The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) - Sudan Project Office is engaged by the Department for International Development (DFID), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for implementation of the Urban Water for Sudan (UW4S). The project has largely completed its infrastructure component and is currently moving into the capacity building phase. The recent outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in a re-design of the project to intensify capacity support to five towns. The purpose of the support is also to avoid parallel outbreaks of waterborne diseases that would overburden a health system already expected to be challenged in meeting the demands of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is possible that some additional minor works may be undertaken to ensure that clean water can be delivered. 

UNOPS Sudan Office belonging to the Ethiopia Operational Hub, is therefore actively looking for highly motivated and competent candidates for the position of Civil Engineers, to be based in five state capitals (Zalengei, Geneina, Nyala, Port Sudan and Kassala) for the above mentioned project funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). The post will be for six months only, to support he UWA during the Covid-19 outbreak. 

UNOPS is responsible for supporting Urban Water Authorities (UWAs) the five state capitals listed, as well as el Fasher, to develop their capacity to provide water to all resident, plan for future needs, operate and maintain the system sustainably, and to recover costs to support the functioning of the institution.

design, tendering, construction supervision and contract administration of these works. UNOPS will also support immediate and urgent infrastructure and electro-mechanical equipment roll out to ensure water can be delivered to all residents as a matter of urgency. This includes supply to Internally Displaced People in all the towns. The project is implemented in a partnership with State Government Authorities. 

UNOPS is soliciting applications from suitable qualified civil engineers with experience in water supply in urban settings and with experience of performance monitoring of infrastructure-related projects. Applications from current state employees will be considered only with agreement of state managers and on conditions that the employee returns to the agency after the contract period. 

Monitoring and Progress Controls
 

The focus of the Civil Engineer for the 4-month contract period will be support UNOPS and UWAs to monitor the results of the project and the performance improvement in the UWAs, and to support the UWAs to develop capacity to monitor their performance. The project results relate to infrastructure outputs, outcomes and impacts and outcomes and impact of urban water utility capacity building and planning interventions.

The Civil Engineer will be responsible for measuring the project performance against the log frame indicators and measuring the UWA performance against the institutional indicators. The intent is that the UWAs undertake the bulk of the work on their own performance management, and the civil engineer will provide support to facilitate the delivery of the outputs and develop the capacity of the UWA staff to undertake the tasks. Using the methodology and templates provided by the project monitoring and evaluation adviser, the Civil Engineer will

1. Measure outputs and outcomes using available data and by undertaking interviews and field assessments where necessary;

2. support the UWA to prepare/update their system of tracking and reporting against their agreed performance indicators;

3. support the UWA to implement agreed institutional strengthening and personnel capacity building projects related to performance monitoring; 

4. Work closely with the engineers supporting capacity development of the UWAs.

The Civil Engineer will be supported by the project manager and an international monitoring and indicator expert (working remotely). The civil engineer will act as the team member on the ground and will be responsible for facilitating and coordinating the monitoring work for UNOPS deliverables and with the UWAs. The civil engineer will participate in i) inputting lessons learned on the project; ii) providing technical input and lessons learned to the materials developers for training materials that emerge from the project, iii) monitoring and documenting the results of the Capacity building / reform initiatives; iv) supporting the sharing of lessons and v) supporting the Communities of Practice and town hall sessions that promote interaction between the UWAs and sharing of lessons learned. 

Related specific responsibilities

• Track progress of UNOPS project interventions and report in progress monthly

• Manage UW4D construction site HSSE and Sustainability Management plan implementation, monitoring and reporting

• Collect data, analyze, and present data on outputs, outcomes, and impact of UNOPS UW4D project in all localities

• Facilitate the implementation of performance monitoring in all UWAs in the UW4D programme Support UWAs to implement the monitoring systems, including training on data gathering, analysis and reporting.

• Support the project manager on project compliance, monitoring and reporting.

• Support the development of a monitoring plan

• Support the UWA to collect schemes operational data, assets maintenance records, beneficiaries, survey information needed for monitoring and results measurement

• Support UWA to undertake baseline (Preliminary) surveys

• Support the UWA in planning, and facilitate the master planning and capacity building processes with the state authorities and other project stakeholders, with emphasis on monitoring and reporting of performance of the system and delivery

• Support the UWA with technical input for capacity building interventions / mini projects, and assist in developing materials documenting capacity building intervention

• Support the UWA staff to undertake quality assurance of results

• Assist Water Supply Engineer, Senior Project Engineer or PM in the preparation of project / contracts related documentations such as periodic progress reports, site monitoring reports, stakeholder meeting minutes, Agreements, etc.

• Assist in providing training and technology transfer to national personnel 

• Represent UNOPS in project implementation activities in the field, as directed by the Project Manager and the Senior Engineer to ensure that UNOPS procedures and the standards adhere to all project implementation activities.

• Support the Project Manager and the Programme team in any other job-related matter as required.

• Represent UNOPS in project implementation activities in the field, as directed by the Project, to ensure that UNOPS procedures and the standards adhere to all project implementation activities.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Accessing / gathering, documentation and analysis of data required for planning and implementation of monitoring and capacity building interventions

• Support and facilitate the implementation of monitoring, planning and capacity building interventions according to the agreed milestone, on time

• Lead the roll out of the monitoring process according to the agreed timelines

• Ensure all coordination issue with States Government levels are resolved in a timely manner.

• Ensure regular supervision of the monitoring plan progress and quality for on time delivery

• Provide data and information about project to the PM for reporting purposes.

Final Product

• Project monitoring plan

• Monthly monitoring reports on each UWA

• Monitoring data included in quarterly and annual reports

• Technical input and lessons learned input to training materials on monitoring of UWA performance

• Capacity building interventions implemented

• Capacity building report

• KPIs report.

Education 

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required, A Master’s degree would be an asset and may substitute some of the required years of experience . 

A technical degree in electrical, mechanical, water or environmental engineering (or similar) could be accepted if the applicant has enough experience with urban water infrastructure and utilities.
 

Work Experience 

At least 4 years of experience in Water supply projects in the urban environment is required.

Experience working with government water utilities / institutions would be preferred.

Experience in managing water projects or in management in government water institutions would be desirable.

Previous experience in monitoring project performance would be preferred. 

Experience in preparing reports on project progress is desirable.

Work experience in Darfur is desirable.
 

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. For people managers only: 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.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peace building, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understands and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.