Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Over 60% of South Sudan’s population are women. They provide about 70% of farm labor in the country where agriculture and agro-pastoralism are the most common economic activities and sources of livelihood. While this demonstrates the significant contribution of women to the local economy in general, South Sudan’s highly patriarchal society perpetuate gender disparities across most sectors of the society hindering women from fully participating in socioeconomic activities.
Affected by the prolonging conflicts, the country has a high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Sixty-five per cent of women and girls experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime – yet SGBV reporting remains very low. There are also persisting child marriages -52 per cent of girls were married or in union before they were 18 years of age and 9 per cent were married when they were under 15 years of age and early pregnancies. This is exacerbated by not just the patriarchal society but also of limited access to basic services, legal support, and protection.
In as much as illiteracy and poverty can exacerbate propensity to being a victim to abuse and disempowerment, increased access to protection and socioeconomic empowerment can reinforce the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. In this regard, UNDP in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and support from the Japanese government is undertaking the Project for the Improvement of Community Centres for Responding to Gender-based Violence (CC4GBV) which provides comprehensive protection services access – economic, legal, and basic services. It takes off from JICA’s technical cooperation project, “Advisor to promote economic empowerment and social reintegration of SGBV survivors” with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in 2021.
The CC4GBV Project will construct/rehabilitate 9 integrated livelihood and socioeconomic infrastructure (community and livelihood centers); support 700 women-led businesses with business development support and soft skills on leadership, conflict management and SGBV prevention; and provide legal aid, information and protection services to 1,400 women entrepreneurs. The Project will be implemented in Central Equatoria (Konyokonyo, Jebel, Gudele), Central Equatoria (Konyokonyo, Jebel, Gudele, Terekeka), Eastern Equatoria (Torit, Magwi), and Western Equatoria (Yambio, Masia, Mundri). In this regard, UNDP is seeking to engage a Project Engineer to conduct technical assessments and design of the infrastructure facilities to be constructed and/or rehabilitated in support of the implementation the CC4GBV Project.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Project Engineer shall perform the following:
- Participates in tender document preparation and bid evaluation exercises.
- Provide technical advice to contractors as well as guide UNDP and government on best construction practices. Prepare measurement sheets for contractor payments based on milestones provided for in the contract.
- Prepare payment certifications, substantial certifications and final completion certifications.
- Provide technical expertise and support in the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects in South Sudan.
- Conduct site visits and assessments to identify project requirements and ensure compliance with technical standards and specifications. Conduct construction site handover to contractor(s) after award. Carryout construction site supervision
- Provide detailed site assessment reports on which decisions can be made. Prepare site visit reports and regularly update construction progress matrix to guide project coordinator. Monitor project progress, quality of work, and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
- Prepare detailed engineering designs, drawings, cost estimates and Bills of Quantity (BOQ for civil works, infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, water supply systems, and buildings
- Coordinate with project stakeholders, including government authorities, contractors, and local communities, to ensure effective project delivery and community engagement.
- Provide technical guidance and capacity building support to project staff and partners to enhance their engineering skills and knowledge.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards in project implementation, including risk assessments and mitigation measures.
- Prepare regular progress reports, technical documentation, and presentations for project management and donor reporting.
- Contribute to the identification of new project opportunities and the development of project proposals in line with UNDP’s strategic priorities in South Sudan.
- Represent UNDP in technical meetings, workshops, and coordination forums with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
Institutional Arrangement
As part of the StaRR Unit, the Project Engineer will be under the direct supervision of the CC4GBV Project Coordinator, with matrix reporting to the Chief Programme Adviser and the Team Leader. S/he will be part of the Youth and Women Employment and Empowerment Portfolio and will work in close collaboration with the CC4GBV Project Engineer/GBV Integration Analyst, the STARR unit, particularly portfolio personnel, country office program colleagues and partners.
Competencies
Core
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Effective Decision Making:
- Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.
System Thinking:
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Results-based Management:
- Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.
Customer satisfaction/ Client management:
- Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
- Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Effectiveness:
- Development Partnership Architecture.
- Project Quality Assurance
Relationship management:
- Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of project management, engineering/architecture/urban planning or relevant related field is required, OR
- A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above related fields in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in the field of architecture, design, and development of architectural and design projects;
- Excellent knowledge of building standards, codes, and procedures;
- Ability to work on a computer, Excel / Word;
- Experience in design, development of space-planning and structural solutions, administrative buildings, and public service offices;
- Knowledge and experience with at least one of the following software ArchiCAD, Autodesk 3D Max; AutoCAD;
- Relevant experience in developing and reviewing construction documents;
- Relevant experience in verification of executive documentation;
- Experience working in post-conflict or fragile contexts, preferably in South Sudan or similar environments;
- Experience/Commitment to UNDP’s values and principles of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity;
- Knowledge of international engineering standards, codes, and best practices;
- Experience and knowledge of construction requirements and procedures within investment projects is a plus.
Required Language(s):
- Proficiency in English and local(s) language(s) is required.
- Knowledge of Arabic or other UN languages is an asset.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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