Chief Engineer at World Food Programme

Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

These jobs are found in Headquarters (HQ), as Chief Engineer, WFP Engineering; at Regional Bureaux (RBs) as a Regional Engineer, or at Country Office (CO) where the scale value and complexity of engineering activity so require. The job holders report to the Division/Regional/Country Director or the designate. Those at RB or CO level are subject to the overall normative and technical direction by the Chief Engineer, WFP Engineering in relation to all matters of engineering services and construction activities.

Job holders use technical knowledge and experience to provide expert advice for planning, directing and progressing highly complex engineering programs, activities and projects, and to continually develop engineering services to better support WFP in meeting its strategic aims. Chief Engineer in HQ or CO level, typically lead multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering staff, and manage clusters of project partners and stakeholders to deliver services that support a wide range of complex engineering projects.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide oversight, leadership and solid expertise in engineering, construction and environmental services including establishment and management of engineering teams, developing and managing, or coordinating, programs of complex engineering services/large scale projects and efficiently managing all project resources, including time, staff and finances.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Provide and/or contribute to effective leadership, technical direction and expertise at corporate/regional or country level in engineering and construction management, engineering disciplines, and related areas of policy and procedures for WFP, and provide advice to senior management ensuring compliance with wider WFP policies, procedures, guidelines and operations.
• Provide effective leadership to the engineering team or teams including managing and/or contributing to the selection, recruitment and development of appropriate engineering expertise to ensure the continued and appropriate development of a high performing team.
•  Oversee and lead corporate/regional or country engineering activities and technologies including construction planning, procurement, and supervision, construction risk analysis and mitigation, environmental assessments and mitigations, project development and contract strategies to ensure optimisation of services provided.
•  Formulate and/or contribute to the formulation and implementation of WFP policies, and standards, norms and practices related to construction and engineering activities to ensure that outputs meet the quality standards and follow technology advancement.
• Monitor and oversee accurate and timely reporting for senior management that enables informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to the stakeholders.
•  Oversee and provide guidance on the appointment of specialist engineering, architectural or specialist construction-related services for WFP in compliance with WFP policies and guidelines.
•  Oversee WFP engineering, construction and environmental activities. Oversee and endorse, as appropriate, the establishment and management of engineering teams, work programs, construction project completion, financial management and final accounts, and handover procedures to ensure efficient use of financial resources.
•  Represent WFP at international meetings and conferences, build and nurture strong partnerships with a wide range of internal and external clients, stakeholders and funders at senior level.
• Oversee the selection, recruitment and development of engineers to ensure the right capacity for construction activities and engineering services are available at all times for meeting WFP needs.
•  Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.
•  Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor the management of risks

 Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• University degree (Bachelor's or above) in Civil Engineering, and
• Advanced University degree (Master's or above) in Engineering, Management, Arbitration or other relevant discipline, and
• Accreditation to “Professional Engineer” or “Chartered Engineer” status, or recognised equivalent by an appropriate national or international regulatory authority.

Experience:

• At least 11 years of progressively responsible and diverse professional experience.
• At least 6 years of field experience in remote and/or isolated and insecure environments, including in developing countries.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex engineering and construction projects and programs in an international environment.
• Proven experience in managing diverse, multi-disciplinary or cross-functional teams to ensure a successful project outcome.
• Extensive experience in planning and organizing; managing work programs, objectives, and budgets, and liaison with stakeholders/donors.
• Strong experience in construction or arbitration law and engineering contract management.
• Proven experience managing relationships with key stakeholders at an international level.
• Effective communicator within a diverse group of involved stakeholders.
• Abreast of technology trends and innovative solutions within the discipline.
• Experience with supporting or managing an emergency intervention is a strong asset.
• Previous experience with the UN or a similar organisation is a strong asset.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages).