Papua New Guinea: Electrical Engineer (Energy)

Jul 10, 2022 | United Nations Office for Project Services
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UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

The Thailand Multi-Country Office (THMCO), established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises five main business units: THMCO Thailand, THMCO Indonesia, THMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, THMCO Papua New Guinea and, THMCO China and provides a wide range of services including Project Management, Transactional HR, Financial, and Procurement to clients that include other UN entities, INGOs and governments/government agencies donors.

Background - THMCO  Papua New Guinea

The THMCO Pacific Cluster, established in early 2018, was formed to support the implementation of infrastructure design, procurement, construction of infrastructure, training, programme management, and facilitate access to funding sources across 12 Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS), including: Palau; Federated States of Micronesia; Marshall Islands; Nauru; Kiribati; Papua New Guinea; Solomon Islands; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Fiji; Tonga; Western Samoa. 

The interim PNG Project Office was established in August 2020. The Project Office is currently overseeing the implementation of eight key projects; five DFAT projects related to access to clean energy; two World Bank projects related to procurement and an EU WASH project in partnership with UNICEF.

The office is located in the same building as the majority of UN Agencies. In addition to the Country Manager, there are three Project Managers and other specialist and support personnel based in the Country. The staffing contingent is expected to grow over the next few months to implement the current projects as well as pipeline engagements that are expected to materialize over the next few months and in 2022.

Functional Responsibilities

The Engineer reports to the Senior Project Manager who provides broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for coordinating and supporting the Senior Project Manager with the day-to-day operations and liaising with relevant counterparts, government stakeholders and working group focal points on all project related matters, specifically pertaining to enhancing the coordination and efficiency on the side of resilience. He/She will also work closely with the different donors for the infrastructure projects particularly in the energy sector.  S/he maintains a close eye on the operational and financial performance, identifies probable issues that may need attention, supports in problem analysis and solution identification as necessary, coordinates resolution as per action-items assigned, drafting required correspondences to stakeholders concerned and preparation of mission reports. S/he is most likely required to work in complex and challenging environments with limited resources.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The incumbent’s Energy) specific duties and responsibilities will be as follows:

Summary of Functions:

  1. Project implementation
  2. Technical Assistance
  3. Project monitoring and reporting
  4. Stakeholder management, coordination and liaison
  5. Knowledge management and innovation
  6. Personnel management


1. Project Implementation

  • Preparation and maintenance of project files, including internal and external project (operational and highlights) reports.
  • Manage information flows and oversee change controls, risk registers and issue management by establishing document control procedures
  • Manage assigned delivery of work packages and take responsibility for progress.
  • Coordinate and liaise with the Senior Project Manager on the implementation progress.
  • Advise the Senior Project Manager of any deviations from the plan and update plans.
  • Work with the Senior Project manager to identify and manage risks.

2. Technical Assistance

  • Participate in the design and review of all energy project and engage with IPMG with regards to response on technical matters
  • Prepare design briefs and the design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder  requirements and specifications as and when necessary
  • Preparation of comprehensive design documentation, specifications and other project documents to meet the required quality and detailing as stipulated by the PM.
  • In coordination with the full time  team, identify existing electricity related problems and suggest appropriate solutions in consultation with the Senior Project Manager.
  • Assist in the oversight of the implementation of works for the specific projects and monitoring of progress of electricity related works according to contract schedules, specifications and project plans.
  • Undertake measurement of electrical site works in support of contractor payment requests.
  • Ensure the strict implementation of quality control standards and procedures on the sites and report regularly to the supervisor.

 3.  Project monitoring and reporting (Delivery and Performance):

  • Support implementation of approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) under the guidance of the Senior Project Manager.
  • Provide substantive inputs for the development of  project strategies and schedules and manage work packages.
  • Managing information flow by keeping, circulating and archiving detailed project notes and records.
  • Maintain the following records: Quality Register, Configuration Item Records and all other registers/logs delegated by the Project Manager
  • Supervise, monitor and evaluate performance of service providers delivering to project priorities.
  • Attend daily the project site(s) in order to monitor progress of works, identify the existing problems and provide appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the Sr. Project Manage
  • Check contractors’ and suppliers set out and works, including compliance with contracts specifications and ensure that contractors and suppliers comply with their work plans to complete work with specified scope of work, time frame, and budget/.

4.  Stakeholder Management, coordination and liaison:

  • Support and assist the Senior Project Manager in establishing productive working relationships with the DFAT, Government of Papua New Guinea (G-PNG) and relevant UN, development partners and other key stakeholders;
  • Coordinate and organize meetings between team members, the DFAT and government and other stakeholders when required. Prepare, record, circulate and archive meeting minutes.
  • Know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seek to contribute within the deliverables of the project.
  • Strive to build effective coordination among relevant project stakeholders (e.g. The DFAT, United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations)  
  • Assist in the implementation of Environmental and Health & Safety measures in the project sites.
  • Assist in the identification, evaluation, selection and supervision of building contractors for specified project work.

5. Knowledge Management and innovation:

  • Support the compilation of lessons learned as per defined reporting formats.
  • Ensure that local capacities are built at every level and opportunity for Project Management Support.
  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned. Contribute to expertise in tools and techniques

6. Personnel Management:

  • Communicate with team members to ensure optimal strategy and maximum efficiency
  • Direct and motivate external project delivery teams/consultants to ensure successful project implementation.
  • Keep all members of the teams up-to-date with current information, processes and procedures.

Accountability for results and the use of resources.

  • The project management processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results. If a project or processes are  not in line with this, it is the responsibility of the Project Management Support Officer to escalate the issue to the Senior Project Manager.

Excellence

  • Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.

Impact of results

The Senior Energy Engineer directly impacts on the achievement of project results by assisting the Senior Project Manager to adhere to project management methods and strategies, reduce risks, cut costs and improve quality and success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering with strong background in MEP or other related fields is required.
  • A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Certification:

  • PRINCE2® Foundation/Practitioner an asset.

Experience:

  • A minimum of two (2) years relevant and progressive professional experience, specifically in the field of solar energy sector or Operations Management with focus on monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is required.
  • Experience and demonstrated skills in generating and compiling high quality reports is an added advantage.
  • A proven track record with at least 4 years’ experience in energy sector is an asset.
  • Experience in the use of Google Suite applications as well as experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.
  • Experience and proven knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations in HR Management, Procurement, Finance and Administration is an asset.
  • Relevant experience working in developing/post-conflict countries is an asset.

Language

  • Fluency in English Language (i.e. writing, reading and speaking) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

  • Contract type: LICA
  • Contract level: LICA 9
  • Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

This vacancy is a local position based in a family duty station and open to Papua New Guinea
Nationals Only.

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.


Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.