Water Engineer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-9 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-9 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS Hub in Amman implements projects on behalf of UN agencies and bilateral donors and in close coordination with the Government and national authorities. With an established presence across the region, the office runs operations including large-scale procurement, project development and technical management, and provides financial, human resources and infrastructure-related services.

The functional objective of UNOPS Hub in Amman is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner and in line with the principles, rules, and regulations of UNOPS, to achieve the outcomes sought by the clients. UNOPS has been active in Lebanon since 2015, delivering projects in support of the Government of Lebanon and partners. Since the explosion at the Beirut Port on 4 August 2020, UNOPS has significantly scaled up its presence in the country to support the humanitarian response and both its presence and portfolio have undergone expansion.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a fully diverse workforce.

Project Information:

UNOPS is undertaking a project that aims at improving access to critical municipal services and increasing the resilience of the Beirut and Bourj Hammoud municipalities which were affected by the Beirut Port explosion, through the rehabilitation of damaged municipal infrastructure and assets as well as restoration of critical urban services, such as water and sanitation, roads, waste management, and energy, including renewable energy, in an integrated and gender-sensitive manner, contributing to improved quality of life as well as by creating local economic activities for all.

Besides the improved public service delivery, the project entails undertaking accompanying tension-mitigation measures, extensive community engagement activities, and grants support to local CSO/ NGOs that aims at reducing tensions in the targeted communities, enhancing community resilience, and helping rebuild the trust in the local authorities.

The project has a duration of 60 months (including 12 months for the Defect Notification Period), and will be implemented in coordination with the governmental, municipal, and relevant community stakeholders in Lebanon, to ensure that projects activities are designed in consultation with relevant governmental authorities and to reflect community needs.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct management of the Lead Construction Management Engineer, the overall supervision of the Senior Project Manager- SPM, and in coordination with Project Team Members, the Water Engineer, in what concerns Water related activities, shall support the Lead Construction Management Engineer in: - Coordinating the day-to-day design and implementation of rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities related to water disciplines across all projects under the engagement. - Ensuring that the best practices and techniques of key technical design and construction management work areas are embedded in project implementation from planning to handover phase.

In particular, the Water Engineer will support in ensuring that all the design, rehabilitation, construction and infrastructure water related activities are implemented in compliance with quality assurance requirements, including through a proper mobilization and management of resources and ensuring that Health, Safety, Social and Environmental- HSSE management and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse - PSEA practices are implemented within the design and implementation of rehabilitation, construction and infrastructure activities of the projects.

Monitoring and Progress Controls 1. Maintain records for all site memos and instructions, inspections, testing, shop drawings review, measured quantities of work and material on site, photos, etc. 2. Participate in identifying risks, proposing mitigation measures and solutions, and escalate issues where deemed necessary. 3. Support the Lead Construction Management Engineer, in what concerns Water related activities, in the below tasks:

• Engaging relevant Project Team Members during the implementation of the design and the implementation of rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities as per the project requirements, assessing and incorporating the extent of their input into the projects.
• Preparing progress reports on rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities, according to the agreed timeframe of works and submission of such on a weekly basis to the Project Manager.
• Planning, supervising, and managing the checking, verification of the quantity survey, payment requests submitted by Consultants/ Suppliers/ Contractors, and submit detailed reports in this respect with recommendations to the Lead Construction Management Engineer.
• Planning, supervising, and managing projects’ closure plans, and reporting back to the Lead Construction Management Engineer.
• Participate in site meetings as and when needed.
• Liaising, coordinating, developing and maintaining good working relationships with the municipal authorities, ministries, and other governmental entities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and targeted communities as needed such as for obtaining necessary permits and approvals.
• Ensuring compliance with UNOPS Organizational Directives, Administrative Instructions, Project Management Manual and UNOPS Construction Templates.
• Assisting in the management of the project information flows and overseeing change controls, risk and issue registers by conducting oversight procedures.
• Liaising with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in the preparation of reports.
• Ensuring accurate and timely reporting of progress and conditions on site through daily site records prepared and submitted by the Project Team in accordance with UNOPS procedures and practices.
• Assisting the Lead Construction Management Engineer in the timely preparation of various types of reports (Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, ad-hoc, etc..) and presentations pertaining to the implementation of the projects.
• Supporting Quarterly Assurance, HSSE, and PSEA inspections and reporting, following up with Project Team Members to prepare reports on incidents and provide information for daily/ weekly/ monthly/ quarterly assurance and yearly reporting to the Head of Programme and the Project Management Office.
• Liaising and cooperating with the Community engagement and social staff- Project Team Members on all projects related matters (e.g., Grievance and Redress, Social aspects, community engagements, etc.).
• Assisting the Lead Construction Management Engineer in the close coordination with the Programme Management Advisor and the Partnerships Specialist, support in stakeholders’ relationship building, promoting a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach as would be engaged by the Programme Management Advisor.

Summary of Key Functions:

Under the direct supervision of and in coordination with the Lead Construction Management Engineer, the Water Engineer shall, in what concerns Water related activities, perform the below functional responsibilities: - Technical Tasks - Administrative Tasks - Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1) Technical Tasks: - Work closely, with the Lead Construction Management Engineer and the Project Team Members in the planning and scheduling of tasks and resources allocation. - Support in performing the tasks in accordance with the applicable Quality Management plan (QMP)/ Quality Assurance (QA)/ Quality Control (QC) protocols and regulations and requirements. - Assist in planning, supervising and managing the review of design briefs, design reports, comprehensive design documentation, calculations, drawings, specifications, schedules, Bills of Quantities, Cost Estimations, related reports, and other project documents of water projects, ensuring compliance with the relevant international standards and codes, good engineering practices, client’s requirement, UNOPS design manual, project requirements and budget, including identifying improvements in the designs. - Support in conducting review and assessment of utility infrastructure facilities- new and existing networks, rehabilitation, expansion, and extension (to include Potable Water: including transmission and distribution, water storage, pumping stations; sewage and rainwater networks, Pumping Stations including all components), and producing reports and corresponding estimates. - Support in performing expansion forecast for water networks based on metering data, socioeconomic and demographic factors, etc. - Assist in producing terms of references for consultancy services. - Assist in the elaboration and finalization of the bidding documents for the solicitation of proposals for consultancy services, supply of goods, as well as works construction. - Support in liaising with the Procurement Officials and the pertinent Project Team Members to schedule and coordinate all the necessary activities related to the procurement activities and to ensure that the Consultants Terms of Reference as well as technical sections of the supply of goods and works implementation tender documents are prepared in compliance with UNOPS Procurement Manuals and standard bidding documents. - Participate in proposals evaluation committees. - Support in providing responses to the queries raised by stakeholders and UNOPS Design Review Team during final review of completed design package. - Assist in planning, supervising and managing the engagement of retainers and support staff in the rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities (Review of consultants’ and contractors’ deliverables, sites visit, receiving and inspection of goods, testing and commissioning of works and installations, etc.). - Support planning, supervising, managing, and preparing implementation schedules (utilizing Primavera, MS Project, etc.), and contribute to performing periodic updates and revisions of the schedules to meet the targets. - Assist in reviewing progress and financial reports (invoices) submitted by consultant/ suppliers/ contractors and recommend to the Lead Construction Management Engineer the release of payments after technical assessment. - Assist in planning, supervising, managing, and carrying out technical reviews (of the Consultants’, Suppliers’, or Contractors’ technical submittals, materials catalog sheets, Shop Drawings, As-Built Drawings, reports, deliverables, etc.), conducting site inspections, assessments, quantity surveying and preparing reports as required and providing advice on suitable alterations, guiding contractors on all related issues, and ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by UNOPS, while delivering the projects within the set time and budget constraints and the signed contracts. - Assist in keeping files for all given tasks and instructions, measuring quantities of work and material on site. - Assist in planning, supervising, and managing testing, commissioning, training, and handing over of goods/systems deliverables to clients.

2) Administrative Tasks: - Assist in the coordination and follow up with the contractors, partners, and stakeholders. - Assist in planning, supervising, and managing scheduling requested tasks related to Water works. - Assist in planning, supervising, and managing the maintenance of engineering related materials and records, compile periodic reports and any specific reports required by UNOPS standard procedures. - Responsible for timely delivery of and reporting on the expected outputs of his/her tasks and highlighting possible late delivery prior to the event. - Perform any other tasks relevant to the Infrastructure and Engineering water activities when required; - Perform other related duties as requested by the Lead Construction Management Engineer and/or the Senior Project Manager; and - Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, as well as Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) aspects into the project during the design and works’ implementation phases.

3: Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing: - Contribute to the project evaluation process, highlighting challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle. - Assist in providing training and knowledge transfer to the Project Team Members, consultant/contractor personnel, including advice on sound construction and engineering practices, and appropriate HSSE requirements during construction. - Assist in the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building. - Provide feedback to the Lead Construction Management Engineer and report on lessons learnt, with an aim towards continuous improvement of working practices.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - A Master’s Degree preferably in Water Supply and Sanitation, Civil/Hydraulics/Hydrology/, Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering disciplines from a recognized University is required. - A Bachelor's Degree preferably in any of the above indicated engineering disciplines in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience in designing and supervising execution of utility water networks (Transmission, Distribution, Water Treatment, Storage, and Pumping Stations) may be accepted in lieu of a Master's Degree. - Membership of the Lebanese Order of Engineers and Architects (Beirut or Tripoli) is an asset. - Possession of Project Management Certificate is an asset.

Experience:- At least two (2) years or more of experience in designing and supervising execution of utility water networks (Transmission, Distribution, Water Treatment, Storage, and Pumping Stations) is required. - Experience in designing and supervising execution of buildings plumbing systems is an asset. - Experience in designing and supervising execution of waste water treatment projects is desirable. - Work experience with an international organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset. - Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations is an advantage. - Experience in computer design software, particularly AutoCAD latest version is required.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA Specialist-9 Contract duration: On-going Contract with current budget availability until December 2025.

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.
• This position is stationed in Beirut, Lebanon, which is a family duty station.

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.