Background

With the successful implementation of the already concluded EU-funded Project PROACTIVE—a  camp transformation programme implemented in the six previously acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Camp (MILF)--the UNDP Peace and Stabilization Programme Team, in close collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Joint Peace Mechanisms, has designed a successor programme that builds on the lessons learned, and partnerships that were built. The new initiative is dubbed as European Union Support to Normalisation (EU4Normalisation) and will be implemented by UNDP through the generous co-funding from the European Union. Project EU4Normalisation will continue to contribute to efforts in enhancing local capacities to facilitate transition and transformation of the six previously acknowledged MILF camps. The project objectives are as follows: (1) EMPOWER key stakeholders, such as the peace mechanisms and camp focals, to lead inclusive, gender-responsive   and conflict-sensitive implementation of the normalisation process. (2) TRANSFORM and sustain camps transformation initiatives by ensuring equal access to basic services and facilities. Building on lessons from PROACTIVE Project, this component will implement at least 18 small-scale, quick-impact projects as tangible peace dividends for 12 priority barangays in the MILF core areas identified by the JTFCT. (3) ENHANCE local conditions through the provision of GEDSI social services and livelihood support for DCs and their communities. This component aims to diversify income sources for the DCs and their communities through livelihood support identified through a series of participatory consultations

In this connection, UNDP is seeking a Project Engineer who is willing to be based in Cotabato City, and who will support the Project Manager in supervising and monitoring construction works under the Project EU4Normalisation. The Project Engineer is expected to report on a daily basis to the Project Manager. The position holder also demonstrates a client-oriented approach, tact, and ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, the Project Engineer works in close collaboration with the UNDP Peace & Stabilization Programme Team, as well as with other UN Agencies, government officials, technical advisors and experts, multilateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to successfully implement the assigned UNDP 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Team Leader of the Peace and Stabilization Programme Team and under the direct supervision of the Project Manager of EU4Normalisation, the Project Engineer will work with key partners, government agencies and stakeholders, to deliver distinct outputs of the project and to ensure quality implementation towards achievement of project targets. He will also coordinate with the COs Programme Team in charge of oversight and quality assurance.

Provide effective advisory support to the Project Manager and the Project Staff on engineering-related concerns:

• Provide technical expertise (i.e., targeted assessments, technical design, costing and quality assurance) to the UNDP Project Management Team on the civil works component of the Project, in close coordination with various stakeholders.  
• Review contractors’ work plans (including catch-up plans) and request revisions to ensure timely completion.
• Propose corrective measures to UNDP if work progress is behind schedule.
• Advise UNDP on potential risks related to project timeline, budget, and quality.
• Notify UNDP of the tentative date for Substantial Completion at least 15 days in advance and prepare the Substantial Completion Certificate.
• Conduct required testing of all installed systems and provide test certificates and drawings.
• Issue defect/unattended work lists upon substantial completion and ensure timely rectification by the contractor.
• Submit a final project narrative and financial report with photographic evidence within 30 days of Substantial Completion.
• Facilitate handover of completed facilities to local authorities and beneficiaries.
• During the Defects Liability period, intervene and liaise with the contractor to resolve issues covered under the defect liability guarantee.

Provide effective support throughout all stages of construction works and processing infrastructure tendering processes:

• Assist in establishing minimum standards for construction tasks.
• Guide in the development of technical project and tender documentation (ToR, tender dossier, evaluation criteria, etc.). for the implementation of specific construction tasks as required by the specific infrastructure and specified by the Project.
• Participate in evaluation of bids and selection of best bidder to the tender for (re)construction works and assessment of the bidder’s competencies and experience against minimum qualification requirements as per the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid requirements.

Conduct field visits and prepares assessment of construction interventions: 
 

• Conduct field visits to several identified potential infrastructure locations requiring specific technical assistance and, based on performed assessment, recommend best solution for project implementation.
• Prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) and, when necessary, detailed designs for reconstruction/rehabilitation of structures.
• Analyze physical conditions of proposed sites and work with the committees for confirmation of land for the construction sites.

Ensure compliance with the reporting requirements related to projects:

• Ensure proper documentation for final handover upon completion of all project engineering works in coordination with the relevant counterparts, and local communities and groups.
• Ensure necessary supporting documentation is in place prior to issuance of tendering; project implementation, and processing of payments.
• Provides periodic feedback to PMU and Country Office teams based on evidence written report and available evidence-driven facts about the compliance of the evaluation process with UNDP procurement procedures. 
• Provide backstopping on field activities implemented by local project partners. 
• Participate in Technical Review Committee meetings and review all bids against the advertised evaluation criteria and submitted technical specifications

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

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management 

• Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, government agencies, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Monitoring and evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Direction & Strategy

• Futures & foresight: Ability to look at information from the past and present, identify patterns and trends and use them to inform decision making with a long-term view. Being sensitive and able to scan horizons and pick up weak signals of change, explore their potential implications and assess their impact and urgency. Using creativity and imagination to communicate insights in compelling and engaging ways to challenge current mental models; ability to develop scenarios, speculative designs to present future visions or by making it experiential. Being able to facilitate debate and discussion about possible futures; help people to feel comfortable with the discomfort of uncertainty.
• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Administration & Operations

• Building, facilities & office space management: Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data

Finance

• Budget management: Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets

Digital 

• Solutions mapping: Ability to engage and build rapport with vulnerable communities and get consent, facilitate participatory processes and navigate intricate power relations and cultural dynamics. Having the sensitivity and ability to identify grassroots solutions, capacities, assets, coping strategies that impacted communities have developed or used to address (emerging) development challenges. Being able to understand these solutions from a people's perspective and learn about the conditions that enable or prevent communities from developing such grassroots solutions or coping mechanisms. Understand how solutions and needs are paired, and how grassroots solutions can be used as an entry point to identify unaddressed or unmet development challenges and how to use these insights to inform policy design. Ability to reverse engineer solutions, understanding what aspects (artefactual, principles, conditions, configuration) can be scaled and how, being able to assess their potential to be transferred to other domains, regions or contexts and build a case for that. Ability to appreciate and integrate various sources of knowledge (academic, experiential, observational, traditional, indigenous) in problem solving processes. Set up structures and processes to collect ideas, solutions and facilitate matchmaking between supply and demand of solutions."

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional four (4) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience at the national or international level of progressively responsible experience in programme management, with a focus on crisis/ post conflict areas, is required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in standard software applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, database systems, and overall report writing.

Desired Skills:

• At least 4 years of experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring infrastructure projects, preferably in humanitarian or development settings.
• Previous working experience with a UN organization or other international organizations at local or international level.
• Previous working experience in Mindanao, particularly in the BARMM.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English and Filipino language is required
• Knowledge of dialects in Mindanao is an advantage

Professional Certificates:

• PRC License - Civil Engineer / Architect required
   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

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