National Consultant - 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 more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and promote healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Project Engineer will oversee the evaluation, planning, and execution of refurbishment and retrofitting activities across designated healthcare facilities in Kiribati. This role is crucial in ensuring that all renovations meet high standards for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and waste management improvements, in accordance with WHO guidelines. The Project Engineer will collaborate closely with the Environmental Health Units of the Ministry of Health to ensure that the healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change, including increased risks of water-borne diseases and disruptions caused by extreme weather events. The position requires a proactive approach to managing construction projects, ensuring that healthcare facilities can efficiently serve their communities even under adverse conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Engineer will be responsible for providing overall technical support in planning, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of climate resilience interventions in healthcare facilities. Key duties include conducting needs assessments, developing detailed work plans, drafting technical documentation for procurement processes, supervising construction and installation works, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and providing regular progress reports. The engineer will also coordinate with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy to ensure that refurbishment works are completed according to approved designs and specifications. This includes preparing comprehensive quality assurance inspection reports and final completion reports to confirm that all works meet the required standards and are ready for operational use.

Required Qualifications:
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 areas is desirable. Essential qualifications also include at least two years of relevant experience in government projects related to the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities, particularly in outer island projects. Proven experience in managing construction or refurbishment projects, preparing project work plans, and working with green technologies is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes 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 these areas is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in government projects, particularly in the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities. Experience in managing 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. Strong communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, contractors, and community members. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is full-time and will be based onsite at the WHO Country Liaison Office in Tarawa, 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 Kiribati nationals. 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 diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.