UNDP Jobs - 51708- Expert in Metro and Railroad Engineering

Expert in Metro and Railroad Engineering

Location :

Kuwait, KUWAIT

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

04-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months, extendable

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Background

In the framework of the “Support to General Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Planning and Development (GSSCPD), to oversee the strategic planning priorities of the State of Kuwait’’ project, UNDP and GSSCPD are working jointly to ensure an enabling and conducive environment for the implementation of the national development plan.

With aims to manage transportation demand and improve mobility and accessibility, the National Development Plan of the State of Kuwait seeksto build efficient and integrated metro and rail systems to sustain Kuwait's economic growth through modern infrastructure and technology, efficient usage and operations, and institutional reform. In addition, the integrated systems intend to enhance energy efficiency, improve the environment, enhance safety, maximize benefit for consumers and producers of goods and services, and improve productivity.

State development projects are coordinated by the Consultants Department (CD) of the Consultants Selection Committee (CSC). Guided by the Government’s Strategic and Operational Plans and Annual Budgets, government entities submit their annual development project proposals and corresponding budgets to the CD. The CD reviews these proposals and the related budgets in light of plans, priorities and capital (including maintenance contract) budgets of the government, ensuring that the plans respond to the government’s plans and priorities, and are within allocated budgets. The Consultants Department consist of Qualified Engineers (Director, Supervisors, Controllers, senior and junior engineers, and support staffs); and specializes in verifying the terms of reference pertaining to study, design and supervision of national construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, Feasibility projects for ministries, government and independent agencies.

Within this context, the State Minister of Planning and Development is seeking the technical support of an Expert in Metro and Railroad Engineering to enhance the capacity of the consultants Selection Committee (CSC), in overseeing the planning, monitoring and implementation of this project.

Duties and Responsibilities

The expert will be stationed at, and supervised by the CSC, in close consultation with GSSCPD; and will assume the following duties:

Oversight of the Kuwait Rail Road and K-Metro Projects

Provide technical support to the development of the TORs, strategy, tactics and management activities relevant to the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects;
Provide technical support to the development of the standard operations procedures manual (SOPs) for the processes and procedures relevant to tendering, selecting and contracting the engineering consultancy services for the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects;
Provide technical support to the development of the selection criteria for the engineering consultancy services provider that willbe contracted for the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects.

RFP Development

Define,develop,review and document all of the requirements and scope of the draft and final Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects. This shall be carried out with consideration to optimum timing, costs and assumed risks with special consideration to the technical and financial aspects that shall ensure the proper execution of the RFP process;
Provide technical support to the concerned CSC responsible for the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects execution in developing and/or enhancing the terms and conditions of standard RFP.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Capacity Building

Provide technical support to the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework for all aspects of the Kuwait Rail Road and the K-Metro Projects, to ensure effective and efficient implementation; and to ensure compliance with contractual obligations;
Enhance the capacity of relevant staff at the CSC in the relevant areas of the consultancy.

Deliverables

Guidelines manual for qualification, selection criteria, documentation and procedures developed;
New qualification, selection and contracting formats developed;
M&E framework developed and implemented;
Final RFP developed and submitted;
Monthly progress reports and a final report with recommendations on the way forward;
Reports, status notes and presentations as required;
Human capacity building plan developed and implemented.

Working Arrangements

The expert will be based at and supervised by CSC, in close consultation with GSSCPD.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Demonstrates integrity;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of GSSCPD;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

Functional Competencies

Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm and in control even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness and ability to deal with change;
Knowledge of legislation, government policies, practices and external factors relevant to procurement activities;
Ability to translate strategy into effective and comprehensive RFP/Contract documents;
Highly numerate, with highly developed analytical skills using qualitative and quantitative data;
Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills;
Ability to respond appropriately in unplanned and unforeseen circumstances;
Ability to measure and achieve targets and objectives;
Effective time management, priority setting and planning skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in civil engineering;
A higher degree is an advantage.

Experience:

20 years of experience in a relevant field;
Sufficient experience in similar project with similar nature, type and size;
International and Middle East work experience in a relevant field is an advantage;
Sufficient Knowledge of the International standards and criteria relevant to the subject of the consultancy;
Experience in cost/benefit and risk analysis;
Excellent document drafting and RFP formation skills;
Strong working knowledge of the FIDIC and RFP;
Knowledge of the financial, procurement and legal requirement of major infrastructure projects;
Computer skills including proficiency in common word processing, spread sheet, MS project and presentation programs.

Language:

Proficiency in Arabic and English is required.

Note:

The Consultant will be on a governmental contract administered by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD);
Common word processing, spread sheet, MS project and presentation programs.