UNDP Jobs - 51883- Infrastructure Contract Specialist

Infrastructure Contract Specialist

Location :

Erbil, IRAQ

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

18-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Nine Months

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

Under the direct supervision of Portfolio Manager of IGPSD, the Infrastructure Contract Specialist (ICS) is responsible for providing professional advices on overall project management and monitoring process of the Electricity Reconstruction Project in Kurdistan funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Regional Ministry of Electricity in Kurdistan (RMEK) maintains overall responsibilities with the assistance of UNDP for all activities related to the management of the Project. Therefore, as an implementing body of the project, RMEK will make and be responsible for their decisions on milestone activities, such as designing of new subprojects, bid evaluation, contract negotiation, contract awarding etc.

Under the project, the ICS is required to assist; (1) the project management and monitoring processes of Establishment of Central Training Centre in Erbil, Electricity Centres for Equipment Testing in the three Governorates (Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk), and Training Programmes (the scope of this new subproject may change depending on the demand from RMEK), (2) design of any new subprojects and their management that follow and (3) implementation of training/lecture on project management for capital investment projects.

The ICS closely assists RMEK in managing and monitoring the project and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex commercial and contractual issues related to project management in the above subprojects. The ICS promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project.

The ICS is expected to work in close collaboration with the UNDP Technical Manager, who is responsible for technical (engineering) issues of the Project, to successfully deliver his/her professional services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives:

The key results are to assist RMEK in managing and monitoring the project and ensure that each milestone in a project design, procurement and contract stage is processed in a timely manner as planned such as preparation of draft bidding documents, organization of pre-bid meeting/site visit including Q&A and minutes, preparation of draft responses to clarifications from bidders, draft evaluation reports, and also to assist RMEK in attending to any contracts managerial issues to come during the contract management stage while closely assessing possible consequence of their decisions and actions.

Besides, assisting RMEK in obtaining JICA’s non objection on each stage of the procurement processes as well as contract management stage, whenever necessary, in accordance with JICA guidelines and regulations is required.

Also, it would be required to provide the on-the-job trainings with RMEK so that RMEK staff acquires knowledge and skills to manage infrastructure investment projects in line with international project management practices.

Scope and expected outputs

Ensures smooth implementation of the project while focusing on achievement of the following outcomes on behalf of RMEK:

To prepare a management plan/schedule for the project and update them on a monthly basis as necessary;
To provide analysis on the status of project budget on a quarterly basis;
To provide assessment on the future disbursement forecast of the project on a monthly basis;
Full compliance of procurement activities with JICA rules, regulations, policies and strategies; elaboration of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of a client-oriented procurement management system;To provide inputs to prepare a monthly progress report on the project to be submitted to RMEK;
To assist RMEK in managing on-going contracts under the sub-projects including payments to contractors, defect liability period and other contractual issues;
To assist RMEK in obtaining Non Objection from JICA for possible new subproject(s);
To provide on-the-job trainings with RMEK in order that RMEK will be able to handle project issues efficiently in line with JICA requirements;
To provide trainings on project management as necessary;
To travel to Sulaimaniyah, Halabja and Dohuk in Kurdistan subject to the security approval, to discuss issues with local RMEK officials for new subproject(s);
To provide a monitoring advisory support to UNDP-Iraq in monitoring the progress of other on-going Japanese Yen Loan funded projects in Kurdistan.

Establishment of Central Training Centre in Erbil (CTC) / Training and Test Centres (TTC) in the three Governorates (Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dohuk) (IQ-P10/06):

The scope of this subproject is to implement the following different components through selection of a capable turnkey contractor:

To refurbish the existing CTC and build additional buildings to the existing CTC;
To construct new buildings for TTCs;
To furnish technical equipment (such as electrical testing equipment) and basic amenities (such as air conditioning system and furniture) to CTC and TTCs; and
To implement the training programs to trainees (RMEK staff).

Based on the above-mentioned components of the subproject, the scope of the work and expected outputs required from the ICS is as follows:

To assist RMEK in preparing draft bidding documents (including technical documents such as Bill of Quantities, specifications, drawings etc in collaboration with the Technical Manager and UNDP consultants) for the subproject in accordance with the Loan Agreement signed on June 11, 2008 between JICA and the Government of Iraq, JICA’s procurement guidelines and standard documents as well as RMEK’s practice;
To assist RMEK in obtaining Non Objection from JICA on the draft bidding documents by closely coordinating with RMEK and JICA;
To assist RMEK in advertising and invitation for bidding;
To organize and attend pre-bid meeting/site visit (if necessary)/bid opening meeting and prepare minutes;
To prepare draft responses to clarifications from bidders concerning commercial issues;
To carry out bid evaluation (both technical and financial in case of two-envelope bidding system) based on minimum criteria/requirements and prepare draft evaluation reports while supporting RMEK evaluation committee in coordination with the Technical Manager and UNDP consultants;
To assist RMEK in conducting contract negotiation and preparing draft contract documents;
To communicate with JICA on behalf of RMEK in order to solve any issues related to the subproject.

Construction of 33kV Double Circuit Transmission Line and Associated 11kV Distribution Lines (IQ-P10/07)

To assist RMEK in preparing draft bidding documents (including technical documents such as Bill of Quantities, specifications, drawings etc in collaboration with the Technical Manager) for the subproject in accordance with the Loan Agreement signed on June 11, 2008 between JICA and the Government of Iraq, JICA’s guidelines and standard documents as well as RMEK’s practice;
To assist RMEK in obtaining Non Objection from JICA on the draft bidding documents by closely coordinating with RMEK and JICA;
To assist RMEK in advertising and invitation for bidding;
To organize and attend pre-bid meeting/site visit (if necessary) and prepare minutes;
To prepare draft responses to clarifications from bidders concerning commercial issues;
To attend bid opening meetings and prepare minutes;
To carry out bid evaluation (both technical and financial in case of two-envelope bidding system) based on minimum criteria/requirements and prepare draft evaluation reports while supporting RMEK evaluation committee in coordination with the Technical Manager;
To assist RMEK in conducting contract negotiation and preparing draft contract documents;
To communicate with JICA on behalf of RMEK in order to solve any issues related to the subproject.

New subprojects

To assist RMEK in preparing justifications including background, necessity, scope, schedule, estimated budget etc and in obtaining Non Objection from JICA for initiation of any new subprojects;
To assist RMEK in preparing draft bidding documents for any new subprojects in accordance with the Loan Agreement signed on June 11, 2008 between JICA and the Government of Iraq, JICA’s procurement guidelines and standard documents as well as RMEK’s practice;
To assist RMEK in obtaining Non Objection from JICA on the draft bidding documents by closely coordinating with RMEK and JICA.

Deliverables

The Individual Contractor (IC) will be responsible for producing the following deliverables. These deliverables are changeable with approval by UNDP, in case unexpected events take place, which will affect the anticipated outputs from the IC, such as delay in the project or change in the project components, due to reasons which are beyond the IC’s control.

Establishment of CTC and TTC subproject (Procurement of the Contractor): Completion of final draft bidding documents except for technical sections such as BOQ, specifications, drawings etc. in order to obtain RMEK and JICA’s concurrence;
Establishment of CTC and TTC subproject (Procurement of the Contractor): Completion of pre-bid meeting and site visit (if necessary) including preparation of responses to clarifications from bidders and minutes of pre-bid meeting;
Establishment of CTC and TTC subproject (Procurement of the Contractor): Completion of technical evaluation on offered bids based on the minimum criteria described in the Bidding Documents and preparation of the technical evaluation report in order to obtain RMEK and JICA’s concurrence;
Establishment of CTC and TTC subproject (Procurement of the Contractor): Completion of financial evaluation on offered bids based on the minimum criteria described in the Bidding Documents and preparation of the financial evaluation report in order to obtain RMEK and JICA’s concurrence;
Establishment of CTC and TTC subproject (Procurement of the Contractor): Completion of contract negotiation and preparation of final contract documents to be signed;
Construction of 33kV Double Circuit Transmission Line:Completion of technical evaluation on offered bids based on the minimum criteria described in the Bidding Documents and preparation of the technical evaluation report in order to obtain RMEK and JICA’s concurrence.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Operational Effectiveness and Practical Knowledge

Ability to manage the project by leading procurement processes using specific procurement methods (International Competitive Bidding and JICA procurement guidelines and regulations);
Ability to elaborately assess actions and/or decisions taken by RMEK and advise possible consequences which will affect their project management;
Demonstrates a complete in-depth grasp of procurement rules and practices, especially those of JICA and/or Multinational Development Banks represented by World Bank.

Management and Leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, International Development or related field;
Advance University Degree is preferable.

Work Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant experience at the international level in infrastructure contract management from preparation of bidding documents till signing of contracts;
Minimum 5 years of experience in the procurement and contract management in the international/bilateral development organization, which must include the one with Japan International Cooperation Agency (or former Japan Bank for International Cooperation);
At least 2 relevant experiences in the procurement and contract management for large infrastructure projects of more than USD 10 million;
Work experience in at least 2 social or economic development infrastructure projects for the Middle East countries is essential.
Work experience in at least 2 training/lecture provisions on public procurement and contract management related to JICA-funded projects;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Language:

Working language shall be English, fluency in English, written and spoken;
Proficiency of Japanese and/or Kurdish will be an important asset.

Important Notices:

Application documents are published on the following link http://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/operations;/procurement.html and http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=19564;
Applicants should complete and sign the required documents and send the scanned copies to the email IC1.undp.iq@undp.org by the deadline (It is a MUST to indicate the Procurement Notice Number “IRQ10/IC-054/14” in the e-mail subject box);
Any email received after deadline due to any technical problem in sending or receiving servers may be rejected;
Applications with any missing documents or non-UNDP format may NOT be considered for evaluation;
Applicants need to use Adobe reader, MS Word, zipping software (WinRAR) to be able to use and view the documents for this procurement notice;
Only applications submitted to the email address IC1.undp.iq@undp.org will be considered;
Any request for clarification must be sent to the following e-mail address: samer.hawilih@undp.org;
The Procurement Unit will respond to all queries (if any) without identifying the source of inquiry. Answers will be published on the link mentioned above;
Applications without all the required documents may be not considered;
Each email should be less than 5 MB; emails over this size will not be received to the above mentioned account.