VAC-13500 Quality Engineer

1. Background Information

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations,

supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development

projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that

increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development

projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project

management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and

United Nations organizations.

Project Information

Following the political events in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse has led to

an unprecedented humanitarian crisis putting over 24 million people in immediate need of aid. To provide

immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in rural and urban

areas, UNOPS is working with funders to implement a large-scale community resilience program. The

initiative aims to reach an estimated 1.1 million households, or 7.5 million Afghans,with livelihoods and

income support. In addition, 9 million Afghans in some 6,200 rural communities and 8 cities will benefit

from improved access to essential social services through strengthening the capacity of community

institutions in inclusive service delivery.

1.Quality assurance and quality control

● Prepare QA/QC plans for new construction and refurbishment work.

● Ensure the establishment of quality procedures including time limits for inspection, sampling and

testing of works and other QA/QC requirements.

● Oversee and manage quality assessment of materials through regular and rigid laboratory tests.

● Ensure specific quality standards are constantly met at all levels of construction projects.

● In consultation with the project staff, review technical specifications and recommend standard

construction specifications for all items of works for their effective use in projects’ works.

● Review all standard test forms to be used during laboratory tests, QA testing schedules and

procedures and evaluate results as appropriate.

● Review contractor practices and conventional methodologies and make recommendations where

remedial action is required.

● Work with project engineers and design consultants for establishing procedures with time limits

for the inspection, sampling and testing of works and all other QA/QC requirements.

● Conduct initial survey queries on sources to materials, ensuring quality and quantity is of

economic value to the project.

● Undertake verification of construction workmanship and materials. Responsible for the quality

assessment of materials, by witnessing and/or conducting frequent laboratory tests.

● Review and contribute to the Contractor's Quality Health and Safety, Social and Environment

plans and ensure its compliance.

● Arrange, organize and document regular site meetings.

● Provide UNOPS with photographic (before, ongoing, after) and reports including lessons learned

● Assist with the development, and subsequent oversight of project QA/QC plans and protocols for

construction, construction equipment and materials.

● Keep record of all documentation regarding QA/QC.

● Track and Report all non-conformances to the Senior Project Manager/Senior Engineer.

● Recommend solutions to quality issues and control of further processing, delivery, installation or

use until proposer disposition of non-conformance or unsatisfactory works.

● Maintain close relationship with UNOPS QA/QC Office.

2. Monitoring and Sites Supervision

● Provide required technical advice and inputs to internal and external reports.

● Ensure that works performed on site correspond to the design and technical solutions.

● Undertake calculation of the scope of performed works.

● Ensure on site works are provided in accordance to all Health and Safety, Social and

Environmental requirements, norms, national and international best practices.

● Organize and participate (supervise) in substantial acceptance tests, inspections, proceedings,

start-up, commissioning, etc. and handover proceedings.

● Assist in the start-up of project operation in adjusting, balancing, identifying deficiencies and

assisting in obtaining corrections, and performing inspections prior to the end of the project defect

notification period.

● Monitor and inspect off-site and on-site work for compliance to applicable codes, accepted

engineering practices and laws.

● Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Engineer in the agreed timeframe

● Establishment of procedures with time limits for inspection, sampling and testing of works and all

other QC/QA requirements.

● Implementation and monitoring of quality assessments.

● Monthly QA/QC report to the Project Manager on project QA/QC activities.

3. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

● Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for

development planning and knowledge building.

● Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice, actively interact with other Engineers and the

Engineering community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the

Knowledge System.

● Collaborate with technical team members including but not limited to architects, engineers,

project managers and quantity surveyors.

4. Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Quality Assurance Engineer directly impacts

on the development and performance of the project. It confirms UNOPS’ role as a key and trusted partner

to the World Bank, and UNOPS’ position as a critical service provider, in all challenging work

environments. Given the current political and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, this project would

support the urgent repositioning of AFCO and strengthen UNOPS presence and visibility in Afghanistan,

raising the profile of UNOPS in the global humanitarian context.

Monitoring and progress controls will be in accordance with work plans that the Supervisor and incumbent

will prepare at the beginning of the assignment.

5. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

● Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field is required. Master’s Degree will be an

advantage;

b. Work experience

● Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible experience in construction work with emphasis on

materials testing, quality control and assurance, laboratory testing and a firm understanding of

requirements and specifications of testing and materials.

● Demonstrated experience in pre-stressing works and quality control, and experience in different

classes of concrete mix-design, under different conditions of construction procedures.

● Knowledge of procurement practices is an advantage.

● Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is highly advantageous.

c. Languages

● Proficiency in English is required.

Reporting directly to the Senior Project Manager

6. Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and

externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the

impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the

organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages

others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high

standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and

supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive

leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing

appropriate leadership styles

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one's own role on all partners and

always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external

relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to

accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for

quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.

Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our

beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts one’ own

approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences

and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always

pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an

unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to

problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication

indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and

proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences

of opinion and finding common ground.

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