UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP /SSA/2007/07 UNDP

Post Title : Local Engineer ( Liberia Transition Support Fund)
Contract Type : Special Service Agreement
Duty Station : Monrovia/Liberia
Duration : Two Months (probationary period with possible
Extension subject to satisfactory performance)
Bureau/Office : UNDP / World Bank
Start Date : Immediately
Date of Issue : 25 July 2007
Closing Date : 10 August 2007

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

Background

Fifteen years of civil war devastated Liberia 's economy, infrastructure, and human assets. During that time, basic service delivery ceased, unemployment soared, and government systems stopped functioning. Since 2004, the World Bank has responded to Liberia 's post-conflict needs with a variety of instruments, including the Transition Support Fund (TSF).

The TSF, financed by the LICUS TF, was initially designed to support the new Government by funding projects that provided quick, high-visibility results, as well as by providing critical technical assistance to strengthen key government functions. The rationale was that only immediate, tangible improvements in citizens' everyday lives would anchor their belief that change was taking place.

The first phase of the TSF (TSFI) was successfully completed. Projects funded by the TSFI included the rehabilitation of a 95 km major rural road (implemented by UNMIL), the installation and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities (wells, latrines, hand pumps), and the construction and rehabilitation of schools, markets, and culverts.

The TSF has recently been replenished with funding of USD$6.5 million. The second phase of the TSF (TSFII) will build upon the achievements of TSFI through financing more quick impact and high-visibility projects in infrastructure and basic services.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Project Engineer is to perform the following duties [and shall spend up to 80% of his/her time in the field]:

A. Assist with technical/engineering project appraisal , including:

• Review of proposed project area vis-à-vis immediate community needs;
• Assessment and evaluation of project proposals, including proposed scope of works, bill of quantities (BoQs), drawings;
• Advice on national standards for construction of civil works (wells, latrines, bridges, public buildings, etc)
• Assessment of the technical capacity of NGOs/other implementing partners;

B. carry out engineering/technical supervision of approved project, including:

• Monitor approved/ongoing projects on a bi-monthly basis ;
• Assess quality of proposed construction materials;
• Review and advice NGOs/implementing partners on implementation issues resulting from specific local conditions;

C. Assist the Project Coordinator in monthly reporting activities by:

• Providing all the necessary information about the individual infrastructure projects and overall progress in a standard template form to be developed by the Project Coordinator;
• Provide all other necessary support for the preparation of reports as need may be;

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience  

• University degree (BSc) preferably in civil engineering, construction engineering or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area;
• Minimum of eight (8) years direct working experience in areas related to construction of water and sanitation facilities; school buildings, clinics, roads, bridges and other community infrastructure;
• Experience working with the UN or other international agency desired;
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office – Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet;
• Must be a self-starter with excellent demonstrated teamwork skills;
• Sound judgment, strong networking and interpersonal skills, ability to plan, organize and coordinate work and to cope with a demanding workload is expected;
• Must be practical and possess strong communication skills;
• Excellent analytical and evaluation skills;
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org . Please insert Vacancy Announcement Number in the Subject of the email or written application.  Applications without the Vacancy Announcement Number or with the incorrect Vacancy Announcement Number will not be accepted. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for a written test followed by an interview.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)

Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Mamba Point
Monrovia , Liberia

cc: All UN Agencies and UNDP Programmes/Projects and All Counties

Note: All applications/queries must be addressed to: vacancies.lr@undp.org
Also you can download the P11 Form here