Job Description
Background
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) inAfghanistanis responsible for implementing a number of projects on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the aid donor community. The Afghanistan Operations Centre (AGOC) has been set up as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the Implementing Agency.
The functional objective of UNOPS AGOC is to deliver its projects in an efficient and effective manner, so as to achieve the outcomes sought by the project and to assist in the development goals of the Government of Afghanistan. The stated goal is to provide implementation services to the Government of Afghanistan, the donor community and partner agencies in the reconstruction and development ofAfghanistan. The adopted mission of UNOPS is to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders.
AGOC is currently implementing a project with the purpose of constructing theArthalBridgeinKabul. The project aims to contribute to achieving a safe, functional and integrated transportation network that ensures connectivity and that enables reliable movement of people and goods in the capital city ofKabul, through the construction of 42 meter bridge across theKabulRiverwhich divided the city North and South parts. This project is the part of Kabul Urban Roads Improvement Project (KURIP) formulated byKabulMunicipalityand indicated as a critical location for the traffic flow in the city.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Resident Engineer’s responsibilities will include but not limited to:
- Ensure that contractors are granted possession of site according to the approved design and scope of work;
- Review and evaluate technical submissions including geotechnical details applicable to the Project and make appropriate recommendations to the Project Manager;
- Ensure that the technical specifications in the bid documents have been dully accounted for in the papers submitted by the contractor;
- Assist Project Manager in establishing effective implementation procedures and require contractors to provide a thorough work program including schedule, methods and procedures to implement construction drawings and specifications and works as required. Make sure that the contractor work program and S curve are up to date;
- Assist Project Manager in conducting bidding processes, including bids evaluation and selection of implementing partners/construction companies and participate in award submissions to the UNOPS Contracts & Property Committees (either HQCPC or LCPC) and prepare the required documentations to support the submissions when required.
- Ensure that segments with geometric deficiencies, if any, are identified and suitable measures are taken to improve construction;
- Chair meetings with the contractor(s) to ensure they know the scope of work and the Project requirements; and to review work planned and tackle issues that need to be resolved;
- Provide Project Manager with reports including but not limited to the daily and weekly progress reports.
- Make certain that contractor has considered effect of factors such as weather including but not limited to heavy rainfall, frost, thermal stress from temperature difference and damage by vehicles to construction;
- Liaise with the designer and appropriate authorities to ensure that design or field issues are resolved and all affected utility services are promptly protected/relocated;
- Inspect contractors’ setting-out and ensure construction is in line with the contracted design, standard workmanship, site safety, and environmental and social protection standards;
- Review and approve pavement design submitted by the contractor to ensure it meets the contract specifications, and is properly applied;
- Review and approve the mix design for asphalt binder and wearing courses submitted by the contractor to ensure they meet the contract specifications;
- Review and approve for the Portland cement concrete mix design;
- Ensure standardization of tests and quality requirements for all geo-technical and material exploration (both soil and rock) for bridges and drainage crossings, embankments, cut slope susceptible to erosion/ land slide; various laboratory testing of soil samples, and construction material in general;
- Monitor laboratory tests by the contractor and require them independent tests when necessary to ensure quality;
- Ensure that Quality Control and Assurance are properly done and that the contractor laboratory facilities are properly equipped and satisfy contract requirements;
- Certify quantity and quality of all performed works reported by the Field Engineer and certify interim and final payment certificates in consultation with the Project Manager;
- Recommend contractual changes (line items, contract time and money) to Project Manager when appropriate;
- Maintain and update Project BOQ cost throughout the Project duration;
- Maintain full and detailed site records, including correspondences, survey data, material and workmanship quality, construction diaries, measurements and certifications, minutes of meetings, and all other relevant records;
- Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
- Fluency in English and ability to use MS Office software programs;
- Ability to live and work under difficult conditions;
- Proactive and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Ability to manage projects which include heavy machinery, mechanics training, engineering assessment, and construction;
- Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work on tight deadlines, and handle multiple concurrent activities;
- Ability to develop, maintain and supervise accountability systems for materials and services;
- Good knowledge of UN rules and regulations desirable;
- Ability to manage and mentor a technical team by demonstrating leadership;
- High degree of personal initiative and willingness to accept wide responsibilities;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
- Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentational), including ability to present sensitive issues/positions and to write reports and technical decisions quantitatively justified;
- Proficiency in usage of computers, office software packages and advance project management software as well as in handling of web-based management system.
- Ability to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS
Education/Experience/Language
- Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. A Bachelor’s degree in similar field with an additional two years relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- At least 11 years of work experience in bridges/roads construction and supervision, and review of such designs including flexible pavement construction;
- Similar experience within the UN system desirable;
- Similar experience in post conflict countries highly desirable;
- Excellent knowledge of both written and oral English is required.
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 () (available on our website), to EMO AGOC Human Resources, via e-mail to . Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.
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 candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at .
