UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position in the below project:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code: IDOC-08-APO-VA02
Post Title: Field Office Manager
Post Level: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Project: UNICEF Schools Reconstruction Project in Aceh and Nias
Duty Station: Gunungsitoli, Nias Island, Indonesia
Duration: 11 Months
Closing Date: 10 February 2008
Project Background
Following the disastrous earthquake and tsunami on 26 December 2005, a majority of the physical infrastructure in Aceh Province have been destroyed or seriously damaged. A subsequent powerful earthquake on 28 March 2005 had similar impact on Nias island. This vast devastation on Aceh province and Nias island further compounded the misery of the survivors who lost their family members and means of livelihoods. The rapid response on the international community provided immediate relief goods, services and funds for long-term infrastructure reconstruction works targeting priority sectors such as health and education. Part of this reconstruction funds is made available to the UN Children Fund (UNICEF) for the assessment and reconstruction of selected schools buildings in Aceh Province and Nias island. As the task is urgent and massive that requires specific engineering expertise, UNICEF requested assistance from the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to provide a range of project services towards the reconstruction of selected school buildings recommended by the Government of Indonesia (GOI).
In order to ensure the project is implemented in the most effective way, UNOPS has set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) in Banda Aceh, under which four regional filed offices in Banda Aceh, Calang, Meulaboh and Nias Island have been established. These field offices are responsible for project implementation in their respective area and are headed by a Field Office Manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Field Office Manager will primarily be responsible for construction and delivery of schools and management of the field office in his/her designated region. Each region is made up of one or more districts. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Project Coordinator, the Field Office Manager will have the following specific tasks:
1. Develop and implement an action plan for reconstruction of the approved number of schools in the assigned region, based on the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and approved timeline that provides guidance on strategic, logistic, resource and programming issues. Based on the PIP, immediate responsibilities are • Implement the approved systems and procedures in his/her region; • Identify and request PMU to recruit national support staff, if not already done, and monitor their performance; • Initiate and/or continue the process of project implementation.
2. Manage the office in terms of:
• Operating an imprest account or petty cash to accelerate project implementation; • Reviewing and endorsing documents that require approval from the Project Coordinator, such as award and signing of works contract, progress reports, field purchase orders, etc; • Clarifying and ensuring that UNOPS rules and regulations are observed; • All financial, asset management and other administrative matters; and • As a manager, ensure that UN security standards for safety of staff are adhered at all times.
3. Management of tendering and construction phase for each school, including preparation and distribution of tender documentation, evaluation of bids, contract preparation and award and implementation of school construction. Implementation of school construction includes all aspects of contract administration, and handover to UNICEF following certification of substantial completion; 4. Ensure the technical responsibilities of the office are met, particularly with regard to management of monitoring staff responsible for construction works to ensure quality is maintained in accordance with the Project Quality Plan. 5. Regularly report to the Project Coordinator and coordinate with the Project Management Unit (PMU) in Banda Aceh on the progress of project implementation including participation in periodic review meetings for the project; 6. Represent UNOPS in coordination meetings among agencies active in his/her region.
Required Competencies
- Leadership and team building skills; - Possess sound analytical skills to enable efficient and practical problem solving; - Possess sound physical health and mental strength to work in a stressful situation; - Ability to work under difficult conditions; - Ability to understand local cultural sensitivities and to adjust to the situation; - Understanding development/rehabilitation in a post disaster/conflict context, including understanding of local communities in such situations; - Understanding of the process of tendering, contracting and contract administration; - Dynamic and creative, using innovative approaches to overcome locally generated challenges; - Negotiations and ability to interact with other UN development partners at the regional level; - Interest and capacity to interact with project beneficiaries and local organizations, including NGOs.
Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language
- University degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or another relevant engineering field; - At least 7 years experience in construction works or implementation/management of engineering projects. Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting or in a post-conflict/emergency situation would be an advantage; - Ability to communicate well (written and verbal) in the English language; knowledge of Bhasa Indonesia would be an advantage; - Computer literacy; working knowledge on use of Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and MS project; - Prior experience with UN system would be an advantage. Knowledge of UNOPS/UNDP/UN regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practices would be desirable. - Prior experience with Light Gauge Steel Frame Structures would be an advantage.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (), to Mr. Siamak Moghaddam, Portfolio Manager, via e-mail to . Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail).
Additional Considerations
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at .
