Resident Site Engineer

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.

Zambia has received funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the Project Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II. This Project aims to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II in Zambia, in view of climate change and variability. The Project will achieve this aim by taking a value chain approach, addressing risks posed across key stages of the value chain – planning, inputs, production and postproduction. The very high co-finance ensures that this Project will shift public financing on agriculture towards climate resilient agriculture through strong partnership with GCF and UNDP. GCF funds will only finance the activities that have a clear climate change additionality like climate information and early warning systems, access to water for smallholder farmers and linkages with rural agricultural markets. The Project will make targeted interventions to capitalize on opportunities to strengthen and promote viable. climate-resilient value chains relating to smallholder agriculture in the target regions, specifically targeting value chains that are gender sensitive and provide viable economic opportunities for women. This includes three interrelated outputs: 1) Strengthening capacity of farmers to plan for climate risk. 2) Strengthening resilient agricultural production and diversification practices (for both food security and income generation). 3) Strengthening farmers’ access to markets and commercialization of introduced resilient agricultural commodities.

To promote aggregation, the Project plans to construct 8 grain storage/bulking centres in 6 Districts. It is with this background that qualified and self-motivated professionals are being sought to fill the 8 positions of Site Engineers.

The Site Engineers will report to the Project Engineer, and under the overall guidance of the Project Manager and Programme Specialist.

Please note that the duty stations for this assignment are: Kazungula, Mulobezi, Gwembe, Mambwe, Chama and Mafinga.

In close collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Housing Infrastructure and Urban Development, and other stakeholders, the Site Engineer will undertake the following tasks:

• Review proposals for construction/renovation of infrastructure, provide technical supervision for construction works, conduct/participate in verification and certification process of various construction projects at the construction sites. • Provide full time, day to day technical supervision and guidance to partners/contractors in charge of construction of bulking centres in Mulobezi, Kazungula, Chama, Gwembe, Mafinga and Mambwe districts. • Provide technical support in verification of quality work and identification of defects, propose remedial action, and liaise with the contractors to have the defects rectified. • Conduct daily monitoring to ensure timely completion and facilitate handover of completed infrastructure/construction to respective Government Ministries and Authorities. • Facilitate certification of works done in liaison with Engineers in respective Government Ministries and District Building Officers. • Make recommendations for payment to contractors in accordance with the progress of work and terms and conditions of the contract. • Prepare and submit to weekly and monthly progress reports on construction works at the sites. • Enforce compliance and adherence to social and environmental safeguards at the construction site. • Document lessons learned and ensure smooth communication between all parties involved in the constructions. • Prepare monthly work plans and monthly reports for review and approval by the supervisor. • Submit weekly updates and mission reports related to field visits.

Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork and respect for diversity, Commitment to continuous learning, Planning and organizing, Communication, Flexibility, and Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.

• progressively responsible functions in construction management, site planning or a related field. • Proven experience with site planning and ability to achieve quality results, on time and within available resources. • Proven ability to deal with multiple tasks in a courteous and service-oriented manner in demanding working conditions that other have short deadlines. • Ability towards analytical and creative thinking for rapid solutions. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners and authorities at different levels. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in AutoCAD, various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in non-motorised transport, with clear understanding that volunteerism is used as a mechanism for durable development; and the UN System.

Zambia is a land-linked country with a population estimated at 18 million. It is a 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 became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and half million (3.3 M) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic, and cultural significance has also increased through the years.

Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped, and roads are often congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is endemic. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com.

UNVs receive the below entitlements: • A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ZMW33490 • Expertise Differential ZMW 13396 • A one of $400 entry lumpsum; • Medical and Annual leave; • Comprehensive insurance; • Access to all the learning platforms; • Exit Lumpsum of a month's Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) for every year of service.