United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Deadline: 15 June 2021

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the 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 organizations. With over 8,000 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.

Background Information - Zimbabwe

Following the devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the World Bank has allocated up to US$ 72 million to finance a recovery project for Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank has allocated US$ 25 million to finance the Post Cyclone Idai Emergency Recovery and Resilience Project (PCIREP) in Zimbabwe. The project addresses both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure). UNOPS has been requested to establish multiple projects in Zimbabwe to assist with the recovery of the selected areas in Zimbabwe that were most affected by the storm. There are multiple projects and sections that require Associate Civil Engineers including the World Bank funded Zimbabwe Hurricane Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP) and the AFDB funded PCIREP (Zimbabwe) Project. Three (3) Engineers will be required for the above mentioned projects. The project is looking for Associate Civil Engineers with experience across the various civil engineering spectrum from roads, bridges, water supply, electrification, irrigation, as well as structures.

Position Background

The Associate Civil Engineer is responsible for the direct implementation of project objectives. S/he must be able to apply with direction, the duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria, given below. The incumbents will be based in one of the field offices, with regular travel to other districts of Manicaland Province and will work in close collaboration with their respective Project Managers, Lead Engineers, and the KEMC Technical Services Unit. The Associate Civil Engineers will work under the guidance and supervision of and report to their respective Lead Engineers to monitor the construction work implemented by contractors and by direct implementation.

Position summary

Functional Responsibilities

Under direct supervision and overall guidance of the Lead Engineer and Project Manager, the Associate Engineer is required to perform the following specific duties and responsibilities ensuring their effectiveness, transparency and integrity: Responsible for day to day coordination with the contractors and suppliers and/or community labour according to the needs and requirements on site; Inspects and reports on Contractor’s works in progress ensuring that the Contractor meets the high quality standards expected by UNOPS; Checks Contractor’s set out and works, including compliance with Contract Specifications and ensures that contractors comply with their work plans to complete work with specified time frame; Provides support and guidance to the contractor and assists in resolving site problems, as necessary; Attends daily the project site(s) in order to monitor progress of works, identifies the existing problems and provides appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the Lead Engineer/ Project Manager; Responsible for preparation of progress reports on construction activities, according to the agreed timeframe of works and submission of such on a weekly basis to the Project Manager; Responsible for supervision of technical staff and consultants assigned to the project, and the assignment and monitoring of duties during the progress of works; Responsible for the preparation and verification of a database for the available materials shipped to the project, schedules of labor force, and monitoring of quality of such during the progress of works; Assesses the work activities of contractor/s, measures completed work and makes recommendations to designated UNOPS project managers for progress payments to contractors; Maintain records; compile periodic reports and any specific reports required by UNOPS standard procedures; Coordinates between Contractor/s and UNOPS; Evaluates and assesses works schedules and programmes; including the comparison with the schedule baselines and reports to the Lead Engineer and Project Manager accordingly; Checks all laboratory reports, operation and maintenance manuals, and keeps records and reports to the Lead Engineer /Project Manager accordingly; Checks, verifies and approves the interim payments submitted by the Contractor/s and submits detailed reports to the Lead Engineer/ Project manager; Assesses and reports on the project closing plans, archiving of cost and progress reports and hands over all related reports to the Lead Engineer /Project Manager; Manages all Health and Safety on sites; Performs other related duties as required from the Lead Engineer /Project Manager.

Core Values and Principles

Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles: Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles in day to day project management; Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at workplace; Champion and communicate project’s sustainability aspects with key stakeholders.

Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity: Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans; Seek opportunities to recruit qualified local staff; Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts.

Partnerships and Coordination: Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system; Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners.

Accountability for results and the use of resources: The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or process is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the PM to raise the issue to a supervisor.

Excellence: Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Education

A Higher Diploma in Civil & Structural Engineering from an accredited institution is required; A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering from an accredited university will be an added advantage and will be accepted in lieu of the respective years of experience.

Experience

Four years of relevant working experience in Civil & Structural Engineering Design is required; At least (one) 1 year field experience is required; Experience working on construction sites in remote rural areas is an advantage; Experience supervising construction teams is desired; Experience using Autocad, Autocad Civil 3D,CADS RCs is desired; Good team player and positive attitude is desired.

Language

Fluency in written and oral English language is required.

Core Values and Principles

Integrity and Inclusion- 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; Partnering- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one's 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); Results Orientation- 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; Agility- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts its 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; Solution focused- 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; Effective Communication- 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.