National Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has been instrumental in addressing issues related to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and food security across the globe. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, FAO operates in more than 130 countries, providing technical expertise and building the capacity of stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food systems. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active for over four decades, focusing on enhancing resilience, food security, and sustainable management of natural resources through various initiatives and collaborations with local and international partners.

Job Overview:
The National Engineer position is a critical role within the FAO's project "One Vision, One Shield: Sri Lanka’s Integrated One Health Pandemic Preparedness & Response". This project aims to bolster Sri Lanka's pandemic preparedness through a comprehensive One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The National Engineer will be responsible for providing engineering, procurement, and contract administration support for the refurbishment and upgrading of laboratory facilities. This includes overseeing construction supervision, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, and maintaining quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including the FAO Country Office, technical teams, and contractors, to ensure that the project meets its objectives and adheres to biosafety standards and national regulations. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication to facilitate timely project implementation and minimize disruptions to laboratory operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Engineer will undertake a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting procurement and contract administration processes; providing technical inputs for laboratory refurbishment and upgrading works; reviewing contractors' proposed work programs and methodologies; assessing quality, safety, and compliance with contractual obligations; facilitating communication among stakeholders; maintaining project documentation; preparing reports for FAO management; conducting technical evaluations of bids; supervising construction works to ensure adherence to approved designs and specifications; reviewing materials and safety arrangements; identifying technical defects and recommending corrective actions; and participating in meetings to discuss project progress and challenges. The role also involves reviewing contractors' progress reports and payment claims, verifying quantities for payment purposes, and providing technical advice on contractor claims and variations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Building Services Engineering, or a related engineering/construction discipline. A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in building infrastructure rehabilitation and upgrading is required, including at least 3 years of experience in laboratory, healthcare, or controlled-environment facilities. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in technical design review, construction oversight, contract administration, procurement support, and contractor performance assessment. A working knowledge of English (C1) is mandatory, while knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is considered an asset. Candidates must be nationals of Sri Lanka or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant engineering or construction discipline such as Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or Building Services Engineering. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of construction projects, particularly those involving laboratory and healthcare facilities, and for ensuring compliance with biosafety and national construction regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in building infrastructure rehabilitation and upgrading, with a specific focus on laboratory, healthcare, or controlled-environment facilities. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in various aspects of construction management, including technical design review, construction oversight, contract administration, procurement support, bid evaluation, site inspection, and payment certification. Experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects is advantageous, as is the ability to work under tight implementation timelines and conduct regular field missions to project sites.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (C1) is required for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration with various stakeholders. Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication within the local context and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including laboratory management, contractors, and technical teams. The role may require regular site visits and participation in meetings to ensure effective project implementation. Candidates should be prepared to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits related to health, safety, and professional development opportunities.