Lead Engineer - Infrastructure Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a self-financing entity of the United Nations that provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to help governments and organizations implement sustainable development initiatives. Established to support the UN's mission, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, focusing on building resilient infrastructure, enhancing public health, and promoting transparent governance. With a workforce of over 1,500 personnel, UNOPS is committed to delivering high-impact solutions that align with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Lead Engineer - Infrastructure Specialist will play a crucial role in leading technical assistance assignments aimed at facilitating the implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure across Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This position requires a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure delivery processes, including planning, design review, supervision, and quality assurance. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing engineering teams, contractors, and consultants, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable health, safety, social, and environmental standards. The role also involves fostering sustainable skills exchange and building partnerships with regional stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of infrastructure projects in sectors such as education, health, transportation, and water management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Planning and Implementation: Lead the planning and technical implementation of infrastructure activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives and applicable standards. Conduct site investigations, oversee feasibility studies, and validate design documentation. Provide expert technical advice to project managers and stakeholders. Develop detailed project work plans, identifying dependencies and risk mitigation strategies.
• Construction Supervision and Quality Management: Coordinate supervision of contractors and consultants to ensure compliance with designs and specifications. Implement Quality Assurance/Quality Control systems, conduct inspections, and ensure adherence to health, safety, social, and environmental standards. Monitor construction progress and address any non-compliance issues.
• Monitoring, Progress Control, and Contract Administration: Track project implementation against work plans and contractual obligations. Conduct site visits to verify progress and maintain comprehensive project documentation. Support the preparation of payment certificates and report deviations from plans.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed site progress reports and contribute to project close-out documentation. Support HSSE reporting and investigations.
• Capacity Building and Team Building: Facilitate learning and capacity-building activities for partners and local authorities. Ensure adherence to the UNOPS Code of Conduct and promote gender, inclusion, and sustainability principles.
• Knowledge Building and Sharing: Organize training sessions on project management and construction management. Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and conduct research on infrastructure-related topics.
• RIISE Assignment Deliverables: Deliver reports for specific assignments, ensuring compliance with RIISE’s Deliverable Standards and documenting knowledge transfer and integration of gender considerations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields with at least 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 5 years of experience. Project management certification from a recognized institute is desired, along with a professional certificate in Administration. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools is essential, and experience coordinating with government officials is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the Caribbean region's institutional landscape and climate vulnerabilities, as well as experience in quality control and monitoring within construction projects.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is required. A Master's degree in the same or a related field is preferred. Project management certification from a globally recognized institute (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is desired. A professional certificate in Administration is also a plus.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in building construction, site supervision, or infrastructure project management. Experience in quality control, monitoring, and reporting within construction projects is required. Familiarity with international contract models, particularly FIDIC conditions of contract, is advantageous. Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, along with direct experience in Caribbean countries and knowledge of the region's climate vulnerabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in Spanish is desirable. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is a remote role with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to budget availability and satisfactory performance. The position is classified at the mid-level (ICS 10) and operates under an ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer contract type. Candidates must be willing to travel for on-site deployments as required. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.