Lead Construction Management Engineer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Guatemala is implementing the INFRAIGSS program, focused on modernizing hospital infrastructure. This role is part of the second phase, which prioritizes the construction and equipping of two new hospitals. The Lead Construction Management Engineer will oversee the construction of the Regional Hospital of Oriente in Zacapa, a critical third-level healthcare facility, ensuring it meets high standards of quality, cost, and timeliness.

Job Purpose

The Lead Construction Management Engineer provides essential technical leadership throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from initial design review to final handover. This role is crucial for ensuring that the construction and equipping of new hospitals, such as the Regional Hospital of Oriente in Zacapa, are executed according to UNOPS standards and project objectives. The engineer will manage and guide engineering teams, contractors, and consultants, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet stringent quality, sustainability, and health, safety, social, and environmental (HSSE) requirements. This position directly contributes to the modernization of healthcare infrastructure in Guatemala, enhancing the capacity of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) to provide advanced medical services.

Responsibilities

Lead the technical planning and implementation of infrastructure activities, ensuring alignment with UNOPS standards and project goals. Conduct site investigations, review designs, and validate technical specifications and tender documents. Provide expert technical advice to project management and stakeholders. Oversee daily construction supervision, ensuring contractor compliance with designs, contracts, and specifications. Implement and monitor Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) systems, conduct inspections, and verify construction results. Ensure consistent application of UNOPS HSSE standards on all project sites. Monitor construction progress against schedules and budgets, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, delays, and cost overruns. Support contract administration, including the verification of interim payment certificates, variation orders, and claims. Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including daily site records, inspection reports, and photographic evidence. Prepare detailed progress reports and ad-hoc reports for project management, analyzing risks and proposing solutions. Supervise junior engineers and technical staff, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building in construction supervision, HSSE, and quality management.

Work Experience

Required: Relevant experience in vertical building construction, specifically in site supervision or technical construction management, covering at least 50,000 m² or $50 million in cumulative cost. Experience in construction quality control, monitoring, and reporting. Proficiency with collaboration tools (MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems. Desirable: Experience in hospital infrastructure projects, BIM implementation, and working in multicultural or developing country environments.

Skills

Building Information Modeling, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Data Analysis, Inventory Management, Leadership, Project Management, Team Leadership, Agility

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