Project Specialist - Construction Engineering (80% Part-Time, NPSA-10) [open To All Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia, through its Crisis Resilience unit, is implementing the "Advanced Capacity for Accelerated Delivery Initiative" (ACADI) project. This initiative partners with the Ministry for Public Investment (MPI) to enhance its capacity for timely and impactful project implementation, particularly for loan-funded projects. The Project Specialist will be instrumental in ensuring effective project execution within this context.

Job Purpose

The Project Specialist - Construction Engineering role is crucial for the effective, efficient, and accountable implementation of the ACADI project's infrastructure components. This position will provide high-level technical expertise to manage and oversee infrastructure activities, including design, supervision, and quality assurance. The specialist ensures that projects meet specified results, quality standards, and are delivered within time and cost constraints. By managing project activities, coordinating with partners, and ensuring compliance with UNDP regulations, the role directly contributes to the successful delivery of infrastructure projects and the overall objectives of the ACADI initiative, ultimately supporting Serbia's development goals and mitigating financial risks associated with project delays.

Responsibilities

The Project Specialist is responsible for the strategic planning and overall management of large infrastructure projects, ensuring technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs are delivered effectively. This includes developing and managing implementation strategies, coordinating activities in compliance with project documents and UNDP policies, and monitoring progress against work plans. The role provides expert engineering support and quality assurance, overseeing design, supervision, and construction works, and approving technical designs and payments. Responsibilities also encompass preparing and reviewing technical documentation, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and Scopes of Work (SoWs), and supporting procurement processes for goods and services. Furthermore, the specialist will monitor project progress and risks, analyze potential risks, and define mitigation measures. Stakeholder coordination, team supervision, and capacity building are key, involving providing technical advice, maintaining working relations with national partners, and supervising project staff and consultants. The role also facilitates knowledge sharing and advocacy related to the project.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required in construction engineering or infrastructure project management. This includes experience in developing technical designs, supervision, analysis, or advisory services within the construction industry. Experience with computer software, web-based management systems, and ideally, experience in quality assurance, tender preparation, and managing project design processes is also noted.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Technical Competencies: System Thinking, Entrepreneurial Thinking, Effective Decision Making, Partnerships Management, Work with evidence and data, Systems Thinking and Transformation, Communication and Advocacy for Gender Equality.

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