Project Civil Engineer Specialist

The project “Advancing Meteorological Observations System for Resilient Development (AMOS- RD)”, funded by the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF), is an initiative aiming to support and strengthen Solomon Island’s capacities to provide reliable and effective meteorological observation services. Implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) over five years period between August 2024 to July 2029, the project aligns and contribute to the overall objective of supporting the mandate of the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) as the lead government entity for the administration of the meteorological information and services in the country.

The overall goal of the AMOS- RD Project is to improve weather and climate prediction products by localizing and implementing the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) in the country. GBON, an initiative under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), aims to strengthen and standardize the global collection of essential weather and climate data. Its primary objective is to ensure that all countries, especially those with limited resources, contribute consistent, high-quality observational data that can be used for accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and early warning systems. GBON sets specific requirements for the minimum density and frequency of surface and upper-air observations, ensuring that critical data, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, are standardized and regularly reported. This network is vital for improving global data exchange and supporting more reliable, timely weather predictions, which are essential for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Within this framework, the AMOS-RD Project will enhance local observation systems by providing, installing, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the project will foster an enabling environment for data collection, monitoring, and exchange by promoting the development of essential human and institutional capacities. It will also offer the necessary coordination and expertise to complement existing in-country capacities and systems.

To ensure effective and timely implementation of the AMOS-RD project, UNDP Solomon Islands office is in the process of setting up the Project Management Unit (PMU). Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor under the PMU, the Civil Engineer Specialist will work closely with the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, Bureau of Meteorology Australia and other relevant subject matter experts as well as the UNDP Operations, Programme and Project staff to deliver the annual work plans and contribute to project results.
 

• Conducts field visits to project locations requiring specific technical assistance and, based on performed assessment recommends the best solution for project implementation and contracts management, to mitigate any deviation and ensure timely delivery;
• Together with the PMU, support design and related costing for construction intervention, including the preparation of TORs and technical documents, including layouts, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), cost estimates, technical descriptions, designs and market search 
• In coordination with the PMU, facilitate coordination and engagement with local relevant stakeholders and identify and monitor possible local social and environmental risks associated with the construction works. 
• Guide the identification of proper risks management measures, based on the social and environmental safeguards screening and environmental assessment, including considering to the extent possible appropriate grievance mechanisms, and mechanism for stakeholder engagement to ensure ownership and local acceptability of project interventions.

Provide technical accompaniment, coordination and overall quality assurance in preparation and during the construction works

• Provide oversight of rehabilitation and construction works by contractors, ensuring material quality, construction techniques, and work finishing meet standards and compliance with UNDP policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor work progress and identify potential deviations on the ground. 
• Certify that all repairs and construction comply with national Building Codes and public Building Guidelines as well as with SOFF standards. 
• Review and refine technical documents, including layouts, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), cost estimates, technical descriptions, and designs and provide technical support throughout all procurement processes.
• Ensure all rehabilitation/construction documentation complies with national laws and "build back better" standards and sign off on final handover documentation in coordination with government counterparts.
• Develop technical project and tender documentation (ToR, tender dossier, etc.), and ensure necessary supporting documents are in place before issuing the tender.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid evaluations, and select contractors. Assess bidder qualifications and competencies based on the tender requirements.
• Analyze measures, quantities, and descriptions in bids against the BoQ, and evaluate unit rates to ensure alignment with cost estimates and project requirements.
• Negotiate design or technical modifications with engineers and experts, including manage interactions with clients, contractors, and peer reviewers.
•  Identify required building permits and licenses and coordinate with relevant counterparts to ensure they are obtained on time.

Contribute to capacity strengthening, coordination and knowledge sharing:

• Strengthen national and local capacities by delivering training, participating in capacity-building initiatives, and promoting information sharing among stakeholders.
• Train and mentor stakeholders, including national and provincial counterparts and contractors, on BoQ preparation, technical specifications, reporting formats, and quality control measures in line with international standards.
• Develop and support dissemination/trainings of operations and Maintenance plan/manual design, implementation
• Support the development of technical guidance documents and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to increase efficiency and simplify procedures and support dissemination and capacity building to relevant counterparts 
• Prepare and review technical documents and guidance as needed by SIMS and other stakeholders.
• Promote awareness of relevant national and local stakeholders around standards, best practices and guidelines
• Contribute to the preparation of knowledge articles, FAQs, and best practices, and help synthesize lessons learned from the project.
• Provide specialized assistance, quality assurance and advisory services to SIMS, UNDP and other project stakeholders, as needed 
• Contribute to knowledge networks and community of practice

The Civil Engineering Specialist supervises the deliverables of consultant engineers and other personnel engaged temporarily by the project.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.