Project Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, working closely with governments and partners to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Project Engineer will play a crucial role in overseeing the evaluation, planning, and execution of refurbishment and retrofitting activities across designated healthcare facilities in Kiribati. This position is vital for ensuring that renovations meet high standards for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and waste management, in line with WHO guidance. The Project Engineer will collaborate closely with the Environmental Health Units of the Ministry of Health to implement health-focused adaptation strategies in response to climate change, which poses significant risks to health systems in Kiribati. The role involves conducting needs assessments, developing work plans, supervising construction, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and timelines. The Project Engineer will also be responsible for integrating climate resilience and sustainability into all infrastructure interventions, thereby enhancing the capacity of healthcare facilities to serve their communities effectively, even in adverse conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Engineer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Providing overall technical support in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of climate resilience interventions in healthcare facilities.
• Conducting needs assessments, including site assessments and infrastructure condition surveys, to identify technical requirements for refurbishment projects.
• Developing detailed work plans that outline tasks, timelines, resource allocation, procurement requirements, and budget estimates.
• Drafting adjudication reports and requests for proposals, supporting the procurement process by preparing technical documentation, reviewing bids, and evaluating contractors and suppliers.
• Supervising and monitoring construction and retrofitting works to ensure compliance with approved designs and quality standards.
• Ensuring the integration of climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and WASH standards in all infrastructure interventions.
• Providing regular site progress reports, including technical updates and risk assessments.
• Conducting final inspections and certifying the completion of works according to agreed specifications.
• Coordinating with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy to undertake scoping assessments and prepare progress and completion reports for refurbishment works. 1
• Ensuring that all refurbishment works are completed in accordance with approved designs and technical specifications, fully meeting quality standards and requirements.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, architecture, building services engineering, environmental health, public health, or related fields. A master's degree in any of these areas is desirable. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience working on government projects related to the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities, particularly in outer island construction projects. Proven experience in managing construction or refurbishment projects, especially in healthcare settings, is also desirable. Additionally, experience in preparing project work plans and developing Bills of Quantities (BOQs) is essential, along with familiarity with green technologies and disaster-resistant construction practices.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, architecture, building services engineering, environmental health, public health, or related fields. A master's degree in any of these disciplines is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in the field, particularly in working with government projects related to the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities. Experience in managing construction or refurbishment projects, especially in healthcare settings, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in preparing project work plans and developing Bills of Quantities (BOQs), as well as familiarity with green technologies and disaster-resistant construction practices.

Languages:
Fluency in the English language is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for documentation purposes. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is mandatory for effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is full-time and will be based onsite at the WHO Country Liaison Office in Kiribati. The expected duration of the contract is 11 months, with a consultancy fee ranging from AUD2,535.75 to AUD3,020.58 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. This role is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by Tuvaluan nationals recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.