Junior Quantity Surveyor (Cost Engineer) - Ref:IVP-FIN-2610 at Ivanhoe Mines

Suitable candidates must possess the following minimum qualifications and skills

• Postgraduate diploma or bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying
• Contract Law & Advanced Cost Control courses (Added advantage)
• Candidate QS registration (or working toward it)
• Exposure to BOQs, measurements, and valuations

Suitable candidates must have the following work experience

• Minimum 0–5 years’ experience in mining, heavy industrial or infrastructure environments

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not be limited to:
Principal Outcomes 

Cost Management & Control:

• Assist in preparing cost estimates and budgets for mining projects (CAPEX & OPEX).
• Track and monitor actual costs vs budget, identifying variances.
• Maintain cost reports for management (monthly cost reports, forecasts).
• Support cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements.

Measurement and Valuation at work:

• Measure work completed on site (e.g., earthworks, drilling, blasting, plant construction).
• Prepare interim payment certificates for contractors.
• Verify contractor claims against actual progress and contract terms.
• Assist in final account preparation and project close-out.

Contract Administration:

• Support administration of contract mining agreements, Purchase contracts, and service contracts.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, scope, and pricing structures.
• Track key contract milestones, deliverables, and obligations.
• Assist in managing variations (change orders) and claims.

Procurement Support:

• Assist with tender documentation preparation (BOQs, scope of work).
• Evaluate supplier/contractor bids from a commercial perspective.
• Support negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ensure procurement aligns with budget and commercial strategy. 

Claims and Variations Management:

• Identify, log, and assess contractual claims and variations.
• Prepare supporting documentation for claims (delays, scope changes, etc.).
• Work with senior QS/commercial manager to resolve disputes.
• Ensure proper cost recovery where applicable.

Financial Reporting and Forecasting:

• Assist in preparing monthly financial reports for mining operations/projects.
• Contribute to forecasting costs and cash flow projections.
• Monitor committed vs actual expenditure.
• Support audit processes and ensure documentation accuracy.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify commercial risks (cost overruns, contractor performance issues).
• Ensure adherence to mining contracts, company policies, and legal requirements.
• Support implementation of commercial controls and governance frameworks.

Stakeholder Coordination:

Liaise with:

• Site engineers and project managers etc (progress updates)
• Finance team (cost tracking, reporting)
• Procurement team (contracts and sourcing, local activities)
• Contractors and suppliers (payments, claims)
• Support communication between technical and commercial teams.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate records of:

• Contracts, Variations and claims
• Payment certificates, Cost reports
• Ensure all documentation is audit-ready and compliant.

Site-Based Support (Mining Specific):

• Conduct regular site visits to verify progress and quantities.

Understand mining activities such as:

• Overburden removal
• Drilling & blasting
• Hauling and processing
• Align commercial tracking with actual operational performance.

Learning and Development (Junior Role Expectation):

• Work under guidance of Senior QS / Commercial Manager.

Develop understanding of:

• Mining cost drivers (fuel, equipment, labour)
• Contract types (lump sum, re-measurable, cost-plus)
• Industry software (e.g. JDE, CAM, SAP, Excel models)