WASH Engineer-Consultancy (For Non South Sudanese)

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Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

UNICEF with funding from the Government of Germany is implementing an urban WASH programme in several locations including Juba, Yei, Yambio, Torit and Bor.

The main hardware components of the programmes include the following:

• Design and rehabilitation and expansion of water supply system in Bor Town comprising water treatment plant, storage reservoir, distribution network and electromechanical equipment
• Rehabilitation and expansion of water supply in Yei, Yambio and Torit comprising storage reservoirs, water treatment plant rehabilitation, spring development, pipeline extension upgrades, water kiosk and boreholes and solar powered systems
• Construction of water points and latrines in schools, health centers and public places
• Design and construction of extension of pipe network and additional public water kiosks in Juba

• An engineering consultancy firm, Kagga has been engaged for the design and construction supervision of the water system in Bor. In Yei, Yambio and Torit, designs have been completed by the engineering supervisory firm NEWTECH and process of contract award ongoing. Signing of consultancy with La Femme for works in Juba is in the final stage.
• Based on the needs of the urban WASH programme, UNICEF WASH has during the past years developed an in-house team of technical engineering consultants support the effective delivery of the urban water programme
• Considering the ongoing highly specialized nature as well as high volume  of the urban water works, UNICEF continues to require the services of an experienced engineer monitor the implementation of the urban water works, advise on corrective actions and required changes and coordinate with the Engineering Consulting Firms  in charge of the technical supervision
• It is therefore proposed to acquire the technical services of an experienced WASH Engineer for a period of 11.5 months over the period 10^th January 2022 to 24^th December 2022.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The Engineer will be based in Juba with field visits to project sites in the field. The Engineer position is a highly technical position and will be required to undertake detailed and thorough analysis and review of all construction related works and documentation and provide objective and sound feedback/information for UNICEF’s use and decision making

The consultant is expected to perform the following specific functions/tasks:

Planning and Design

1. Provide technical inputs into the water project feasibility and design by the consulting firms for Bor and  Juba and ensure due consideration for value for money, environmental, social and gender safeguarding
2. Undertake technical and financial review and make inputs in the process of pre-qualification, tendering, evaluation and awarding of works Contractors in collaboration with the Engineering Consulting firm
3. Contribute to inputs on sustainability initiatives for the constructed works including development of Water Utility Business Plan

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

1. Provide inputs to the engineering consultant firm  to ensure good performance of the assigned tasks; review all files prepared by the consultant (technical reports, drawings and specifications for bidding document, cost estimates and bill of quantities, tender documents, specifications, payment certificate) ensuring technical soundness, computational accuracy and compliance with international and national standards and norms
2. Collaborate with the engineering firms(s) on technical revisions that maybe required to ensure value for money, environmental compliance and adherence to available project budget
3. Coordinate with engineering consulting firm, contractors and other related stakeholders for the technical clearance and certification of payment certificates and advice UNICEF for final disbursement of payment.
4. Review all submissions for works variations, develop payment tracking system and verify that all payment requests meet the terms and conditions of the contract
5. Assist in the review and ongoing evaluation of the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of the project in coordination and collaboration with government and other partners
6. Ensure consultant’s adherence to proper construction quality control and monitoring systems throughout the construction and defects period
7. Undertake assessment and monitoring visits (schedule to be determined at a monthly basis) and advice implementing partners / contractors to ensure works are implemented in line with appropriate standards and specifications and provide guidance for corrective actions as required.  This includes quality check on materials and equipment as part of the implementation of the town level interventions.
8. Review monthly reports and monitor the work of the engineering consultant firms and contractors

Communication and Data Management

1. Participate in technical meetings and field visits with consultant and contractors and other stakeholders as required
2. Collate and provide construction programme information and data as required for evidenced based decision making, donor request, progress report and development of knowledge products
3. Respond to request for clarification/information on design and construction from the donors
4. Undertake other tasks relating to urban WASH construction as requested by UNICEF needed to ensure the objectives of the Urban WASH construction project are met

Scope of Work:

The consultant will closely coordinate and work together with other members of UNICEF Urban WASH and other teams within UNICEF as well as with engineering consulting firms, water utilities, contractors, national, state and local Governments and other relevant parties for the undertaking of the above referred activities.  The methodologies applied for this consultancy will include but not be limited to the following:

• Coordination meetings between UNICEF, engineering consulting firms, contractors and/or national/state/local authorities as required
• Desk review of technical documentation such as design reports and specifications, Bill of Quantities progress reports, payment certificates among others.
• Field visits to target towns to monitor implementation of works, commissioning of completed works, resolving technical issues at field level. Field visit will be undertaken on the approval of the supervisor of the consultancy
• Preparation of various technical documents related to the implementation of the programme, including inputs for various UNICEF internal documentations, progress update reports, technical briefings for donor reporting, high level monitoring visits, etc.

Preparation of various technical documents related to the implementation of the programme, including inputs for various UNICEF internal documentations, progress update reports, technical briefings for donor reporting, high level monitoring visits, etc.

Work Assignment Overview

 Monitoring and supervision of design and construction works progress

• Review and input in Feasibility Report, Preliminary design for Juba
• Review and input in the preparation of tender documents for Bor and Juba
• Review and input into the Evaluation of bids
• Monitor urban water infrastructure construction against agreed work plan with contractors

 Minimum Qualifications required:

• Advanced University degree in civil or sanitary engineering or eight years equivalent engineering experience plus Bachelor’s degree in lieu of a master’s degree. Membership of relevant professional bodies at regional and /or national level will be an advantage
• Civil, Sanitary, water or environmental Engineering

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the design, monitoring and supervision of construction of urban water supply systems, including conventional water treatment plants
• Demonstrated experience of contracting process for civil works, including preparation of BOQ, tender documents, bid adjudication and award and familiarity with FIDIC conditions
• Knowledge of current best practice in the urban water supply sector
• Excellent computer skills including internet navigation and various office applications, including knowledge of AutoCAD and MIS/GIS applications
• Possess drive, initiative and ability to effectively collaborate within team

• Should be result oriented and possess good analytical and communication skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work in a multi-cultural and international environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Previous experience of similar assignment with UN agencies an advantage; knowledge of UNICEF contracting, and forms of construction contract an asset
• Experience in South Sudan will be considered an advantage

Language Requirements:

• English

All applications must be submitted with detailed financial and technical proposal

Payment Schedule

Payment will be done monthly upon delivery of key task and submission of all necessary reports as stipulated in the detailed  Terms of Reference.

https://www.unicef.org/southsudan/

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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.