Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer)

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Position Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer)
Location: Vientiane
Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Deadline Date: 27-Nov-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. With a mission to provide project management, infrastructure, and procurement services, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization employs thousands of professionals and collaborates with various partners, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector, to deliver impactful projects that improve the quality of life for communities.

Job Overview:
The Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) position is a critical role within the Mekong Project Office of UNOPS, based in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This position involves working under the direct supervision of the Lead Construction Engineer and is responsible for assessing and evaluating mechanical systems in existing facilities. The incumbent will identify mechanical-related problems and propose appropriate solutions in collaboration with the project team. The role also includes supervising the implementation of mechanical works, ensuring compliance with contract schedules and specifications, and providing technical clarifications to contractors. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will develop mechanical design drawings and specifications as needed, support the project team in reviewing contractor documents, and ensure quality assurance and control standards are met on-site. Additionally, the engineer will be responsible for implementing health, safety, social, and environmental measures related to mechanical works, coordinating commissioning and testing of mechanical systems, and preparing operational and maintenance plans for installed equipment. This position directly impacts project results by optimizing costs, reducing risks, and improving success rates, thereby enhancing UNOPS's reputation as a reliable service provider in infrastructure management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) include:

• Assessing and evaluating the mechanical systems of existing facilities in coordination with local construction supervisors.
• Identifying mechanical-related problems and suggesting solutions in consultation with the Lead Construction Engineer and Senior Project Manager.
• Supporting the supervision of mechanical works implementation and monitoring progress according to contract schedules.
• Reviewing contractor requests for clarifications related to mechanical works and providing necessary technical solutions.
• Developing mechanical design drawings and specifications in accordance with UNOPS standards and local codes.
• Supporting the project team in reviewing contractor documents, including shop drawings.
• Verifying measurements and quantities for executed mechanical works reflected in contractor payment requests.
• Ensuring strict implementation of quality assurance and control standards on-site and reporting to the Lead Construction Engineer.
• Preparing progress reports on mechanical construction activities. 1
• Implementing health, safety, social, and environmental measures related to mechanical works. 1
• Coordinating and reporting on the commissioning and testing of mechanical works. 1
• Researching and preparing operational and maintenance plans for mechanical equipment.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) position include:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Professional certification in Mechanical Engineering is required, and applicants must attach this certification when submitting their application.
• A minimum of five years of experience in Mechanical Engineering for design and construction of infrastructure projects is required.
• Experience in AutoCAD or other computer-aided design software is desirable.
• Experience in supervising mechanical works in health facilities, particularly operating theaters, is an advantage.
• Experience in designing and supervising the installation of complex HVAC systems for sterile environments is also an advantage.
• Experience in supervising mechanical rehabilitation works for existing facilities is beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) position includes:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is mandatory.
• Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional certification in Mechanical Engineering is required and must be submitted with the application.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) position is as follows:

• A minimum of five years of experience in Mechanical Engineering, specifically in the design and construction of infrastructure projects, is required.
• Experience in AutoCAD or other computer-aided design software is desirable.
• Experience in supervising mechanical works in health facilities, particularly in operating theaters, is considered an advantage.
• Experience in designing and supervising the installation of complex HVAC systems for sterile environments is also advantageous.
• Experience in supervising mechanical rehabilitation works for existing facilities is beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for the Lead Mechanical Engineer (Retainer) position include:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Fluency in spoken, written, and reading Lao is also required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
Additional notes regarding the position include:

• The contract type is a Local ICA Specialist, with a contract level of LICA Specialist-1
• The duration of the contract is twelve months, with a maximum of 100 working days.
• The application period is from 19-Nov-2024 to 27-Nov-2024, and applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date.
• This position is based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and may involve working closely with local and international stakeholders.