Background Information – Job-specific
Following the devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB 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 socioeconomic recovery in Zimbabwe. The projects addresses both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure). UNOPS has been requested to establish a multiple project 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 Lead Engineers including the World Bank funded Zimbabwe Hurricane Idai Recovery Project (ZIRP) and the AFDB funded Socioeconomic Recovery Project.
The Lead Engineers required will be based in the districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani.
Functional Responsibilities
The Lead Engineer (RE) is responsible for all aspects of the project life cycle. 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 with regular travel to other Districts Manicaland region regions and will work in close collaboration with their respective Project Managers and the KEMC Technical Services Unit.
The Lead Engineers will work under the guidance and supervision of and report to their respective Project Managers to monitor the construction work implemented by contractors and by direct implementation.
This list is not representative of all the duties required but indicates typical duties and responsibilities.
Stakeholder Management:
- Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products.
- Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance).
- Manage the information flows between the Project Manager and the rest of the construction teams.
Delivery and Performance:
- Implement approved work packages (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Managers
- Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary.
- Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers.
- Advise the Project Managers of any deviations from the plan.
- Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to clients and stakeholders is achieved. Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of service providers.
- Identify and report potential business opportunities for UNOPS to supervisor. Identify and report threats to UNOPS internal business case to supervisor.
Procedures:
- Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions).
- Prepare Checkpoint Reports and Monthly Progress Report.
- Ensure that all expenditures comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
- Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
- Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel.
- Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports).
Knowledge Management:
- Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice.
- Actively interact with other project management team, Engineers, quantity surveyor etc. Complete lessons learned as per reporting format.
- Incorporate lessons learned from others as per planning format.
Personnel Management:
- Lead and motivate the Construction teams.
- Ensure that behavioral expectations of team members are established.
- Ensure that performance reviews are conducted.
- Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the Supervisor.
- Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff). Ensure safety and security for all personnel and comply with UN DSS standards.
Core Values:
- Understand and respect National ownership and capacity:
- Seek opportunities to recruit qualified staff.
- Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts.
Service to Others:
- As the project is representative of the United Nations it should be firmly rooted in the principle of service to others. This should be considered carefully in the development of project plans.
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 processes is not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the RE to raise the issue to a supervisor.
- Ensure that the project produces the required products within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits.
- Maintain relevant records and files onsite.
- Under the guidance of the PM- prepare and circulate periodic reports on all aspects of the progress of the construction.
- Monitor Construction works progress.
- Notify the Project Managers promptly on all matters which require immediate decisions and/or actions, particularly aspects which are not within the RE’s authority.
- The RE shall be responsible for the progress control and quality control of construction works. S/He will be responsible for daily onsite supervision of all works of the contractor and thereby ensure onsite quality control of construction works.
Additionally, the RE will be responsible for:
- Daily coordination with relevant stakeholders such as other UN agencies, NGOs, Community and government counterparts and contractors.
- Quality Control
- Schedule and Time Management
- Providing relevant Information to enable reporting in line with the provisions of this Design Document and the MoU Certify Billing
- Closing the Project
Perform other related duties assigned by the respective Project Managers.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
- University Degree in Civil Engineering or other relevant discipline is required.
- Postgraduate qualifications will be an advantage.
- Seven years of progressive experience in management, site supervision with focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations required.
- Candidates with experience working on International /local projects in disaster prone areas will be preferred.
- Experience in contracting and/or consulting environment is also an advantage.
● Excellent understanding of written and oral English is essential.
Certifications
● PRINCE 2 Foundation Certification is preferred● A membership of a related professional association is an advantage
More Information
- Job City Chipinge, Chimanimani, Zimbabwe