Lead Construction Management Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Established to support the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement, AUMCO focuses on delivering global programs and tailored interventions across the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization emphasizes infrastructure procurement, project management, HR and transactional services, grants management, and technical advisory services. The UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, which operates under AUMCO, was established in Tashkent in October 2022 and aims to assist the Government of Uzbekistan in its development efforts by providing effective project management and infrastructure services. Currently, the office is engaged in several projects that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and is actively working to diversify its portfolio in alignment with the country's development priorities, including education.

Job Overview:
The Lead Construction Management Engineer position is critical for overseeing and managing construction projects aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in Uzbekistan. The role involves providing expert advice on engineering issues, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, and managing risks associated with construction activities. The engineer will supervise the construction of two new hospitals in the Kashkadarya Region, which is part of the Government's healthcare reform agenda. This position requires a proactive approach to prevent delays and cost overruns, as well as effective communication with stakeholders, including contractors and local authorities. The engineer will also be responsible for capacity building among national personnel and contractors, ensuring that best practices in construction management are followed. Reporting on project progress and conditions will be a key responsibility, along with contributing to knowledge management by sharing lessons learned throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• General construction supervision and management duties: Provide expert opinion/advice to Project Managers on engineering issues; ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards; identify risks and develop mitigation solutions; monitor contractor presence and ensure adherence to project specifications; assist in stakeholder engagement; supervise construction works and ensure quality control; contribute to project planning and strategy implementation; coordinate personnel on site; maintain documentation; perform other duties as assigned.
• Capacity Building: Assist with training in engineering practices for UNOPS personnel and contractors; facilitate high-quality results through effective work planning and performance management; ensure compliance with policies and best practices.
• Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely reporting of site conditions; produce documentation as required by the Project Manager.
• Knowledge Management: Contribute to sharing best practices and lessons learned; participate in meetings and consultations; document challenges and successes throughout the project stages.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in managing or supervising construction activities on large and diverse projects. Extensive experience with complex quality, safety, and environmental management plans is required. Proficiency in design and planning/scheduling software is essential. Candidates should also have a valid driving license and the ability to travel independently. Certification in PRINCE2 will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in an infrastructure-related field such as civil or construction engineering, architecture, or construction management is preferred. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 2 additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in managing or supervising construction activities. Candidates should have a strong background in site management and directing engineering and technical staff, along with experience in implementing works under complex management plans.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in either Uzbek or Russian. Proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is open for vacancies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">multiple vacancies with various duty stations including Tashkent, Karshi, or Beshkent. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their preferred duty station in their cover letter. The contract type will be either Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) or Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA), based on UNOPS regulations. The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, and all applications will be evaluated based on skills and qualifications.