Lead Civil Engineer , Multiple positions, LICA 10, Port Moresby, PNG At UNOPS

Background on South East Asia and the Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The Asia Region (AR) – South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops, and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia, and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines, and EAPMCO Cambodia.

Background on EAPMCO Papua New Guinea:

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea office was formed in early 2020 to support infrastructure design and construction, sustainable procurement, capacity development, program management, and facilitate funding sources in Papua New Guinea. EAPMCO PNG has demonstrated significant growth and portfolio diversification potential. It is recognized as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement, and governance support to the Government of PNG.

EAPMCO Papua New Guinea Project Information:

Ongoing Projects:

PNG WASH Project: Jointly implemented by UNICEF, Water PNG, and UNOPS, this EU-funded project aims to increase access to and utilization of safe water supply, sanitation, and improved hygiene practices in locations with high population concentrations. UNOPS is responsible for the technical implementation of the infrastructure component.

Papua New Guinea Covid-19 Emergency Procurement: A $10.4 million project funded by the World Bank, supporting the Government of PNG’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and strategies for post-Covid recovery. UNOPS is responsible for the procurement and installation of incinerators in health facilities and solar installations in hospitals.

Health Procurement Project PNG (Emergency TB): In collaboration with the World Bank and the National Department of Health, UNOPS supports the supply of medical equipment, consumables, laboratory, and medical supplies to improve the quality and expand coverage of health services in Western Province, Daru Island, and National Capital District.

Renewable Energy Projects: Implemented by UNOPS and funded by the Australian government, this projects aims to provide practical and sustainable energy access solutions in Telefomin, Daru, Buka, and Baiya. The project focuses on developing optimal technologies for local mini-grids using a solar PV/hydropower hybrid system.

New Projects:

UNOPS PNG office has several projects in the pipeline to be finalized throughout 2024. These projects encompass health infrastructure and sustainable procurement, climate change resilient infrastructure, and community development infrastructure.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The purpose of the Lead Civil Engineer LICA 10 position is to provide technical expertise and support in the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of infrastructure projects. The civil engineer will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of infrastructure projects, adhering to quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints. The scope of the assignment includes collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, managing project operations, engaging with stakeholders, managing finances, preparing reports, and working in complex environments with limited resources.

The position is based in Port Moresby with frequent travel to sites.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager the Lead Civil Engineer will undertake following tasks/duties in geographically determined area of responsibility:

Technical Design and Procurement
Construction works supervision
Quality Assurance
Monitoring and progress controls
Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Technical Design and Procurement Support

Prepare the Design Briefs/concept design report and support the Project Manager with the management of the concept design review process as directed by the UNOPS Design Review Manager.
Submit Design Briefs for all planned infrastructure -activities including; conceptual designs, specifications, standards, budget estimates, timeframes and strategies for execution;
For all infrastructure activities approved to proceed, prepare Final Design documentation, including: Scope of Works (SoW), site information, budget, specifications, schedules, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), calculations and construction drawings;
Submit requisition – and coordinate with Procurement unit to complete the procurement process, including: development of relevant tender documents, evaluation of tenders and issuing of works contracts;

2. Construction works supervision

Provide expert opinion/advice to the Project Managers and the other engineers on all engineering issues for assigned works.
Contribute to development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the Project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery according to the scope budget and time.
Provide regular reports to the Project Managers and provide inputs for the periodic and final Reports to inform donors and the key stakeholders on Project progress.
Manage contractors and contract execution to ensure delivery according to the scope, budget and time and in compliance with the technical documentation.
Formulate and/or check and revise Terms of Reference, scope of works and all technical documents/designs in line with national legal framework and UNOPS norms and standards.
Ensure that documentation on site are kept according to operating procedure for planning and construction (daily logs, quantity books, approvals, act of appointments, tests, attest documentation).
Maintain the cooperation with the construction supervisors, contractors, designers and local authorities.
Ensure respect of Health and Safety procedures on the site and notify the Supervisor of any irregularities immediately after.
Perform other duties as assigned by the PM in the agreed timeframe.

3. Quality Assurance

Implement quality controls (QC) procedures, to ensure all infrastructure -activitiesare correctly initiated, managed, monitored, reported and closed in accordance with UNOPS policies and procedures.
Supervise the quality of the construction materials and collected attest documentation.
Verify and contribute to technical specifications of products, apparatus, services and associated quality material
Ensure the contractor provides a method statement for works prior commencement and performs the quality check of the presented document.
During the Defect Notification Period (DNP), intervene as required and liaise with the contractor to fix in a timely manner issues that arise and are covered by the defect notification period.

4. Monitoring and progress controls

Conduct needs assessment of the Infrastructures that are to be reconstructed and provide comprehensive needs assessment reports.
Review and contribute to the Contractor’s Quality Health and Safety, Social and Environment plans and ensure its compliance.
Ensure on site works are provided in accordance to all Health and Safety, Social and Environmental requirements, norms, national and international best practices
Hold site coordination meetings with the contractors, technical supervisors and other stakeholders as necessary and provide minutes of meetings for construction-related meetings.
Provide Site Visit Reports on Project related activities, specifying work progress and arising issues
Contribute to development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the Project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery according to the scope budget and time.
Liaise with government agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and ensure project objectives are met.

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:

Assist with capacity building and training in sound engineering practice for national and local government personnel;
Ensure that lessons learned and challenges are documented throughout the project stages and shared with the PM;
Ensure final reports and handover reports are completed on time and to the required quality;
Update and maintain project documentation and filing system;
Performs any other related duties as may be assigned;
Participate in meetings, workshops, and consultations to gather feedback, address concerns, and foster positive relationships.

Impact of Results

Assigned civil works / infrastructure projects implemented following the envisaged timeline, budget, in line with national construction legislation and UNOPS norms and standards.
Strong technical contribution to individual project development, including financial aspects.
Reports from meetings and site visits produced within 2 working days.
Provision of photo documentation illustrating the infrastructure activities on the site.
Timely, accurate and worthy contribution for all reports envisaged as standard project reporting.

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Lead Civil Engineer directly impacts on achievement of the projects and 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.

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.

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. 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:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or a related field.
A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience in civil engineering and infrastructureprojects in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is required.
Proven experience in managing and coordinating water and sanitation, structures or other infrastructure projects, including design and construction supervision is required
Experience in production of drawings, BOQS, specifications and design reports is an asset.
Experience in managing FIDIC contracts is desirable.
Experience in working with government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders involved in health infrastructure projects is an asset.
Strong knowledge of project management principles, including budgeting, scheduling, and quality control is preferred.
Proficient in using computer-aided design (CAD) software and other engineering tools.

Certifications:

Professional engineering license or registration is highly desirable.
Additional certifications in project management or relevant technical fields are a plus.

Languages:

Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: LICA
Contract level: ICS 10 / LICA-2
Contract duration: Ongoing (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

Application open only to PNG nationals or with valid residence.

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.