Background Information – Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management (full service, back on track), HR and Transactional Services, Grants Management and Technical and Advisory Services.

Uzbekistan Office

Under the purview of AUMCO, the UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, established in Tashkent in October 2022 supports the Government of Uzbekistan’s development efforts in the country, through the provision of effective project management, infrastructure and procurement services. At present, the office has signed and has been implementing three engagements contributing to SGD3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), while actively working with the Government of Uzbekistan and development partners in diversifying its portfolio in line with the country’s development priorities including education.

Project Information

The UNOPS Uzbekistan Project Office currently has two ongoing projects both of which are major contributions to SDG3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).

The first project, “Support to Development of Oncology Services in Uzbekistan” is funded through a major loan from the Islamic Development Bank. UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan in strengthening the preparedness of its national healthcare system and preventing and treating oncological cases in an effective and timely manner. By identifying, procuring, delivering, and operationalizing urgently needed medical, laboratory, radiological, and ICT equipment, the project will significantly contribute to improved access and quality healthcare services for local communities in 14 regional locations including Tashkent and throughout the country.

The second project, “Uzbekistan COVID-19 Emergency Response Project” with the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service (SES) is funded through two major loans from the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. In this project, UNOPS will support the Government of Uzbekistan to upgrade up to 38 existing laboratories and treatment facilities across the country, procure diagnostic equipment and supplies, and establish an ICT system for monitoring the epidemiological situation to strengthen preparedness and resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics.

Under the project “Improving Healthcare in Kashkadarya Region: Delivering Infrastructure Design for New Hospitals in Karshi and Beshkent Cities” signed with the Government of Uzbekistan, UNOPS is responsible for the management of the project and delivery of the infrastructure design of two new hospitals in the Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan. The design of two new hospitals is a step towards the Government’s ambitious healthcare reform agenda, aimed at providing improved access to quality healthcare to the people of Uzbekistan. The project is close to the construction phase and aligned with the government’s priorities under its far-reaching reform agenda with an overall objective for Uzbekistan to improve the health of the whole population through universal health coverage.

*** Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position***

Functional Responsibilities

 

Reporting to the Lead Construction Management Engineer, the Senior Associate Construction Management Engineer is expected to support the implementation of the project activities through the provision of technical expertise and the application of best practices in the project implementation, and more specifically delivery of the following functions:

1. Support to construction management

• Support the day-to-day supervision, progress and management of the planning and coordinating work activities.
• Monitor and take action, communicate and report potential delays and/or cost overruns.
• Monitor the project construction work progress to ensure construction works are completed on time and to quality standards as per the contract and project design documentation.
• Assist in monitoring and measuring the work progress through the agreed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) as per the contract.
• Verify and inform that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly of eventual deviations.
• Provide guidance to the contractor and assist in resolving site problems, as necessary.
• Assess the work activities of contractor/s, measure completed work and make recommendations for progress and interim payments to contractors.
• Support the Management of Construction Contracts, in collaboration with supervisors and the Project Manager.
• Prepare relevant risk assessments, method statements, checklists, and permits. etc. as they related to Health, Safety and Social Environment on site.
• Oversee dimensional control and site surveying works, engineering control of the works etc.
• Oversee and enforce Health, Safety and Social Environment compliance on sites.
• Participating in progress review and project coordination meetings.
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

2. Support to technical documentation

• Support design management process for the office infrastructure projects for office by ensuring that the project design documentation and design reviews are completed accordingly, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and provide input to the work of the Design Consultant in design development and documentation as well as coordinate with the UNOPS Design Review Unit on the associated Design Review process and certification to obtain the UNOPS Design Review Certificate.
• Support in developing the work plan for the construction of the new boarding facility at the selected location, to ensure its completion within the time, scope, quality and budgetary requirements defined in the Project Agreement.
• Support in the preparation of project/contracts-related documentation such as periodic progress reports, site monitoring reports, stakeholder meeting minutes, engineer’s instructions and variation orders, contractor’s bills review reports, certifications, client hand-over documents and contracts close-out reports.
• Maintain project documentation, including payment registers, variation registers, site safety inspection registers, site diaries, instructions to contractor registers, drawing registers, visitor registers, sample approval registers, concrete test registers, progress photos, etc.
• Assist in developing and implementing the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental Plans according to UNOPS’ rules and regulations.
• Contribute towards preparing the Interim Payment Certificates (IPC) on a monthly basis for each site and prior to the payments to the contractors.
• Prepare quality management templates and support the monitoring of the quality of the works as per the UNOPS Quality Management System.
• Compare all changes to permissible variations and prepare the notes to the file in support of the changes.
• Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, etc., as required, in English and Uzbek and/or Russian, and provide translations, as required.
• Working with other Engineers/Architects to collect and maintain construction data.

3. Reporting

• Provide weekly and monthly reports detailing all project matters including quality, health and safety, environmental and financial, as well as any issues relating to possible delays, cost overruns, variations and any other matter as agreed with the Lead Construction Management Engineer.
• Provide data and information about project work for reporting purposes.
• Monitor closely and report on the design services’ progress against the schedule, including all issues encountered.
• In alignment with the Lead Construction Management Engineer, collect and document the Project quality register, issue register, risk register and lessons learned log in the time frame stipulated by the Project’s strategic documents.
• When required, working with the procurement team in the preparation and evaluation of bids and writing tender reports.

4. Stakeholder and Personnel Management

• Maintain close collaboration with the implementing partners, suppliers and contractors at the site and have regular meetings with them to keep abreast of the progress of the construction activities.
• Support the Lead Construction Management Engineer in managing the team of Associate Engineers/Architects including their day to day work, technical support and guidance and keeping them engaged and motivated in their jobs.

5. Knowledge sharing and management

• Contribute to the project evaluation process; highlight challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.
• Support the training and ensure knowledge transfer to national/contractor personnel including advice on good construction and engineering practices, environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.
• Contribute towards the capacity building of local contractors subject to Health and Safety and Social Environment by providing training and briefing on specific toolbox talks.
• Contribute to disseminating and sharing best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.
• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice, actively interact with other Engineers and the Engineering community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practices on the Knowledge System
• Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Associate Construction Management Engineer directly impacts the successful delivery of the project on time, budget and quality above the expectations of all stakeholders. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

 

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Secondary school (High School or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a related field with three (3) years of experience or an advanced (Master or equivalent) university degree in Project Engineering, Architecture, Building or other related Construction Management or a related field with one (1) year of experience is desired and may substitute for additional years of experience.
• Technical Supervisor Certificate issued by the Government of Uzbekistan is a strong advantage.
• Additional certification in subject matter is an advantage.

Work experience

• With a high school diploma, 7 years of relevant experience are required. Relevant experience is defined as experience related to project engineering and building construction management.
• Within these 7 years, at least 1 year of implementing works under complex quality, safety and environmental management plans is essential.
• Knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD or an alternative) is required.
• Knowledge of MS Project (or an alternative) would be an asset.
• Experience in full-time site management directing engineering technical trade staff is highly desirable.
• Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.

Languages

• Intermediate English is required.
• Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is required. Fluency in both is an asset.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: L-ICA-7 (ICS-7)
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Competencies

 

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.