National Consultant / Construction Manager (SSA)

Background:

The OSCE Mission to Skopje is implementing an Extra Budgetary (ExB) Project “Assisting the National Authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to Decrease the Risk of Weapon Proliferation and Misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)”. The project aims to support the country’s efforts to implement international commitments in the field of preventing and combating SALW proliferation and, by this, to contribute to security and stability in the country.
A Project Co-ordinator leads the Project Implementation Team (PIT) with the professional support and assistance of consultants. To strengthen the PIT’s capacity related to construction, the Mission seeks to engage one National Consultant (Construction Manager), who will assist in the process of conducting tenders, supervising and monitoring construction, electrical installation, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) upgrade services (Services).

Objective of Assignment: 

The objective of the assignment is to ensure the successful implementation of infrastructural upgrades of the regional K9 offices, as well as the firearms deactivation verification facilities. The primary goal is to achieve fully functional operational facilities within the allocated budget and timeframe.  This entails developing detailed infrastructure upgrade plans, participating in tenders, and monitoring physical upgrades for the regional K9 units and the deactivation verification administrative facilities, including the deactivation inspection and verification facility. The consultant will collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination and adherence to national standards, assessing and mitigating risks related to the activities.

Duration of Assignment:

The foreseen period of engagement will be from February 2024 to October 2025, for a total of up to 80 consultancy days per calendar year.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Project Co-ordinator and in cooperation with the other members of the project team, the Consultant will:

1. Provide assistance and advice during the tendering procedure, such as during the elaboration of ToRs and other tender documentation, during the technical and financial evaluation, etc;
2. Provide oversight of the work of contractors and monitor the implementation of the security measures, monitor the construction process from the beginning until the delivery of the final results and certification to ensure that work is carried out to contract specifications;
3. Evaluate the work of contractors to ensure that it meets the national regulations and norms, as well as international standards and OSCE practices;
4. Be responsible for the quality and workmanship of everyday activities;
5. Contribute to the development of ToRs for infrastructure upgrades, project designs, Infrastructural Upgrade Services, and physical and ICT upgrade works;
6. Control and monitor all activities related to Quality Management Style, monitoring the selection, purchase, and use of construction materials;
7. Perform all daily inspections necessary to achieve the quality of construction required in the drawings and specifications for all works under the contract performed ON or OFF site;
8. Carry out inspection and checking for all quality-related procedures in the site and ensure activity at the site is as per the approved method statement and inspection test plan;
9. Conduct risk management of construction, including identification of risks, planning responses to risks, managing, monitoring, and controlling risks, as well as assessing the management of risks during the project implementation; contribute to incorporating lessons learned from risk management to the overall project management;
10. Request and oversee Quality Assurance/Quality Control documents of the entire project, including certificates, calibration, test results, inspection requests, non-compliance reports, and site instruction/observations;
11. Schedule deliverables and estimate costs related to the construction services;
12. Liaise with the Construction Companies, the selected contractor for Quality Assurance Services, the MoIA Logistics and Construction Department, and the MoIA Sector for ICT and other authorities as required;
13. Provide technical support during the modification of the Bill of Quantity and the Variation Request (VR) approval process during the construction services;
14. Participate in the final acceptance of the construction and ICT upgrade works;
15. Provide technical support in the certification and handover process of the constructed facilities.                               

Deliverables:

• Updated Design Documents: Up to six reviewed and updated civil construction, electrical, low voltage, and ICT installation upgrade design documents for K9 infrastructure and office facilities, ensuring alignment with gender-specific needs.
• Project Design: At least one gender-mainstreamed infrastructure upgrade project design document and associated terms of reference for administrative firearms deactivation and verification facilities, integrating gender considerations into the design process.
• Infrastructure Upgrade Plans: Up to twelve comprehensive infrastructure plans outlining physical and ICT upgrades for the deactivation inspection and verification facility.
• Evaluation Reports: Completed technical and/or financial evaluation reports related to tendering activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in vendor selection and project expenditure.
• Risk Management Updates: Regular updates on risk management strategies, highlighting identified risks, mitigation measures, and adjustments made to project plans to address potential challenges.
• On-Site Monitoring Reports: Regular updates documenting the progress of physical upgrades, including monitored advancements and adherence to approved plans and timelines, ensuring quality and timely completion.
• Quality Assurance Records: Detailed records of quality assurance inspections, encompassing field inspections, technical solutions, and compliance with national legislation, ensuring the constructed facilities meet specified standards and documenting any deviations and corrective actions taken.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Stakeholder coordination activities showcasing collaborative efforts, issue resolutions, and achieving project milestones resulting from close engagement with relevant stakeholders.
• Budget and Timeline Adherence: Ensured adherence to the allocated budget and timeline, demonstrated through regular reports showcasing cost-effectiveness, transparent financial management, and timely completion of all project activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

 Necessary Qualifications:

• Citizenship of or permanent residence in the Republic of North Macedonia;
• First level university degree in Civil Engineering or similar, and license A for supervision and building;
• Relevant licenses required by national legislation to conduct functions as a Quality Assurance Engineer;
• Minimum 15 years of experience in quality control and assurance, or an equivalent combination of experience and technical training, including relevant experience with international organizations in the respective field;
• Advanced knowledge of international and national construction standards specifications.
• Knowledge and comprehension of international and national regulations and codes related to quality assurance issues;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and local languages; 
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications;
• Strong ability to gather and interpret construction-related information from different sources;
• Negotiation skills on matters related to Quality Assurance/Quality Control and ability to get a point across clearly and precisely;
• Excellent organizational skills, strong analytical and interpersonal skills and attention to detail;
• Proven record of working with minimum direct supervision, exercising independent judgment, and taking initiative in several complex and sensitive areas;
• Proven ability to lead and organize professionals, technicians, and support staff;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Valid driving license category “B”.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on allocated project budget and within the frame of OSCE established rates.

In-country travel required to fulfil the terms of the agreement will be covered by the Mission according to the OSCE travel policy. 

The consultancy engagement will be subject to a successful security check performed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.