Civil Engineer (Consultant)

Overview & Responsibilities

IDLO with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) in Uganda is implementing the Supporting Access to Justice for Sustainable Development Programme (AJSD) to secure a just society and sustainable development through improved people-centered justice services in Uganda. The Programme focuses on improving justice service delivery for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors and their communities. Among the several activities, the Programme will support the national counterparts to construct and equip GBV  and Justice one stop centers following guidelines of the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development to provide holistic services to GBV survivors.

Based in Uganda, reporting to the Country Manager or the designate, the Civil Engineer will oversee and provide technical assistance to the construction activities under the Programme.  S/he will lead the review of plans, support processing of plan approvals, setting of structures and supervise all works related to project implementation.

The Civil Engineer will be responsible for:

1. Conduct on-site visits and preliminary assessment of the proposed construction works, reviewing the design documentation to provide technical inputs, cost estimates and ensuring that the construction components are accurate, timely and, if necessary, recommending corrective measures;
2. Review of the technical documentation (existing and/or future layout, Bill of Quantities (BoQ) with description of the items and costs estimates;
3. Develop, in consultation with the national counterparts, a reliable and realistic construction work plan;
4. Support and provide technical advice to the Country Manager and Procurement team during the different stage of the tendering and contracting process;
5. Oversee the progress of the construction works as follows:
   • Conduct regular on-site visits for technical control and inspection throughout the different phases of the construction works;
   • Monitor constructors’ compliance as well as quality and quantities of materials supply vis-a-vis initial workplan, BoQ and contractual requirements;
   • , Conduct risk assessment identifying necessary mitigation or corrective measures;
   • Develop and oversee implementation of management plan in consultation with the Country office, national counterparts and contractors.
   • Monitor expenditures vis-à-vis the implementations status and ensure that the contractors meet the required targets in terms of time, costs and quality of the constructions;
   • Oversee compliance with safety and security standards in compliance with the national legislation (including required certifications)
6. Design and attend regular coordination meetings and technical meetings with Uganda Country Office, national counterparts and contractors;
7. Draft regular progress reports, handover reports and maintenance plans to be shared with the relevant institutions;
8. Support the Country Manager in other related duties as required

Key results expected:

• Approved structural plans, BoQs and work plans
• Construction site set up
• Contractors identified and overseen regularly, efficiently and timely
• Quality control and compliance with national legislation and requirements in construction are adhered to.
• Timely management and resolution of disputes during construction.
• Site external works completed and handed over to national institutions. 
• The Civil Engineer will be a member of the construction committee, playing a crucial role in helping IDLO achieve its goals. Her/his ability to negotiate and engage with local stakeholders is essential to delivering impactful results.  The outcomes of this role significantly contribute to the overall performance of the Country Office and the successful implementation of the AJSD Project.

The Civil Engineer will be a member of the construction committee, playing a crucial role in helping IDLO achieve its goals. Her/his ability to negotiate and engage with local stakeholders is essential to delivering impactful results.  The outcomes of this role significantly contribute to the overall performance of the Country Office and the successful implementation of the AJSD Project.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or other relevant disciplines is required
• Programme Management Certification would be an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience working in the construction industry with substantial experience of leading similar assignments.
• Experience working with construction funded under development assistance will be an advantage.
• Experience in project management.

Language 

• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in local languages is desired.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies 

• Proven experience in leading construction projects with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and negotiate with local officials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to continuously keep current with developments in the construction industry.
• Highly organized and capable of managing staff and administrative processes.
• Proven ability to see through tasks and deliver results.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT and internet software.
• Thinks strategically about long-term goals and maintains a robust understanding of projects funded under development assistance.
• Works well with others and actively participates.
• Shows good judgment prioritizing assignments, planning work, identifying risks and contingency measures, manage deadlines.
• Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation.
• Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. 

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application Deadline: 20 February 2025 (23:59hrs, Rome time).