Background

Since 2001, United nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been responsible for the implementation of the EU funded Programme “Partnership for the Future (PFF)” in Cyprus. The PFF aims at contributing to the peace-building process in Cyprus through different levels of intervention, including urban infrastructure rehabilitation.

In the context of the PFF, UNDP has launched a project for the construction of the New Nicosia Waste Water Treatment Plant (NNWWTP) 6km north east of Nicosia in Cyprus (the tender notice can be viewed from: http://miamilia-haspolat-undp.org). The selected contractor, a German/Turkish Cypriot consortium is to design and build a modern, high-tech plant with a total capacity of 30.000 m3/day to accommodate the future needs of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, in addition to resolving environmental problems relating to the existing plant. The proposed new plant will use Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) process technology.

The project uses the FIDIC Yellow book general conditions of contract for plant/design&build (1999). UNDP has appointed a Project Manager to act as ‘the Engineer’ in this context.

Generally, Cyprus is relatively hot and dry with prolonged spells of strong sunshine and little or no rainfall. Temperatures can reach in excess of 40C in summer.

The Site Engineer / Inspector will work with the Project Manager and assist with the responsibilities of the Engineer for all duties related to the construction supervision of the plant; particularly the inspection, checking of work in progress and ensuring compliance with the technical specifications.

The primary task of this post is to perform the classic role of Site Engineer / Inspector on a construction site. The Site Engineer / Inspector will be the eyes and ears of the supervision team, continuously closely monitoring and inspecting activities in the construction areas, where work is going on; for quality, workmanship , safety and contract compliance.

Therefore, the much of the Site Engineer / Inspector’s time is expected to be spent outside on the site rather than in the office and will involve climbing on scaffolding, descending into excavations etc.

All applicants must take this into account and be willing and able to undertake such activities in the prevailing weather conditions and at a later stage if selected, provide a reference of having performed satisfactorily such duties recently (typically within the last 5 years).

The activities will be implemented at the project site and at the office of the Engineer in the Turkish Cypriot sector of the island at Nicosia, Cyprus. The Site Engineer / Inspector will be based at the NNWWTP Site Offices, which will be equipped with computer, printer etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work:

This full-time assignment is to carry out the functions, duties and responsibilities of the Site Engineer / Inspector as per the UNDP conditions of contract. He/she will act as Site Engineer / Inspector for the project and will also be required to undertake or assist with related office works as needed.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager (Engineer), he/she shall support the „Engineer” in monitoring and supervising the Contractor’s activities on site, including site inspection and checking of work and in general provide the duties of Site Engineer / Inspector for the project.

The site engineer / inspector shall be responsible to and assist the Engineer for all assigned duties related to the Construction Supervision of the new Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Project comprising all duties for Site Inspection and quality control for the New Nicosia WWTP project; including the monitoring of all contractor activities such as civil, mechanical and electrical to ensure satisfactory standards, quality assurance, control of workmanship and progress. This shall include inspection work to inspect and test items of plant and materials

The site engineer / inspector will otherwise work as directed by the Engineer to realise the objectives of the project; carrying out other assignments as required.

The Site Engineer / Inspector will be responsible him/herself and if applicable, through management of the Site Inspector(s), , to ensure that all necessary inspections are performed in a timely manner and that the site is frequently and continuously monitored and controlled.

The Site Engineer / Inspector shall be responsible also to the Engineer for preparation of reports, time-management, and assistance to the short term specialists, as required; contributing to the efficiency and success of the Project.

The Site Engineer / Inspector shall perform his assigned duties and responsibilities as given delegated authority from “the Engineer” as described in the FIDIC Conditions of Contract for Plant Design-Build, (as amended by the Particular Conditions of Contract). 

Construction Supervision:

General Supervision of construction

Under the direct supervision of the “Engineer”,the site engineer/inspector shall provide daily supervision of construction activities and shall be engaged in the following tasks and responsibilities:

  • Supervision of works on site in accordance with contract documents, drawings, technical specifications etc; ensuring correct implementation of works according to contract, design, quality of materials & workmanship
  • Checking, recording and testing of completed works before they are covered by the contractor
  • Ensuring that health and safety measures are adopted and properly complied with
  • Study and verify extent of works done and provide a report to the Engineer
  • Informing Engineer of any problem which may arise with the Contractor
  • Any other assignment as required by the Engineer
  • Review, comment and make recommendations on the construction methodology, working drawings, equipment submittals, and other construction-related work.
  • Advise the Engineer about problems, issues and discrepancies that may be a reason for technical or contractual problems (such as poor construction quality, delayed completion, inconvenience with others, etc) and take necessary actions (or recommend actions to be taken) to rectify such discrepancies.
  • Inspect regularly, including sample testing where required, materials and workmanship to ensure that the works are being carried out in compliance with the terms and conditions of the relevant Contract Documents.
  • Implement and maintain with the Contractor a system for inspection and approval of work before it is covered – e.g. foundations, reinforcing, formwork at each stage before concrete is poured
  • Implement and maintain with the Contractor a system for ensuring the quality of concrete and concrete works, including preparation and testing of concrete test cubes
  • Supervise and Witness watertightness and pressure testing of water-retaining structures, pipework etc 
  • Design, Material Approvals etc.
  • Assist the Engineer in the process of approval of any items of the Contractor’s Design, material approval (for material, mechanical/electrical equipment etc.); including to attend and report on any trials or witness tests assigned by the Engineer, check lists for equipment imported by the Contractor for project use and inspect/check on site deliveries. 
  •  Supervision of commissioning and taking-over
  • Assist with supervision of the testing and commissioning of the plant including electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and control systems.  Assist with review and approval of the “As-built” drawings, Operating and maintenance instruction manuals and all related information, prepared by the contractor after construction completion.
  • Prepare and submit to the Engineer snagging list for remaining and remedial works at Taking Over, for completion during the Defect Notification Period. Assist the Engineer with arrangements for hand-over of the completed facilities to the Entity for Operation and Maintenance

Administration

As required by the Engineer, the Site Engineer / Inspector will assist with and participate in the following tasks:

  • Review the Contractor’s proposed work programme, quality assurance plan, safety plan, environmental protection measures etc. from time to time, as updated versions are submitted
  • Review and assess valuations for interim payments, proposals for variations orders, claims etc that may be raised by the Contractor.
  • Participate in monthly progress meetings and other meetings as required by the Engineer.
  • Implement and maintain overall monitoring concerning actual and work progress compared to the Contractor’s submitted construction schedule.  Provide information for the Engineer’s monthly progress reports assessing progress and quality of the works.
  • Maintain the Site Diary of all relevant activities. Maintain a document control system for all site memos and instructions, quantities of work and materials on site, reports and other documents pertaining to the construction activities

Competencies

Other than the specific and technical competencies required in order to perform the duties described above, the following personal and general competencies will be needed:

  • Overall Professionalism, Integrity, Enthusiasm & Commitment
  • Good problem-solving skills; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and meet tight deadlines; attention to detail. 
  • Able to work efficiently with minimal direction & Self disciplined with strong work ethic
  • Fit and active for site work
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
  • Demonstrates integrity by behaving according to the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Excellent analytical and document drafting skills and ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise oral and written reports,
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Required Skills and Experience

General

  • Construction Engineer : Graduate or technician engineer
  • Experience of WWTP Construction and Commissioning or similar work
  • High level of competence with computer applications esp Word, Excel; also Autocad and Project will be a definite asset
  • Valid car driving licence required
  • Physically fit and active and willing/able to climb ladders, scaffolds etc and to descend into excavations, trenches etc

Language Requirements

  • Fluency in English a prerequisite both spoken and written – the language of the contract and so the working language is English.
  • Knowledge of one language used on site is an advantage – preferably Turkish or alternatively German

Qualifications

  • University degree in Civil engineering or equivalent with relevant experience in concrete structure construction supervision
  • In-depth knowledge and experience in FIDIC contract conditions
  • Postgraduate qualifications in construction or wastewater field desirable

Specific Experience Requirements:

  • 2 years in water and waste water treatment, waste water management or water sanitation infrastructure projects 
  • 8 years experience of which 6 years shall be in construction works of concrete, including water retaining structures
  • Knowledge and experience in design and construction of infrastructure and/or superstructure (e.g sewer network, WWTP, drinking water supply networks, construction or renovation of buildings etc)
  • At least 1 reference as Site Engineer / Inspector or inspector of Design/build and/or turnkey contracts. 1 of which to be similar in size and complexity in construction works of water retaining structures. All contracts shall have been completed between 1/6/00 and 1/6/10
  • Experience in projects financed by EU or other international donors is an asset
    3 years site experience [out on site, not in site office only