Procurement Engineer

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management, and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) II is a EUR 14 million project supported by the European Union and sits under DCRP. It commenced in September 2022, building on the first phase of BSRP (2013-2020). BSRP II is implemented by SPC in collaboration with agencies from 15 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) as part of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme (NDRRP) supported by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and European Union Delegation (Suva).

The role – Procurement Engineer will guide the specification and procurement processes and support oversight of construction projects in tandem with the Ministry of Works in the Pacific Island Countries. The role will also engage in supporting procurement where community, urban and coastal resilience initiatives include a structural component.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Procurement planning for technical and civil engineering-related goods and services

• Monitor market conditions for the supply of technical and civil engineering-related goods and services for disaster, climate change, water and other resilience purposes.
• Provide strategic advice on technical and civil engineering-related procurement matters for BSRP II to maximise economies of scale, meet SPC accountability requirements, meet member country needs and enhance member country systems.
• Liaise with PIC Ministries of Works and/or relevant agencies and stakeholders to plan the timely procurement of technical and civil engineering-related goods and services. This includes taking into account country-specific needs and processes.
• Ensure planning timelines are realistic and within project parameters and aligned with SPC policies and procedures.
• Plan preferred service agreements for recurrent markets.

Guide specification and procurement processes for technical and civil engineering-related goods and services

In relation to the procurement of disaster, climate change, water and resilience-related technical and civil engineering goods and services:

• Consult with project teams, technical specialists, SPC procurement personnel and PIC collaborating agencies, and draft specifications and performance requirements.
• Review designs, specifications and procurement documentation for compliance with relevant standards (e.g. building codes) and as well environmental and social impact management requirements.
• Work with the Procurement Team to prepare request for quotation/proposal (RFQ/RFP) documentation as appropriate and perform total cost analysis.
• Solicit price quotations and proposals from suppliers.
• Analyse technical and commercial data based on the responses and advise the Procurement Committee.

Oversee technical and civil engineering-related contracts, monitoring quality, risk and compliance

• Track and expedite the supply of disaster, climate change, water and resilience-related technical and civil engineer goods and services. Ensure that delivery is within the agreed financial parameters and is fit-for-purpose.
• Monitor and manage civil engineering related procurement contracts.
• Identify and promptly notify project teams of risks and mitigation measures and ensure mitigation measures are implemented.
• In tandem with project teams, PIC Ministry of Works or other relevant agencies/stakeholders, monitor the quality of execution of technical and civil engineering-related activities to ensure that contract deliverables, building code and environmental plan requirements are met. This includes coordinating monitoring visits, recording and analysing monitoring data.
• Manage the handover of related assets in accordance with SPC and donor requirements, including ensuring accurate records are kept for audit purposes.

Capacity building and operational support

• Work with the Procurement Team to increase the capacity of DCRP project and PIC Departmental staff to successfully undertake technical and civil engineering-related procurements. This includes providing in-person and online training, coaching and providing technical knowledge exchange.
• Contribute to PIC, donor and other SPC reporting and communications relating to the delivery of disaster, climate change, water and resilience-related technical and civil engineer goods and services as required. This may also include participating in project evaluations.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in civil engineering, quantity surveying or related discipline.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years professional experience related to provision of engineering and technical advice in fields relating to civil engineering.
• At least 5 years previous experience in working within regional and/or international organisations delivering technical/engineering services to developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, procurement and implementation of civil/environmental works contracts: a) construction of new structures/buildings, b) refurbishing of existing structures/maintenance works
• Experience in preparing of procurement tender documents and managing/procuring and shipping of building materials within the Pacific.
• Experience in conducting feasibility study / site assessment / structural engineering assessment / technical studies to inform decision making during design stage.
• Demonstrated experience in incorporating climate and disaster risk into engineering projects.
• Experience with multi-stakeholder participatory and consultation approaches including gender sensitive and rights-based approaches.
• Excellent computer skills across necessary applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel and knowledge of design and visualisation software such as AutoCAD.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 8 November 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Procurement Engineer is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,350–3,000 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 9 June 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000664

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):

1. Describe the processes involved in monitoring and supporting construction projects to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness and timeliness. Provide examples of how you have contributed to these processes.
2. How do you integrate disaster and climate risk into the design and implementation of construction projects. What things do you need to consider?
3. Describe the challenges and risks involved in procuring building materials and related services in remote small island contexts, and the strategies you have used to manage these.