NATIONAL WATER ENGINEER for support to WATER INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION under the Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project. The initial contract would be for a period of six (6) months, starting on or around 1 May 2013, with possible extension based on project needs, available budget and performance. Capable, hard-working, and dynamic candidates interested in this position should submit their letter of application, CV, scanned copies of their certificates and letters of recommendation by e-mail to: un-habitat.som@unhabitat.org, under reference ?Hargeisa National Water Engineer Application?. Applications that do not clearly have this reference in the subject line will be rejected immediately. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Post Title: National Water Engineer
Type of contract: Service Contract
Duration: 6 months (with possible extension, based on project needs, available budget and satisfactory performance)
Duty Station: Hargeisa, with possible travel to other project locations in Somaliland
Starting Date: 1 May 2013
Deadline for applications: 20 March 2013
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1. Background
With financial support from the European Union, UN-Habitat and Hargeisa Water Agency are currently starting with the implementation of the Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project (HUWSUP). The Project will involve the construction of major water infrastructure and civil works components to secure and improve the water supply situation for Hargeisa City.
2. Duties and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the UN-Habitat Chief Technical Advisor, the direct supervision of the Hargeisa-based Project Manager, and in close collaboration with Hargeisa Water Agency, the National Water Engineer will amongst other activities perform the following specific tasks:
2.1 Support to Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project (75% of time input):
2.1.1 Support the Project Manager in the overall coordination and management of the HUWSUP at Hargeisa level; assist in the identification of bottlenecks, opportunities, risks and challenges, and the timely completion of all inputs and outputs, in particular the various water infrastructure construction components
2.1.2 Provide inputs to scope of works formulation for water infrastructure works components at Ged Deeble, Biyo Khadar, Hora Haadley, Hargeisa Town, and other HUWSUP sites.
2.1.3 Assist in the review of annual work plans and individual work programmes of contractors, consultancy firms and individual consultants.
2.1.4 Support design reviews, pipeline surveys, elevation studies, pipeline profiles, geo-technical investigations (as required), construction material survey and assessment of local contractors? capacities, identification of underground and above-surface utilities, etc.
2.1.5 In collaboration with the UN-Habitat Hargeisa water engineering team and HWA, maintain monitoring sheet of local construction rates related to the water infrastructure components;
2.1.6 Assist in the drafting of sub-contracts with service providers and construction firms;
2.1.7 Support HWA and specialized consultants engaged in daily site supervision; monitor and report on progress for water infrastructure components at Ged Deeble and Hora Haadley, and the main pipeline between Ged Deeble and the Chinese Reservoir in Hargeisa.
2.1.8 Assist in environmental impact assessments of proposed interventions, and check on contractors? adherence to environmental protection standards and proper site restitution
2.1.9 Liaise with Hargeisa Local Government, electricity and telephone utilities, urban and national road authorities on project-related issues.
2.1.10 Inspect and verify contractors? equipment at tender stage; inspect equipment, materials and workforce mobilized to site; and maintain records of the same
2.1.11 Support overall quality control and monitor performance of sub-contractors, service providers, and consultancy firms; Undertake regular visits to water infrastructure project sites, oversee the works and guide the contractors on the activities and works, and provide concrete suggestions to the UN-Habitat Programme Management for improvement on the same if required
2.1.12 Monitor and report on site progress and provide an accurate record of quantity of water infrastructure works and installations done
2.1.13 Collaborate with the technical team of UN-Habitat and HWA in the review of proposals, plans, designs, budgets, and BoQs for all water infrastructure works components
2.1.14 Extend technical support to HWA engineering staff, and support capacity building activities
2.1.15 Occasionally, and as required, assist the UN-Habitat and HWA engineering staff and specialized consultancy firms in the design and supervision of civil works components
2.1.16 Accompany field missions, organize meetings and liaise with local counterparts as requested
2.2 Support to Ayaha Water Sub-Project, WHIPS Project, and General Tasks related to UN-HABITAT Hargeisa Office (25%):
2.2.1 Provide water engineering and supervision support to the Ayaha-IV water sub-project, which comprises the construction of an extension pipeline, booster station, reservoir and public tapstand (water kiosk) at the new Ayaha IV settlement in the southern part of Hargeisa.
2.2.2 Provide support to water infrastructure and capacity building activities under the EU-funded Water and Health Infrastructure Programme for Somalia (WHIPS), implemented jointly with UNICEF and Terre Solidali
2.2.3 Assist in other engineering tasks for emerging technical and service delivery projects in Somaliland, e.g. in the field of water supply, waste management, etc.
2.2.4 Participate in meetings with Programme Management, national counterparts etc; Provide occasional translation of relevant documents from Somali to English and vice-versa
2.2.5 Ensure systematic and complete filing and archiving of all technical documents, contracts, engineering drawings and reports for water infrastructure development
2.2.6 Any other technical duties that may reasonably be requested by the Project Management in the interest of the above Projects.
3. Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:
3.1 Degree in Water Engineering, hydrogeology, civil / structural engineering, or related field;
3.2 Minimum 6 years of experience in water infrastructure construction, procurement, tendering, and working with contractors, and contract management;
3.3 Additional experience in civil works construction, previous employment by international organizations and familiarity with the UN system are added advantages;
3.4 Familiarity with and good understanding of the social and political dynamics in Hargeisa. Good working relationship with key local stakeholders an added advantage;
3.5 Must have excellent spoken and written English and Somali;
3.6 Good communication and computer skills, including internet navigation and various MS Office applications (Word, Excel, and Power-point); knowledge of and ability to use specialized water engineering design software (AutoCAD) is an essential.
3.7 Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
3.8 Ability to work under pressure, adapt quick to new circumstances, work long hours if required;