Lead Construction Management Engineer

Background

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. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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 organizations.

Project Information

Mozambique is recovering very slowly from the effects of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth which struck in quick succession in 2019. The country is in pursuit of peace between the Government and RENAMO – a process supported by UNOPS. At the same time, the North of Mozambique is experiencing an insurgency that has made thousands homeless and is already spilling into Tanzania.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE through the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) (the “Government”), to assist the Government in the construction & rehabilitation of educational, health and community infrastructure facilities (market places, business incubators, multi purpose hall). UNOPS will construct these facilities in 20 sites in the Cabo Delgado Province (Cabo Delgado) of The Republic of Mozambique. The implementation time frame for the project is from 24 September 2021 to 31 December 2025 with all construction works expected to be completed by 31 July 2024.

Local Context

The project ‘Mozambique Northern Crisis Recovery Project’ (NCRP) will be based in and around the City of Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province supporting the resettlement of IDPs from temporary settlement sites to approximately 20 relocation sites. The project will support both IDPs and Host communities. The project comprises of 4 main objectives broken down into components as follows:

• Component 1: psychosocial social support and community peace building; and enhancing State-society trust and confidence.
• Component 2: provision of agriculture and fisheries inputs, cash for work programs for youth and women and the provision of kits for micro and small business development; and training on entrepreneurship and business management.
• Component 3: the restoration of basic services, small works for agriculture production, education and health infrastructure and the construction or rehabilitation of school and health infrastructure and community services and amenities in temporary and relocation sites and host communities.
• Component 4: strengthening of technical capacity of government authorities and local governments for conflict management. This component will also support project implementation, financial management, procurement, safeguards, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.

UNOPS has been entrusted with the critical role of supporting the national Government PIU to deliver this project and ensure adequate support is provided to build sustainable capacity in relevant institutions. Thus, the project will be implemented in collaboration with government authorities and will be guided by the various programme guidelines provided by the World bank – as the funding source.

The project team is expected to contain Programme management staff, Safeguards and Monitoring and Evaluation staff and infrastructure staff and will require significant stakeholder and partner coordination and management.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

• Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Lead Construction Management Engineer (LCME) will provide specialized technical, construction & contract management support to the UNOPS Pemba Office. The LCME will be responsible for the planning, coordination and management of construction activities and the timely delivery of the construction works and associated outputs in accordance within agreed timeframes, standards, and budget.
• The LCME will coordinate all activities between contractors and UNOPS field engineers, support in planning their activities/work plans, conduct periodic progress review meeting and assess progress against contractors’ work plans, and ensure that suppliers & contractors adhere to their agreed contractual obligations and that deadlines are met by contractual parties, supervise UNOPS field engineers/ personnel, ensure the application of QMP, HSS plans, EMP as per the UNOPS guidelines.
• Using the UNOPS contract types for works and in line with the UNOPS Procurement Manual, policies, procedures and templates, the LCME will be responsible to develop, negotiate and manage contracts, undertake the day-to-day contract management activities, ensuring compliance with all policies and guidelines and contract terms & conditions. The LCME will ensure that suppliers & contracts adhere to their agreed contractual obligations along with negotiating changes, enforcing and ensuring that deadlines are met by contractual parties, conduct periodical contract term review, attend to contract breaches, interpret and communicate contract terms.
• The LCME will work closely with the Senior Project Manager, Field Engineers, UNOPS Field Security Officers, Head of Infrastructure, Design Consultants, Contractors and Local Authorities and will ensure that issues, risks, changes to scope, design are recorded and communicated with the Project Manager.
• The position requires effective communication, negotiations and experience in managing FIDIC based contracts.

Functional Responsibilities

The list below is not representative of all duties required but indicative of the functions and responsibilities required for the position of the LCS/M.

•  Construction/ Contract Management.
•  Team Management.
•  Reporting.
•  Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing.

Construction/ Contract Management

• Provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on the management of all construction works undertaken through the project.
• Provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on contract management related to the construction works undertaken through the project.
• Assist the Senior Project Manager to plan, coordinate, monitor and manage construction activities in line with UNOPS infrastructure implementation plan and in line with the construction work schedule.
• Spearheading the process of creating and consolidating work plans, progress tracking tools and construction contracts; monitor and manage contracts.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and guidelines of the UNOPS Procurement Manual, and contract terms & conditions.
• Plan, direct and monitor in-field activities, during construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning activities, attend/mintor undertaking of punch list inspections; and provide direction to contractors and engineers to ensure that construction/project milestones and objectives are achieved per infrastructure implementation plan.
• Where required, assist the Contractors to plan and coordinate monthly, weekly and daily construction activities including monitoring site safety and construction quality.
• Undertake periodical review of construction progress and contracts, attend to contract breaches, interpret and communicate contract terms.
• Ensure that the timely review and processing of payment certificates, claims and or changes submitted by suppliers and contractors.
• Identify issues and risks affecting project implementation ,the delivery of outputs and those related to contracts and keeping the Senior Project Manager and Field Engineers informed.
• Consult with UNOPS IPAS legal and IPMG on issues related to the contract management, like breaches of contract, or claims and changes.
• Coordinate with field engineers for a weekly meeting to assess issues and risk related to contracts, support the team during pre-commissioning and commissioning activities.
• Ensure that contractors comply with the applicable Code of Conduct through the construction period.
• Ensure that agreed communication protocols between contractors/suppliers and UNOPS are adhered to by all parties.
• Where required conduct undertake periodic site visits & local inspections during the construction period to physically witness progress and quality of construction works.
• Participates in field assessments as needed and when required; mission reports, technical recommendations, guidance and construction for cost effective works.
• Assist in generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
• Advise on good environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works.
• Review and periodically update quality management plan and associated documents.
• Support in the preparation of monthly reports and quarterly assurance reports.
• Ensure that field engineers enforces fair labour practices/law by contractors/suppliers.
• Review project documentation compliance in respect to Completion & Operational Acceptance Certificates.
• Provide leadership, capacity building and support to the UNOPS engineers in the construction/ contract and the understanding and interpretation of contractual modalities.

Team Management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
• Foster in the Project Team a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach, positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Ensure safety and security for all infrastructure project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.

Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress and conditions on site through daily site record.
• Prepare and submit to the Senior Project Manager a monthly (or as requested) report within 5 days of month-end, summarizing progress of contractor activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent facts as required.
• Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.

Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on design related topics if and when required.
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in design of building infrastructure.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results

• The effective and successful achievement of results by the Lead Construction Management Engineer directly affects the overall efficiency of the individual team’s provision of construction activities, impacting the team’s capacity to efficiently & effectively service the operational needs of the project. Timely and accountable delivery of services, ensures client satisfaction & promotes the image and credibility of the project team & office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

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. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above).
• 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:

• Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management or Building Engineering or related field with 5 years experience in Construction/Contract Management or a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management or Building Engineering with 7 years experience in Construction/Contract Management can substitute in lieu of a Master’s Degree.

Experience:

• At least 5 years relevant professional experience in Construction/Contract Management for a Master Degree holder and 7 years in Construction/Contract Management for a bachelor degree holder is required.
• Candidates with experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies will be well regarded.
• Previous experiences in developing countries and knowledge in the country context related field.
• Candidates with experience working on International /local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas under the education sector will be preferred.
• Experience in managing FIDIC contracts is an asset.
• Proficiency in computers, office software packages (MS Office), in Google Suite is required.
• Working knowledge in Project planning software is an asset.

Certifications:

• Certification on Construction Management is an asset.
• Project Management Certification (for example PRINCE2®) or Project Management Professional (PMP®) is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of a Portuguese working language is an asset.

Contract Type, Level and Duration

• Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement – IICA.
• Contract level: ICS-10 (IICA-2).
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘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 This position is based in a non-family duty station.