Project Civil Engineer

Volunteering Engineering

Overview

Assist in project design and implementation for sustainable development initiatives

You have:

• Degree in construction management or related field.
• Proven experience with site planning and ability to achieve quality results, on time and within available resources.
• Membership with a relevant Professional Body or Institution.
• Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activities to achieve a common objective in the area of site planning.
• Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in demanding working conditions that have short deadlines.
• Proven technical expertise in the relevant area including survey, programme implementation, technical design, monitoring and coordination.
• Exposure to UN mandate, its priorities and principles.
• Good understanding of integrated site planning strategies and design.
• Proficiency in basic computer software.
• Ability towards analytical and creative thinking for rapid solutions.

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia focuses on promoting sustainable development, poverty reduction, and resilience-building among vulnerable communities. Through collaborative partnerships with the Government of Zambia, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, UNDP aims to foster inclusive growth and human security, aligning with the Zambia United Nations Sustain-able Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) and the country’s Eight National Development Programme (8NDP). These initiatives emphasize economic transformation, social development, environmental sustainability, and governance. UNDP’s projects contribute directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, health, education, gender equality, and climate action.

The project, "Strengthening Local Capacities through Basic Infrastructure Development in Mayukwayukwa and Meheba," seeks to improve living conditions, economic opportunities, and social integration for displaced populations and their host communities in Zambia’s resettlement schemes. Implemented from 2025 to 2027 with support from the Government of Japan, the project addresses critical infrastructure gaps in health, education, water, sanitation, and livelihoods. It aims to provide climate-resilient infrastructure, facilitate sustainable economic activities, and promote social cohesion among 42,475 beneficiaries. The project is part of the Zambian Government’s Local Integration Framework, which supports durable solutions for refugees and enhances resilience and self-sufficiency through integrated community development.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

i. Project Design:

• Assist in defining project objectives, scope, and technical specifications for infrastructure projects, including classrooms, health centers, water, and sanitation facilities; • Scheduling & Budgeting: Develop detailed project schedules and cost estimates, working closely with UNDP’s project management team to align timelines and budgets; • Environmental Impact Assessments: Fully support the undertaking of EIA through ZEMA accredited consultants as well as the subsequent compliance aspects by contractors; • Contractor resource Allocation: Support the review and planning of contractor re-source deployment required for each project site; • Risk Management: Identify potential project risks, such as supply chain delays, weather impacts, or technical challenges, and prepare mitigation strategies.

ii. Site Supervision:

• In close collaboration with engineers for the respective government department and the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development at Provincial level, provide technical oversight at construction sites, ensuring that all activities adhere to engineering standards, safety regulations, and design specifications; • Design and Compliance Review: Review and approve technical drawings, material specifications, and compliance documents submitted by contractors; • Infrastructure Quality Assurance: Implement and monitor quality control procedures throughout the construction phase to guarantee high standards of construction as provided for by UNDP regulations; • Sustainability Practices: Incorporate climate-resilient and environmentally sustain-able practices in all phases of infrastructure development, adapting to local environ-mental conditions and community needs.

iii. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all construction activities comply with national and local building codes, environmental regulations, and UNDP guidelines; • Site Inspections: In partnership with the relevant Government offices, conduct frequent site inspections to verify adherence to safety protocols and design standards; • Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve any technical issues on-site promptly to avoid project delays; • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all project activities, including inspection reports, change orders, and progress assessments for project audits and evaluations.

iv. Community Engagement:

• Engage with local community leaders and residents to ensure infrastructure projects align with community needs and receive local support; • Government and Partner Coordination: Work in close coordination with government agencies (e.g., Resettlement Division, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, local authorities, and other UNDP partners to align activities with broader resettlement goals.

v. Contractor Liaison:

• Act as the primary point of contact for contractors at site, facilitating clear communication, timely approvals, and smooth collaboration throughout the project lifecycle; • Regular Stakeholder Updates: In close collaboration with the Scheme Coordinator and the Scheme Manager, provide regular briefings to stakeholders on project status, addressing any concerns and adjusting plans as needed based on feedback.

vi Progress Tracking:

• Monitor infrastructure projects’ progress against milestones, ensuring they remain on track with approved timelines and budgets; • Performance Analysis: Use key performance indicators to assess project quality, safety, and efficiency, making adjustments as required to maintain project standards; • Monthly Reports: Prepare detailed monthly reports on infrastructure progress, financial updates, and any emerging risks or challenges, for submission to UNDP and project stakeholders; • Final Project Evaluation: Assist in conducting post-construction evaluations to assess the impact and sustainability of infrastructure projects, documenting lessons learned and recommendations, which are a pre-requisite to the provision of Completion certificates for each construction project.

vii. Training Local Contractors:

• Provide on the job training for local contractors, ensuring they understand technical specifications, safety protocols, and quality standards; • Community Skills Development: Engage community members in skills training, particularly in sustainable building practices, maintenance, and simple repair techniques for long-term project sustainability; • Knowledge Sharing: Document and share best practices, technical solutions, and community engagement successes to enhance future infrastructure projects.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management

construction management or related field; • Proven experience with site planning and ability to achieve quality results, on time and within available resources; • Membership with a relevant Professional Body or Institution; • Ability to coordinate a range of diverse actors and activates to achieve a common objective in the area of site planning; • Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in demanding working conditions that other have short deadlines; • Proven technical expertise in the relevant area including survey, programme implementation, technical design, monitoring and coordination; • Exposure to UN mandate, its priorities and principles; • Good understanding of integrated site planning strategies and design; • Proficiency in basic computer software; • Ability towards analytical and creative thinking for rapid solutions.

Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods.

Lusaka is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort.

Lusaka hosts several international organization and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.

The assignments are based in Kabompo and Luanshya districts.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org