The “Improving Access to and Value from Health Services in PNG: Financing the Frontlines Project” (IMPACT Health Project) aims to address critical challenges in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including the lack of key infrastructure, medical instruments, and supplies necessary for effective health service delivery.
The objective of the IMPACT Health Project is to increase the utilization of quality essential health services in the supported provinces: East New Britain, East Sepik, Central, and Chimbu. The government, through this initiative, plans to upgrade primary health care facilities by conducting comprehensive needs assessments and setting priorities for rehabilitation and equipment upgrades. Additionally, the IMPACT Health Project will strengthen the assessment and supervision of health facilities by implementing an integrated facility supportive supervision checklist.
This engagement contributes to Component 1 - Increase service delivery readiness and community-based service delivery, and Component 2 - Improve frontline service delivery performance of the IMPACT Health Project. The components of the scope of work of the engagement includes but not limited to:
A. Facility Audit: Conduct a Health Facility Audit (HFA) using pre-approved audit tools from the Facilities Service Branch for Level 2 to Level 4 facilities in three (03) provinces: Central, Chimbu and East Sepik.
B. Costed and Prioritized Investment Plan: Identify essential equipment (both medical and non-medical) that can be provided to all facilities, including those owned by the government and non-government entities, to enhance service delivery. The second priority is to identify infrastructure improvements, particularly the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, in the three provinces of Central, Chimbu and East Sepik. The list of priority interventions will be defined in alignment with the available budgetary envelope for this component.
C. Rehabilitation: Carry out rehabilitation efforts in up to four (04) priority facilities per province for the four provinces.
The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) is responsible for the planning, assessment, implementation, and supervision of rehabilitation works under the IMPACT Health Project. The role ensures that all engineering assessments and construction activities comply with the technical specifications outlined in the contract and meet relevant national building and safety regulations.
The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) also ensures that both the facility audit process and rehabilitation works are carried out in line with UNOPS HSSE standards and World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard requirements.
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Project Manager and in close collaboration with the project teams, the Civil Engineer performs a broad range of tasks, including assisting in project assessments, preparing bills of quantity (BoQS) and bid documents, supervising works on-site, and conducting technical evaluations to ensure compliance with design standards, quality assurance, occupational health and safety, and environmental management requirements.
The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) is required to work closely with the facility audit team, Contractor, procurement specialists, and the Provincial Health Authorities under the direct supervision of the Project Manager(s) and overall guidance of the Head of Programme, providing cross-functional support to ensure timely, compliant and high-quality project implementation.
The incumbent provides technical expertise, promoting best practices in construction management and ensuring high standards of consistency and quality in project outputs. Through these responsibilities, the Civil Engineer contributes to the achievement of organizational performance goals and overall project success.
The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and successful delivery of infrastructure projects within defined time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefit parameters.
III. Functions / Key Results Expected
Project Planning and Implementation
Support the preparation of project implementation plans, BoQs, cost estimates and schedules.
Provide technical input during feasibility studies, needs assessments, and design development.
Assist in the preparation of tender documents, bid evaluations, and contract award documentation.
Ensure compliance with technical specifications, contractual provisions, and organizational standards throughout project execution.
Oversee the technical delivery of the health facility audit to ensure that contractors follow the audit tool requirements and capture all necessary data;
Validate the completeness and accuracy of audit information and confirm that data is uploaded correctly into the digital audit tool;
Review audit reports submitted by the contractor to ensure they meet UNOPS reporting standards and provide timely feedback for corrections or improvements;
Lead site-level supervision for rehabilitation works, including verifying construction progress against approved designs, specifications, and schedules;
Review the Contractor’s progress inline with the agreed work program and flag any slippage or risks to the Project Manager;
Conduct routine monitoring using standardized checklists, document observations, and escalate issues that may affect quality, safety, or timelines;
Provide weekly technical updates to the Project Manager, summarizing progress, risks, HSSE compliance, and any emerging constraints;
Contract Management and Quality Assurance
Coordinate daily and weekly activities with contractors, Provincial Health Authorities, and facility personnel to ensure smooth implementation of audits and rehabilitation works;
Review contractor workplans, method statements, HSSE plans, and schedules, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements;
Verify completed works and support the preparation of progress certificates and handover documentation;
Track contractor performance, identify non-compliance, and support the Project Manager in enforcing contractual obligations;
Monitor contract implementation, supplier performance and ensure timely payments;
Maintain operational records and ensure compliance with UNOPS administrative procedures;
Undertake Supervisory check to ensure timely, cost-effective and high-quality delivery of construction activities.
Oversee contractor performance, including site safety, environmental standards, and quality control.
Liaise with contractors, consultants and engineering teams to resolve technical issues and support effective construction management.
Financial Inputs
Provide engineering inputs for cost estimates, variation requests, and verification of quantities for payment processing;
Review the Contractor’s payment request inline with the actual progress;
Support the Project Manager on verifying claimed works align with verified progress on site before financial approval is recommended.
Highlight cost risks related to delays, rework, or scope gaps that may affect the project budget.
Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE)
Lead on health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance and activities for the project.
Monitor contractors compliance to UNOPS HSSE requirements.
Maintain and update the HSSE plan/s.
Verify material quantities, monitor site activities, and ensure HSSE compliance on all work sites.
Provide routine HSSE reports and updates.
Monitoring, Reporting and Compliance
Monitor progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and project success criteria. Contribute data and analysis for reporting.
Prepare and submit progress reports, site monitoring documentation, and handover/close-out reports.
Ensure compliance with organizational systems, reporting requirements, and accountability standards.
Identify risks and issues, recommend corrective actions, and track remedial measures to maintain delivery within scope, budget and schedule.
Stakeholder Coordination
Contribute to effective communication and coordination among internal teams and external stakeholders.
Coordinate with Provincial Health Authorities, District Health Officers, and facility staff to plan audit schedules and rehabilitation activities. Facilitating clear communication between the contractor and health authorities to minimize disruptions to essential services during construction.
Represent UNOPS in stakeholder briefings, technical discussions, and site visits to help align expectations and ensure transparency in implementation.
Draft correspondence, minutes and briefing materials as required.
Support visibility and communication activities consistent with UNOPS branding and guidelines
Collaborate with procurement teams, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth project implementation.
Support engagement with local authorities, and beneficiaries to strengthen coordination and project ownership.
Knowledge Building and Sharing
Maintain organized records of audit findings, supervision logs, site photos, designs, and technical reviews to support institutional learning.
Identify practical improvements to audit processes, rehabilitation methods, or HSSE practices based on field experience.
Contribute to lessons learned, case studies, and technical briefs that strengthen future phases of the IMPACT Health Project and support national capacity development.
Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions as appropriate.
Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
