Quantity Surveyor - Retainer

Job categories Engineering, Project Management

Vacancy code VA/2023/B5303/25741

Department/office AFR, KEMCO, Kenya MCO

Duty station Lusaka, Zambia

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-9

Duration 2 Months

Application period 11-Apr-2023 to 26-Apr-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy has been cancelled.

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Background Information - Job-specific

The Zambia Water Resources Development Project’s (WRDP) Project Development Objective (PDO) supported the implementation of an integrated framework for the development and management of water resources in Zambia. The project, financed by the World Bank (USD 50 M), became effective on December 24, 2013, and closed on November 30, 2018. The project consisted of three main components: A) water resources management; B) water resources development; and C) institutional support. The project was implemented by the Zambian Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection (MWDSEP).

Despite the efforts of both the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and the World Bank; for an array of reasons, WRDP was closed in 2018, with non-compliance in regards to social and environmental safeguards, and dam safety issues unresolved. In March of 2020, UNOPS was engaged by Irrigation Development Support Project (IDSP) Phase 1 to provide services including: planning (support of surveillance and emergency preparedness) for 10 dams and design, updating of environmental and social safeguards instruments to comply with World Bank social and environmental policies for 10 dams and tendering of the works for 10 dams. The agreement for IDSP Phase 1 is scheduled to end on 31 January 2023.

The project is proceeding to Phase 2, during which the goal is to protect local communities in the impacted area of 10 dams across Zambia and to comply with environmental and social safeguards in accordance with the Government of Zambia (GRZ) and World Bank policies. There are imminent risks posed by the 10 dams in their current state.

Due to the urgency in implementing the solutions, it has been agreed to split Phase 2 into two overlapping sequential stages that allows to implement the solution for seven (7) dams (Ngolongozya, Makaba, Ndondi, Nachibanga, Kawiko, Nabowa and Kanyika) while working in parallel to finalize the Detailed Design and procurement award for the remaining three (3) dams (Chibalashi, Katembula and Chikowa

The Quantity Surveyor (Retainer) shall be called on an ad-hoc basis to support various projects in the scheduling of tasks and developing integrated bid documentation.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and under direct supervisio...

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and under direct supervision of the Deputy Manager, the Quantity Surveyor will perform the following tasks:

Work closely with the Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager and, Engineers in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing integrated bid documentations.
Undertake market surveys, build up rates, develop BoQs and engineers' estimates, specifications and related documents and ensure they meet quality standard requirements and project expectations.
Support in managing contracts, preparing variation orders and/or changes in scope and managing contract risks.
Knowledge Management, Innovation and Reporting

Work closely with the Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager and, Engineers in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing integrated bid documentations.

Responsible for planning project plans, scheduling tasks and monitoring and evaluating outcomes of tasks delivered
Conduct material market surveys and build up estimates of unit rates for construction work items;
Responsible for preparing construction cost estimates and participate in the preparation of the Engineer’s Estimates;
Be available to respond to bill of quantities and the Engineer’s Estimate related inquiries/questions during UNOPS’ design and procurement review process;
Support to respond to bidder inquiries related to the bill of quantity items and provide clarification as requested during bid evaluation stages to contract award;
Upon request by the technical team, respond to the inquiries/questions related to the prices built up in bill of quantities during works contracts management;
Participate in project team meetings, knowledge sharing sessions and site visits (if requested). Perform other tasks as directed by the Project Managers.

Undertake market surveys, build up rates, develop BoQs and engineers' estimates, specifications and related documents and ensure they meet quality standard requirements and project expectations.

Use market surveys information to consolidate material, labour, equipment and human resources’ prices from the market across project geographical area.
Build up rates for project tasks using 2D and 3D modeling techniques that span quarterly, half year and full year circles and consolidate the rates for new project proposals and continuing works.
Develop engineers estimates for contracts and justify the rates against bid prices of prospective contractors
Responsible for carrying out financial evaluations of tenders
Develop bill of quantities and describe work items to meet industry standards
Prepare definitive specifications for work items to meet UNOPS and international industry standards
Assist in preparing other tender documents as may be requested by the Project Managers

Support in managing contracts, preparing variation orders and/or changes in scope and managing contract risks.

Support the Project Managers in developing contracts and associated documents for contract delivery.
Support in addressing contractual issues during contract implementations and prepare variation orders and change requests for review and approval
Participates in the development of contract risk assessments and risk management plans, including mitigating measures
Develops contract compliance checklists and implementation plans
Participates in the assessment of contractor performance, including advice and action to address instances of poor performance and/or non-compliance with contractual obligations
Within the terms and conditions of the contract, works towards resolution of conflicts or performance issues arising in cases of poor performance and/or non-compliance with contractual obligations.
Responsible for drafting relevant audit responses on contract management related issues, as required
Support to liaises with other departments, including the Procurement, in relation to claims and disputes, demanding specific performance, claiming against warranties, and other contractual remedies.
Drafts formal communications as required.

Knowledge Management, Innovation and Reporting

In close coordination with the PM and DPM, contributes to the implementation of standards, tools and templates provided by HQ to effectively manage development and manage projects to closure.
Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practices and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements in project development and implementation.
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for planning and knowledge building within projects development and implementation.
Liaise with the Programme Management Office (PMO) Team Members to complete project assurance related tasks.
Support in drafting reports especially in relation to costing, budgeting and contracts.
Support the coordination and management of communications.
Performs other related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Quantity Surveyi...

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and enc...

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.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: L-ICA 9 Contract duration: 2 Mon...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.

This vacancy has been cancelled.

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