage and develop infrastructure portfolio personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encourage the formation of diverse teams in terms of gender and countries of origin. - Lead and motivate the infrastructure team, promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the infrastructure portfolio team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently - Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. - Ensure safety and security for all infrastructure project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards

Impact of Results:

The effective and successful performance by the Lead Construction Management Engineer (Technical Coordinator) directly impacts on achievement of Components 3, and 2of the NCRP project results in terms of support to vulnerable and displaced communities. It also reinforces the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education

• Master`s Degree in Engineering or Architecture, or any other relevant field is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Architecture or any other relevant field with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree mentioned above.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience in multi-sectoral infrastructure projects is required.
• A minimum of five years of experience in construction management is required.
• Two years experience leading a team of technical personnel is required.
• Demonstrated technical acumen, with the ability to understand, plan, and advice on technical project documents is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is a distinct advantage
• Experience in contract management (FIDIC contracts preferred).
• Good knowledge of internationally recognized building codes and standards is desired.
• Experience across all the life cycle of infrastructure projects including but not limited to design, procurement and works supervision is desired.
• Proficiency in MS project and schedule analysis desired.
• Experience working in middle income countries and/or developing countries and with multicultural teams is an asset.

Certifications

• Certification in PRINCE2 Foundation is desired
• Knowledge and certification in Project Management (PRINCE2, PMI, etc.) is desired
• Professional certification from an accredited institution (PEng., CEng., etc) is an asset

Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English required.
• Intermediate level written and oral Portuguese or above is required

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level:ICS 10 (IICA 2) Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

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

This position is based in a non-family duty station

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.