Lead Electrical Engineer , Multiple positions

Background on South East Asia and the Pacific  Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries  across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background on EAPMCO Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.  

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time.  Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people. There are a number of projects currently in the pipeline which will expand the portfolio of existing projects for the office.  

EAPMCO Papua New Guinea Project Information

Ongoing Projects

Renewable Energy Projects funded by the Australian government (DFAT) and Implemented by UNOPS. The project’s main objectives are to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the provision of energy access in Telefomin, Daru, Buka,  Baiyer and Milne Bay. The aim is to provide a framework for an optimal set of technologies for the local mini-grid using solar PV / hydropower hybrid systems.

New Projects

UNOPS PNG office has a number of new projects that are currently being established across the country. These projects have the potential to significantly develop UNOPS profile in key service lines of renewable energy, health infrastructure and sustainable procurement, climate change resilient infrastructure and community development infrastructure projects in PNG. 

Background information - Job specific:

The UNOPS Papua New Guinea (PNG) Country Office is responsible for supporting the implementation of UNOPS projects in the country. The office works closely with national counterparts and partners to deliver infrastructure, procurement, and project management services.

The Lead Electrical Engineer will provide assistance and technical expertise in terms of design adjustments, construction, supervision and coordination in the field, ensuring high quality and consistency of work.

In the project team, the Lead Electrical Engineer may supervise a diverse results-oriented technical team, including quality laboratory, surveying, and field inspectors. He/she could also provide guidance to other team members ensuring knowledge transfer for capacity building. The Lead Electrical Engineer will perform his/her duties at the construction site and will be supervised by the Project Manager. The position is based in Port Moresby with frequent travel to sites.

The Lead Electrical Engineer reports to the Senior Project Manager who provides broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for coordinating and supporting the Senior Project Manager with the day-to-day operations and liaising with relevant counterparts, government stakeholders and working group focal points on all project related matters, specifically pertaining to enhancing the coordination and efficiency on the side of resilience. He/She will also work closely with the different donors for the infrastructure projects particularly in the energy sector.  S/he maintains a close eye on the operational and financial performance, identifies probable issues that may need attention, supports in problem analysis and solution identification as necessary, coordinates resolution as per action-items assigned, drafting required correspondences to stakeholders concerned and preparation of mission reports. S/he is most likely required to work in complex and challenging environments with limited resources.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The incumbent’s specific duties and responsibilities will be as follows:

Summary of Functions:

1. Project implementation

2. Technical Assistance

3. Project monitoring and reporting

4. Stakeholder management, coordination and liaison

5. Knowledge management and innovation

6. Personnel management

• Preparation and maintenance of project files, including internal and external project (operational and highlights) reports.

• Manage information flows and oversee change controls, risk registers and issue management by establishing document control procedures

• Manage assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for progress.

• Coordinate and liaise with the Senior Project Manager on the implementation progress.

• Advise the Senior Project Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans.

• Work with the Senior Project manager to identify and manage risks.

2. Technical Assistance

• Participate in the design and review of all energy project and engage with IPMG with regards to response on technical matters

• Prepare design briefs and the design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder  requirements and specifications as and when necessary

• Preparation of comprehensive design documentation, specifications, bill of quantities  and other project documents on renewable energy systems such as solar, hydropower  and wind to meet the required quality and detailing as stipulated by the PM .

• In coordination with the full time  team, identify existing renewable energy related problems and suggest appropriate solutions in consultation with the Senior Project Manager.

• Assist in the oversight of the implementation of works for the specific projects and monitoring of progress of renewable energy related works according to contract schedules, specifications and project plans.

• Undertake measurement of electrical site works in support of contractor payment requests.

• Ensure the strict implementation of quality control standards and procedures on the sites and report regularly to the supervisor.

 3.  Project monitoring and reporting (Delivery and Performance):

• Support implementation of approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager.

• Provide substantive inputs for the development of  project strategies and schedules and manage work packages.

• Managing information flow by keeping, circulating and archiving detailed project notes and records.

• Maintain the following records: Quality Register, Configuration Item Records and all other registers/logs delegated by the Project Manager

• Supervise, monitor and evaluate performance of service providers delivering to project priorities.

• Attend daily the project site(s) in order to monitor progress of works, identify the existing problems and provide appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the Sr. Project Manager

• Check contractors’ and suppliers set out and works, including compliance with contracts specifications and ensure that contractors and suppliers comply with their work plans to complete work with specified scope of work, time frame, and budget/.

4.  Stakeholder Management, coordination and liaison:

• Support and assist the Senior Project Manager in establishing productive working relationships with the DFAT, Government of Papua New Guinea (G-PNG) and relevant UN, development partners and other key stakeholders;

• Coordinate and organize meetings between team members, the DFAT and government and other stakeholders when required. Prepare, record, circulate and archive meeting minutes.

• Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seek to contribute within the deliverables of the project.

• Strive to build effective coordination among relevant project stakeholders (e.g. The DFAT, United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations)  

• Assist in the implementation of Environmental and Health & Safety measures in the project sites.

• Assist in the identification, evaluation, selection and supervision of building contractors for specified project work.

5. Knowledge Management and innovation:

• Support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting formats.

• Ensure that local capacities are built at every level and opportunity for Project Management Support.

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned. Contribute to expertise in tools and techniques

6. Personnel Management:

• Communicate with team members to ensure optimal strategy and maximum efficiency

• Direct and motivate external project delivery teams/consultants to ensure successful project implementation.

• Keep all members of the teams up-to-date with current information, processes and procedures.

Accountability for results and the use of resources.

• The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes are  not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the Project Management Support Officer to escalate the issue to the Senior Project Manager.

Excellence

• Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Impact of results

The incumbent directly impacts on the achievement of project results by assisting the Senior Project Manager to adhere to project management methods and strategies, reduce risks, cut costs and improve quality and success rates. 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
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in  electrical engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering or related field.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Certification:

• Professional engineering certification is an asset 

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in the energy sector or related field in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is desired.
• Experience and demonstrated skills in generating and compiling high quality technical  reports is desired
• A proven track record with at least 4 years’ experience in designing and supervising energy and other electrical projects is required
• Experience in other renewable energy projects (solar, hydro, wind, geothermal) is an asset.
• Experience in the use of Google Suite applications as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
• Relevant experience working in developing/post-conflict countries is an asset.

Language

• Full working knowledge (Fluency) of the English Language is required.

1. Contract type: LICA
2. Contract level: ICS 10 / LICA-10
3. Contract duration: Ongoing (Open-ended), subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• 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.