On Going Recruitment At UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Job Specific

The mission of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. In line with its mandate UNOPS acts as a central resource for the United Nations system in procurement and contracts management as well as in civil works and physical infrastructure development, including the related capacity development activities.

UNOPS Ghana Operational Hub (GHOH), located in Accra, Ghana is responsible for projects in Anglophone West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. GHOH is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with a subset of the regional portfolio of engagements, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

The core functions of the Operational Hub are to

• Liaise and develop engagements, and deliver services responding to partner needs.
• Leverage advice and integrate delivery modalities of the three Delivery Practices and the Global Partner Service Office.
• Maintain appropriate arrangements and capacity for direct transactional support for delivery of the sub regional portfolio.

UNOPS has significant experience in post conflict, post disaster and the field of reconstruction of conflict stricken Infrastructure systems.

Job Description

Job Title: Engineering Contract Specialist (Retainer)

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Infrastructure Advisor, the Engineering Contract Specialist will give his/her technical expertise as required to support contract formation activities including assembling request for proposal (RFP) documentation, the tender process, the evaluation process and preparation of the evaluation report. He or she is responsible for managing staff under his/her supervision and ensure high quality documentation is carried out on time and on or under budget. The projects may be in national and or international locations.

Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following substantive tasks. The tasks would involve but not be limited to

• Collate feedback and prepare consultation/assessment reports.
• The consultant will be requested to work from home and be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries under GHOH as required in accordance with UNDSS restrictions.

An agreed Terms of Reference (TOR) including the scope, deliverables and the maximum time duration will be agreed upon by UNOPS-GHOH and the Engineering Contract Specialist prior to commencement of each and every assignment.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Support in preparation of tender documents, including scope of works preparation and proposal, for issue to tenderers.
• Perform tender evaluations and prepare analyses and comparisons for review
• Participate in negotiation of suitable contract terms and preparation of contract documentation
• Post award administration of subcontract including review of incoming correspondence and drafting of appropriate responses for review and issue by project management, if required.
• Analyse, consider and respond to contractor variation requests and delay claims.
• Responsibility for the preparation of FIDIC Contract Documents for the construction works.
• Liaison with Procurement Specialists, Architects, Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors to manage the preparation of contract documents and to assist in the management of the construction activities of the Contractor in accordance with the requirements of the Contract;
• Monitoring project progress and evaluation of progress payments;
• Assessing claims for variations of contract submitted by the Contractor;
• Assisting dispute resolution;
• Attendance in project meetings and reporting on contractual issues, if required.
• Keeping records up to date of meetings and other relevant correspondence; and
• Contribute to the preparation of Monthly Progress Reports.
• Carrying out any relevant administrative and operational efforts as requested by the Senior Infrastructure Advisor.
• Actively engage in knowledge sharing and also improve one’s professional skills.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or related field. Applicant with Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or related field or related field with 9 years of relevant working experience may also be considered.
• A combination of a Technical Diploma with an additional 11 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience

• 7 years of experience in contract management and claims handling, preferably under FIDIC conditions and with a demonstrated capacity to deliver results in an international development environment. Previous experience as Contracts Manager, Senior Contracts Administrator or Contracts Specialist position is desirable.
• Candidates with experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies will be well regarded.
• Membership to in a recognized engineering body/ institution and a valid practicing license is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in written and oral English is required.

Competencies

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Creativity and innovation
• Commitment to continuous Learning
• Organizing and quality
• Results orientation
• Communications skills
• Teamwork skills
• Client focus

Functional Competencies

• Ability to work under pressure and tight schedules in a multi-cultural environment;
• Knowledge and capacity to manage project documentation to professional and accurate standards;
• Flexibility and ability to quickly grasp complex structures;
• Good team player attitude;
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands
• Ability to work accurately, control quality and multi-task;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;

Skills

• Infrastructure Assessments
• Advisory- Value Engineering
• Construction- FIDIC Contract Management
• Financial Forecasting
• Costing
• Knowledge on Conceptual design and Specification
• Quality Control skills in Project Management
• Budgeting, Progress measurement and Development skills