Civil Engineering Specialist (Port)

Overview
Support the implementation of port infrastructure projects.

You have:

Higher university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant engineering areas.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience (with Master’s degree) or 7 years’ experience (with Bachelor’s degree) in port infrastructure projects.
Fluency in the Spanish language is required.
Intermediate level of English is required.
Specialized training in project management is valued.
Specific experience in infrastructure projects in protected natural areas is valued.
Contract
This is an IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements . It is normally internationally recruited only . It’s an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience , depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts .

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Details
Background Information – Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a United Nations agency responsible for infrastructure, procurement, and project management (General Assembly Resolution 65/176 of 2010). Our mission is to help people improve their lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS’ three priority areas are:

i) Sustainable Infrastructure: UNOPS designs, builds, repairs, and maintains infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Its activities focus on the development of infrastructure for transport, education, and health, among other areas.

ii) Public procurement: UNOPS is a central procurement resource for the United Nations system and governments. It emphasizes efficient, transparent, and sustainable delivery of goods and services.

iii) Project Management: UNOPS manages more than a thousand humanitarian, development and peacebuilding projects annually for various partners, ensuring quality, efficiency and results that meet the highest standards.

UNOPS’ work seeks environmental, social, and economic sustainability, contributing to progress toward equity and the common good in the countries where it operates, thereby promoting improved living conditions for the most vulnerable people. UNOPS has a presence in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its services, products, and technical assistance adhere to the principles of public administration: transparency, equity, integrity, free competition, impartiality, morality, effectiveness, efficiency, and respect for national institutions. In Nicaragua, UNOPS has been providing technical assistance in the implementation of infrastructure projects with the Government of Nicaragua and various International Development Banks.

In this context, the Nicaragua office expects to sign a Technical Assistance Agreement with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Finance and Public Credit for the implementation of the project to design and construct a deep-water port in the city of Bluefields, on the country’s Southern Caribbean Coast, with funding from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). In the first phase, UNOPS’ assistance would include a series of preparatory activities for the future implementation of the port, including: conducting environmental and social studies; supporting the implementation of prior, free, and informed consultation with communities in the project’s direct area of ​​influence; and designing the scope of the future port construction project in its various stages, which would be part of a second phase.

In order to ensure the highest level of operational quality in relation to the commitments arising from this technical assistance, a multidisciplinary team of professionals in different specialties is required to provide support in the management of the processes for carrying out the various specialized studies, which must generate the basic documentation for the future implementation of the Bluefields Port project.

In this context, the Port Specialist must support the Project Manager in coordinating and directing operations, in the technical aspects of their specialty, for the management of these processes and, in particular, support in the identification/contracting of other engineering studies that lead to the implementation phase in accordance with international standards.

Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Port Specialist must ensure, in their area of ​​expertise, the quality of the studies, their adherence to international standards, agreements and regulations, and compliance with the country’s regulations.

Specifically, their main responsibilities will include the following functions in their area of ​​expertise:

Monitor the operations and deliverables in charge of the consultants of the different studies.
Advise and support in the drafting of studies, as well as the technical review and validation of the same and make proposals for modifications or improvements, if necessary.
Carry out all coordination and/or coordination meetings and attend to inquiries from associates/counterparts and/or third parties that involve the technical execution of the studies, managing and maintaining fluid, flexible and appropriate communication, to ensure that interested parties are aware of the activities, progress and exceptions in the development of the studies and are in a position to accept the products.
Advise the Project Management on the technical aspects (designs, environmental, health and safety, among others) necessary to ensure the efficient implementation of the project.
Ensure that the project’s technical activities are governed by defined internal and external procedures (if applicable).
Manage the production of necessary products, assuming responsibility for overall progress and resource utilization, and initiating corrective actions when needed. This includes conducting the necessary quality reviews to ensure product acceptance.
Ensure compliance with UNOPS methodology, procedures, standards and policies in contracts and study products.
*To view the full terms of reference, please download the attached PDF file.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education

A higher university degree (Master’s or equivalent) is required, preferably in civil engineering, naval engineering, industrial engineering, transport logistics, port management or other related areas.
A combination of a Bachelor’s degree or Engineering degree (or equivalent) with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of the education requirements described above.
Having specialized training in areas related to the environment and social management will be valued.
Having specialized training in project management will be considered an asset.
Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ experience (with Master’s degree) or 7 years’ experience (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant and progressive experience in the preparation of studies at the port pre-investment level or in the implementation of highly complex port infrastructure projects.

In addition, experience in the following areas is valued:
Specific experience in projects located in different local and regional contexts in Latin America.
Specific experience in infrastructure projects in protected natural areas.
Experience in the development of infrastructure projects within the framework of policies of international organizations.
Experience in organizations of the United Nations system.
Language requirements

Fluency in Spanish is required.
Intermediate level of English required.
***Please upload your academic diplomas or certificates to your application******

Competencies ES
Develops and implements sustainable operational strategies, thinks long-term, and considers the external context to shape the organization’s structure. Anticipates and understands the impact and implications of future activities and decisions on other parts of the organization. Demonstrates an understanding of the impact of their role on all stakeholders and always puts the beneficiary first. Develops and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if it falls within their responsibilities). Evaluates data and procedures to arrive at logical and pragmatic decisions. Adopts an impartial and rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to the problem-solving process. Effectively establishes a course of action for themselves and/or others to achieve a goal. Actions lead to the successful completion of the task with a focus on quality in all areas. Identifies opportunities and takes the initiative to act. Understands that the responsible use of resources maximizes the impact we can have on our beneficiaries. Treats all individuals with respect, responds tactfully to differences, and encourages others to do the same. Upholds ethical and organizational standards. Maintains high standards of trust. Is a role model for diversity and inclusion. Is open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment. Adapts their perspective to changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on past experiences and modifies their own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvement. Expresses ideas or facts clearly, concisely, and openly. Communication demonstrates consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Manages conflict effectively by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Serves as a positive role model who contributes to team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: By using appropriate leadership styles, serves as a positive leadership role model, motivating, guiding, and inspiring others to succeed.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract Type : ICA – Individual Contractor Agreement

Regular Monthly Contract : This contract is established in the modality of a regular monthly contract, that is, a continuous provision of services is required during the contract period, with payments associated with the contract being made at the end of each calendar month.

Contract Level : ICS 10, equivalent to IICA-2 on an international scale.

The UNOPS office in Nicaragua is seeking international candidates or Nicaraguan nationals. Contract Duration : Indefinite – Subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and/or satisfactory performance. Work-Life Balance : UNOPS values ​​its personnel and recognizes the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities. We have a work-life balance policy and offer various flexible work schedule options. This policy applies to all UNOPS personnel, regardless of the type of contract.