Senior Associate Civil Engineer (Quantity Surveyor/Cost Estimator)

Contract

This is a LICA-7 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA-7 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

United Nations Office Project Services

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

Project Information

Uzbekistan COVID-19 Emergency Response Project” with the Republic of Uzbekistan's Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service (SES) is funded through two major loans from the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. In this project, UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan to upgrade up to 38 existing laboratories and treatment facilities across the country, procure diagnostic equipment and supplies, and establish an ICT system for monitoring the epidemiological situation to strengthen preparedness and resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics.

*** Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position***

*** The position is being filled under the Emergency Procurement Procedure (EPP) process. All applications, whether received through this advertisement or other channels will be collectively reviewed and assessed during the selection process***

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Civil Engineer and the overall guidance from the Head of Infrastructure Delivery, the Senior Associate Civil Engineer (Quantity Surveyor) in close coordination with other project staff, will provide quantity surveying expertise to the project in taking off quantities, preparing cost estimates, drafting contracts, managing the administration of contracts, and managing contractor payment process, in accordance with UNOPS guidelines and procedures and other applicable national and international standards. Specific responsibilities and duties include, but not limited to:

1. Construction management

• Contribute in the planning and coordinating work activities.
• Monitor and inform the Lead Civil Engineer to take action, communicate and report potential delays and/or cost overruns.
• Monitor and measure the works progress through the agreed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) as per the contract.
• Develop Independent Cost Estimates for design and construction works at different stages.
• Taking off quantities from architectural and structural drawings submitted by the consultants.
• Reviewing the BoQs submitted by the consultant and providing input to the Project Managers.
• Checking the accuracy of the rates of the engineer’s estimate submitted by the consultant.
• Participating in the evaluation of the bids submitted by the contractors.
• Checking and ensuring compliance of the BoQ to UNOPS rules and regulations and the Uzbekistan national rules and regulations as requested.
• Checking the accuracy of valuations of contractors’ payments.
• Evaluating and preparing the rates for the extra activities and variation requests ordered.
• Participating in progress review and project coordination meetings.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

2. Development of technical documentation

• Taking-off and calculation of quantities from Architectural, Civil & Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical drawings and details.
• Supporting in the preparation of valuations for contractors’ payments.
• Working with the preparation of valuations of variations if required for ongoing infrastructure projects.
• Preparing preliminary and detailed cost estimates.
• Supporting in drafting specifications and requirements as required.
• Working with other Engineers to collect and maintain construction cost data.

3. Reporting

• Collecting data and preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports.
• Participating in progress review and project coordination meetings, preparing minutes of the meetings.
• Supporting in developing bid and/or pre-qualification lists as well as responding to and negotiating bids.
• When required, working with the procurement team in the evaluation of bids and writing tender reports.
• Supporting knowledge management within the unit and reporting on related capacity building activities.

4. Knowledge sharing and management

• Contribute to the project evaluation process; highlight challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.
• Providing training and knowledge transfer to national/contractor personnel including advice on good quantity surveying, construction and engineering practices, environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.
• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice, actively interact with other Engineers and the Engineering community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System.
• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Impact of results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Associate Civil Engineer (Quantity Surveyor) directly impacts the successful delivery of the project on time, budget and quality above the expectations of all stakeholders. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of 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/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Secondary school (High School or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building or other related Construction Management field is not required, but may substitute for some years of relevant experience.

b. Work experience

• With a high school diploma, 7 years of relevant experience are required. Relevant experience is defined as experience related to quantity surveying, cost estimating, project engineering and building construction management.
• Knowledge of ABC or TNQurilish software or an alternative common in the country is mandatory.
• Knowledge of cost estimation and quantity surveying norms and standards of The Republic of Uzbekistan is mandatory.
• Knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD or an alternative) would be an asset.
• Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.

c. Languages

• Working knowledge of English is required.
• Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is required. Fluency in both is an asset.

Competencies

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: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: Local Support Level 7, LICA-7, ICS-7 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and project duration.

******* Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position*****

*** Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply*****

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.