Mozambique is recovering very slowly from the effects of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth which struck in quick succession in 2019. The country is in pursuit of peace between the Government and RENAMO - a process supported by UNOPS. At the same time, the North of Mozambique is experiencing an insurgency that has made thousands homeless and is already spilling into Tanzania.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE through the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) (the “Government”), to assist the Government in the construction & rehabilitation of educational, health and community infrastructure facilities (market places, business incubators, multi purpose hall). Under the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, UNOPS will construct these facilities in 80 sites in the Cabo Delgado Province (Cabo Delgado) of The Republic of Mozambique. The implementation time frame for the project is from 24 September 2021 to 30 April 2026 with all construction works expected to be completed by 30 April 2026.
Under the overall guidance of the Senior Project Manager and direct supervision of the Deputy Project Manager, the Quantity Surveyors’ Manager (QSM) will provide specialized technical and Quality Assurance support to the UNOPS Pemba Office.
The QSM is considered a valuable asset to the UNOPS team in Mozambique as partners begin to consider UNOPS as a partner in infrastructure development within the country. Such projects include construction of schools, hospitals, public administration buildings, markets, community centers, feeder roads that create access to markets and other social and commercial services, rehabilitation of WASH facilities, access to energy through rural electrification and provision of social infrastructure etc. Our delivery approach is evidence based, embeds sustainability, and mainstream gender, to ensure people are connected and are able to access basic services.
The QSM will give his/her technical expertise as required to produce, manage and coordinate Bill of Quantities, prepare Engineering Estimates, review and certify the Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), review and process the contract variations and train the Site Engineers in works measurement & development of take-off sheets or measurement sheets. S/he is responsible for managing staff under his/her supervision (the Quantity Surveyors) and ensuring high quality & efficient measurements & calculation and documentation and, also the variations are accurately & timely captured and processed so that site works are carried out on time and on or under budget.
The QSM will coordinate all activities between the QS team, the DPMs, Construction Supervisor/Lead Construction Engineers and UNOPS field engineers, support in the measurements and calculations of the construction activities as well as the compilation and processing of variations, conduct periodic progress review meetings with the aforementioned teams and provide feedback and report against the agreed tasks.
Using the UNOPS contract types for work and in line with the UNOPS Procurement Manual, policies, procedures and templates, the QSM will be responsible to develop, negotiate and manage measurement and calculation activities, ensuring compliance with all policies and guidelines and contract terms & conditions.
The QSM shall be prepared to travel to any site in or around the UNOPS Mozambique area of operations as required and as the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) permits.
The position requires effective communication, negotiations and experience in managing FIDIC based contracts
The list below is not representative of all duties required but indicative of the functions and responsibilities required for the position of the QSM.
Quantity Survey Activities Management
Quality Assurance
Team Management
Reporting
Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing
Quantity Survey Activities Management
Provide technical guidance, oversight, advice and guidance on the cost estimation, cost control, measurement and calculation aspects of all construction works in the project.
Support the Deputy Project Manager(s) and the Lead Engineers to plan, coordinate, monitor and manage construction activities in line with UNOPS infrastructure implementation plan and in line with the construction work schedule.
Spearheading the process of creating and consolidating work plans for the team, improving and maintaining the NCRP Infra variations tracker
Assist the DPM and Senior PM in progress tracking tools and physical progress for construction sites; provide quality assurance advice related to the construction activities.
Carry out accurate and comprehensive market research (local and international).
Prepare cost breakdowns and build up rates for each item of work to produce cost estimates.
Preparation of comprehensive technical specification where required, bill of quantities and detailed costs estimates in accordance with UNOPS, local and international standards.
Adopting context appropriate technology/techniques and embedding sustainable solutions as well as whole life-costing in the cost development process.
Prepare detailed technical specifications, when requested.
Contribute to the Design Review process to address feedback from Independent Design Reviewers until receipt of Certificate of Design review compliance.
Collaborate with the Procurement Team in the preparation and evaluation of Tenders.
Periodic site supervision and monitoring to take measurements and ensure that the work is done according to the Works Contract (i.e. drawings, technical specifications, BoQs etc).
Assist with testing and commissioning for handover and acceptance of deliverables to Client
Contribute to the production of As-built drawings and other closing documents.
Timely delivery of the expected output and identification of risk of delay and development of mitigation measures.
respond to other related tasks that will be assigned in response to the Country Office needs.
Plan, direct and monitor all quantity survey & measurement activities, during construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning activities; and provide direction to quantity surveyors’ team and advice to the engineers to ensure that construction measurements and payments are accurate and properly substantiated.
Assist and train the engineers to plan and coordinate measurements, take-off sheets and quantities of the construction activities.
Ensure that the timely review of payment certificates & related supporting documents, claims and or changes submitted by suppliers and contractors.
Identify issues and risks affecting the compliance with UNOPS rules, project implementation, the delivery of outputs and those related to contracts and keeping the Deputy Project Manager, Senior Project Manager and Lead Engineers informed.
Escalate to the Deputy Project Manager and Contract Manager issues related to the accuracy of measurement sheets, Interim Payment Certificates, claims and contract management (incl. changes).
Provide leadership, guidance, capacity building and support to the UNOPS Quantity Surveyors in the Quantity Survey activities.
Quality Assurance
Implement quality controls (QC) procedures, to ensure all infrastructure -activities are correctly initiated, managed, monitored, reported and closed in accordance with UNOPS policies and procedures.
Work closely with the Quantity Surveyors team and provide the required information, which will enable them to process and act on the changes/variations and IPCs’ reviews.
Thoroughly check and verify the works payment certificates (incl. Interim Payment Certificates- IPCs); control, check and verify the measurement/take off sheets (and any other supporting documents), and verify and certify the Interim Payment Certificate (IPC), which will make the basis for the approval of IPC by the Senior Project Manager/or Employer’s Representative.
Thoroughly check, analyse and process the Works contracts variations and or any other cost-related changes in the NCRP contracts.
Advise on and provide training to the UNOPS engineers on good quantity survey and works’ measurement practices and controls during construction and mitigate cost overruns and disputes and claims.
Take part in the bids’ evaluation panels as a key member.
Team Management
Lead, guide and mentor the Quantity Surveyors in cost estimations, works’ measurements and other quantity surveying activities;
Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
Foster in the Project Team a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach, positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
Reporting
Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress.
Support and or contribute in the preparation of monthly reports and quarterly assurance reports.
Prepare and submit to the Deputy Project Manager brief weekly updates and a monthly (or as requested) report within 5 days of month-end, summarizing progress of quantity survey team activities.
Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Deputy Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.
Participates in field assessments as needed and when required; mission reports, technical recommendations, guidance and construction for cost effective works.
Assist in generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
Manage project logs and records, and maintain and file project documents and other supporting documents.
Review project status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule and quality).
Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on construction quantity & cost estimates and measurement related topics for national personnel;
Update and maintain project documentation;
Participate in meetings, workshops, and consultations to gather feedback, address concerns, and foster positive relationships.
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in construction supervision areas.
