Lead Construction Management Engineer

After 30 years of independence, Moldova’s prison system continues to resemble the Soviet model of ‘carceral collectivism’ instantiated by gulag-resembling architecture and a cultural attachment to this penal philosophy. The most acute problems faced by the penitentiary system are overcrowding, criminal subculture, inadequate healthcare and insufficient meaningful activities. The overcrowding has been particularly severe in Prison no. 13 in Chișinău, an institution built in 1849 that serves as the only pre-trial facility covering both the capital and central region of Moldova. Aiming to align the treatment of prisoners to European standards by improving material conditions, safety and management practices, the Moldovan Government is pursuing the development of a new remand facility that will replace Prison no. 13 in Chișinău.

UNOPS has been engaged by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver the construction of the penitentiary. The new facility is expected to have a capacity of 1,050 inmates and would enhance the physical conditions of detention for pre-trial detainees in Moldova. The project, expected to be completed by 2027, is jointly financed through the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

Background Information - Job-specific 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager (PM), the Lead Construction Management Engineer (LCME), will support the implementation of penitentiary project activities through the provision of technical expertise and the application of best practices. The LCME  will oversee the implementation of contracted works as well as any activities required under construction supervision, ensuring conformity with the technical specifications of UNOPS and national legislation and coordination with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Technical Lead /Engineer as required. 

The selected candidate will bring expertise to support the PM in project management, infrastructure, and strong stakeholder management experience, particularly in working alongside government authorities for  the  penitentiary in particular and on other infrastructure projects. On all projects the LCME is  expected to demonstrate best practices and techniques of construction management work areas, extensive practical experience in performing practical construction activities and supervising works in compliance with quality assurance and quality control requirements, alongside extensive skills in the management of occupational health & safety as well as environmental management standards on the construction site.

Specific responsibilities include  coordinating the day-to-day construction activities, supervising the implementation process of assigned activities, ensuring that the project outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partners.

1. Construction Management

2. Contract Management

3. Team Management

4. Reporting

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Construction Management

• Works closely with the Project Manager and supports monitoring UNOPS implementation plans including Quality, Health & Safety and Environment. 

• Provide technical leadership, oversight, advice and guidance on all infrastructure activities and work undertaken through the project. 

• Implement latest project management principles in order that assigned projects are successfully delivered on time. 

• Close monitoring and supervision of all the sub-engineers and their assigned projects to be undertaken ensuring engineering accuracy of construction activities

• Advise on good environmental practices and controls during construction and mitigate environmental impacts of the works.

• Participates in field assessments as needed and when required; mission reports, technical recommendations, guidance and construction for cost effective works.

• Where required, assist the Contractor to manage, plan and coordinate monthly, weekly and daily construction activities including monitoring site safety and construction quality.

• Participate in construction approval and inspection activities.

• Identify and solve construction issues in a timely fashion, keeping project manager and engineering staff informed

• Liaise with, and provide support to construction sites within the country, as required.

• Promote a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team.

• Assist in generating regular project reports in accordance to the contractual agreements; maintain updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.

• Attends coordination meetings, when required.

2. Contract Management

• Reviews and is familiar with all ongoing Construction Contracts related to the implementation of Infrastructure Works under the project.

• Monitors progress of Works against the Programme (schedule) and proactively identifies risks and slippages in the schedule.

• Acts as Employers Representatives Assistant to issue Notices, Instructions and perform general contract management according to the Conditions of Contract.

3. Team Management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

4. Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress and conditions on site through daily site record.

• Prepare and submit to the Project Manager a monthly (or as requested) report within 5 days of month-end, summarizing progress of contractor activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent facts as required.

• Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.

5. Knowledge building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on design related topics if and when required.

• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in design of building infrastructure.

• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

IMPACT ON RESULT

The effective and successful achievement of results by the LCME directly affects the overall efficiency of the individual team’s provision of construction activities, impacting the team’s capacity to efficiently and effectively service the operational needs of the project. Timely and accountable delivery of services, ensures client satisfaction and promotes the image and credibility of the project team and office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

• Advanced university degree is required, preferably in construction management, engineering, or relevant fields.

• Bachelor degree in combination with an additional 2 years' of relevant work experience can be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in construction management is required.

• Experience with FIDIC based Construction Contract management is required

• Experiences in developing countries and/or in conflict areas would be an asset.

• Experience in working in reconstruction, including Housing and Shelter projects, in post disaster settings and/or Community projects would be an asset.

• Experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/ Development agencies is desirable

• Proficiency in computers is required and experience in Project planning software (MS Project) is an asset.

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Moldova and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Ongoing ICA
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - LICA 10 (ICS10)
Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.