Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

UNOPS in Lao PDR

In October 2017, UNOPS established its new country office in Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR. The Project portfolio of UNOPS in Lao PDR traces back to 2007 and it includes, among others, Small Grants Programme supported by the Global Environment Fund, the Regional Artemisinin Initiative (RAI) implemented jointly with the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), Management of the Fleming Fund Country Grant.

The UNOPS Lao PDR Office is part of the UNOPS South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), which provides oversight, support and services to UNOPS operations in the country offices.

UNOPS Lao PDR is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in cooperation with its development partners, focusing mainly on a portfolio of projects and programs in the infrastructure, governance, procurement in health rule of law, and environment sectors and subsequently is looking for qualified and committed experts.

Project Background Information

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). Affairs of the U.S. Department of State provides support designated to enhance the Government of the Lao PDR’s capability to interdict trafficked goods, including drugs, wildlife, and persons; improve border security; and combat transnational crime, including financial crimes through an Amended Letter of Agreement, dated September 25, 2018 (LOA). Due to the Lao PDR’s central geographic location and its approximately 3,000 miles of land and riverine borders shared with China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, infrastructure improvements in the country have subjected it to increased threats from transnational crime. In cooperation with INL, the Department of Customs (DoC) of Lao PDR worked to improve border security, and in so doing, combat transnational crime.

The DoC has developed into a reliable partner, and over the past several years, in cooperation with INL, the DoC of Lao PDR has taken resolute action to advance the objectives of the LOA. INL and the DoC are committed to increasing the rate of training and support in the coming years. To further advance the objectives of the LOA, INL and the DoC will expand the Government of the Lao PDR’s engagement to include other Ministries and/or Department in Lao PDR with responsibility and authority for improving border security and combating transnational crime. By increasing the tempo of engagement under the LOA and including additional partners of the Government of Lao PDR, the country will collectively improve its capacity to interdict trafficked goods and combat transnational crime.

These efforts are critically important for many reasons, including surging production of methamphetamine in Myanmar, increasing border security in neighbouring countries, altering trafficking routes through the Lao PDR, enduring local demand for illegally trafficked wildlife, and increasing demand due to rapid economic development and integration into the regional economy. One of the U.S. Embassy of Vientiane’s top priorities is to support the Government of the Lao PDR’s efforts to strengthen border security and professionalize the police force.

Based on the agreement amendment signed in March 2022 between UNOPS and the Department of State (DoS) – INL in Lao PDR, this Project includes the planning, design and construction of a warehouse for the storage of contraband goods for the Lao Department of Customs. This storage facility is in Nateuy Village, Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province, Lao PDR.

The new warehouse will be approximately 36m long and 25m wide and minimum 7m clear height inside, with a total area of 900 sqm. The new warehouse is designed with building methodology materials which are durable and will meet all relevant local standards, International Building Code 2015 and UNOPS Design and Planning Manual for Building.

Functional Responsibilities

Under direct supervision and guidance of the Project Manager, the Senior Associate Civil Engineer (Site Engineer) will be performing the following core functions and specific tasks: General construction supervision:

•  Provides support and guidance to the contractor and assists in resolving site problems, as necessary in the coordination with the Project Manager.
•  Maintain daily activity records.
•  Coordinate the work of the supervision engineers from other disciplines.
•  Checks all laboratory reports, operation and maintenance manuals, and keeps records and reports to the designated Project Manager accordingly.
•  Coordinates contractor’s shop drawings’ approval process with the designated Project Manager during the implementation phase .
•  Checks, verifies and recommends the interim payments submitted by the Contractor and submits detailed reports to the designated Project manager.
•  Checks, verifies and recommends approvals to the Project Manager on all variation orders/Claims submitted by the contractor during the implementation phase as per UNOPS procurement rules.

Quality Assurance:

•  Verify technical specifications of each and every item of works and associated quality material.
•  Ensure the contractor provides a method statement for works prior commencement and performs the quality check of the presented document.
•  Develops inspection and quality test plans and updates them regularly with the contractor.
•  Conduct quality assurance procedures to ensure that the requirements of the contract quality plan are being complied with.
•  Conduct site and material inspections.
•  Checks Contractor’s set out and works, including compliance with Contract Specifications and ensures that contractor comply with his work plans to complete work within specified timeframe.
•  Collect necessary documents/information for compiling handing-over document / operation & maintenance manual to the end user.
•  Make sure that the contractor engages skilled workforce as required.

Monitoring and progress control:

•  Attends the project site daily in order to monitor progress of works, identifies the existing problems and provides appropriate technical solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the designated Project Manager.
•  Responsible for day to day coordination with the contractor according to the needs and requirements on site.
•  Inspects and reports on Contractor’s works in progress, ensuring that the Contractor meets the high quality standards expected by UNOPS.
•  Monitor all project activities in relation to the respective project work package plans and take corrective action, when necessary, to ensure the timely and cost effective delivery of project outputs.
•  Responsible for preparation of weekly/monthly/quarterly progress reports on construction activities , according to the agreed timeframe.
•  Maintains records; compile periodic reports and any specific reports required by UNOPS standard procedures
•  Assesses the work activities of the contractor, measures completed work and makes recommendations to the Project Manager for progress payments to contractors.
•  Evaluates and assesses work schedule, including the comparison with the schedule baseline and reports to the designated Project Manager accordingly.
•  Maintains detailed documentation of all site engineering activities.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

•  Completion of Secondary education or equivalent is required.
•  A University Degree, preferably in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or another relevant technical discipline, is an advantage and can substitute for some of the required years of experience.

Certifications:

•  License/Board Certification in Engineering is desirable.
•  PRINCE2, PMP or similar project management certification is an asset.

Experience:

•  Minimum 7 years of experience in civil works design and construction project supervision with secondary/high school education; 3 years of relevant experience is required in combination with a Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience required in combination with a Master’s.
•  Experience in vertical construction/medium rise building construction is an asset
•  Experience with an international organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset.
•  Experience in delivering technical advice and reports at all stages from initiation to final project delivery is an asset;
•  Experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is desired.

Language:

•  Fluency in both written and spoken English is required.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

•  Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
•  Contract level: ICS-7/LICA-7
•  Contract duration: 7 (seven) months
•  Duty Station: Nateuy, Luang Namtha, Lao PDR

Only nationals or persons already holding a valid residence/work permit in Lao PDR are eligible for this position For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

•  Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
•  UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
•  We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

•  For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
•  For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
•  All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
•  It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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