Civil Engineer (coastal engineering), re-advertisement, LICA-9, Tarawa, Kiribati

South-East Asia and Pacific 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. 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 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.

The Project

In June 2023, the Government of Australia, represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), executed a grant agreement, the Australia Kiribati Climate Security Initiative (AKSI), to address the need for practical and sustainable solutions to enhance coastal resilience in Kiribati. The objective is to implement high-quality, inclusive, and resilient coastal protection solutions, across three sites in Tarawa, to improve the resilience of Kiribati to the impacts of climate change. The project seeks to engage a Coastal Engineer based in Tarawa to support the implementation of the project as detailed below.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Civil Engineer (Coastal Engineer) will provide technical support, lead site teams, and assist in the overall project implementation. The roles and responsibilities are listed below.

Technical Support

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and updating of the project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery according to the scope budget, and time
• Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of bid documents to contract firms responsible for providing technical services (technical studies, design services, and works) as required
• Support the evaluation and selection of firms
• Supervise technical studies and investigations at the sites
• Assist the Project Manager in managing the rapid assessments at the sites
• Assist the Project Manager in managing the design and the review process by working very closely with design services consultant and reviewers
• Monitor construction activities and implementation of nature-based solutions
• Work with firms and contractors on ensuring HSSE protocols and measures are implemented and standards are met
• Supervise the quality of the construction materials and collected attest documentation
• Provide technical support during project closure and defects notification period

Coordination Support

• Act as the communication bridge between technical teams and local communities/stakeholders
• Support the Project Manager in the management of communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, and exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products
• Participate and represent UNOPS in technical working groups
• Provide continuity and leadership coverage for the project manager when necessary

Knowledge Management

• Assist in technical mentorship, the project goal of transfer of knowledge to local engineers
• Contribute to the consolidation, dissemination, and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge-building
• Conducting on-site training for the contractor’s technical staff to improve the technical knowledge of the engineers

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. 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required preferably in coastal engineering, civil engineering, or other related fields.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degree.

Certification

• Professional license and or registration with a recognized professional body or institution is an asset
• Project management certification (for example PRINCE2® Foundation) would be an asset

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in Engineering, Project/Programme Management, or other related fields with an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is required.
• Experience working in engineering project teams and working in a multi-project environment is desirable
• Experience working on coastal protection projects in Kiribati or the Pacific Islands is highly desirable
• Experience in FIDIC contracts management is highly valued
• Experience in the implementation of nature-based solutions for coastal protection is an added advantage

Language requirements

• Full working knowledge of English is required
• Working knowledge of another official UN Language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: LICA
2. Contract level: ICS 9 / LICA-9
3. Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance

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

Open only to Kiribati nationals or with valid residence.

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.
• Tarawa is a family duty station.

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.