Engineer, World Food Programme

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill the position of Engineer at the P4 level, based at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Engineers provide management and expertise in engineering services and construction activities, including management of larger-scale projects and vendors, and contributing to the cost-efficient and timely outcome delivery. Job holders have in-depth technical knowledge and experience required to identify, analyse, and resolve complex engineering issues, manage and direct projects and work streams, provide technical expertise, advice and solutions that support strategic results, and formulate new strategies and technical approaches where appropriate. Job holders may lead multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering staff, and manage clusters of project partners and stakeholders to deliver engineering services or more complex projects.

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Chief Engineer the Engineer, P4 will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Provide expert advice and support to Headquarters, Regional Bureaus or Country Offices on a range of engineering services, project management and construction activities including the implementation of WFP policies, standards, norms and practices to ensure that outputs meet the established quality standards.
• Lead engineering and project management services taking into account country-specific technical requirements, using best practices, standards and innovative technologies that comply with WFP standards and processes.
• Manage and conduct analysis of project proposals to ensure business case and technical feasibility and that project objectives are attainable within the prescribed resources and timelines.
• Lead the preparation of accurate and timely reports on outputs to enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to the stakeholders.
• Provide expert guidance to ensure a successful construction procurement process.
• Represent WFP at international meetings and conferences, lead discussions with partners, donors and other stakeholders, exchange knowledge and experience, keeping abreast of construction and engineering technologies, to ensure implementation of innovative engineering solutions.
• Lead the capacity building, mentoring and career development of staff teams to ensure the continued development and high performance.
• Build and reinforce strong partnerships with internal and external clients to effectively identify and meet clients’ expectations.
• 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.

*This position is responsible for the operational support to field teams globally therefore, the candidate must have diverse professional experience in a variety of field locations. A prerequisite for this position is that the incumbent must have at least five years of field experience**.*

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Civil Engineering or related Engineering discipline, or First University degree with additional years or experience and/or advanced training/courses.
• Accreditation to “Professional Engineer” or “Chartered Engineer” status, or recognised equivalent by an appropriate national or international regulatory authority.

Experience:

• At least 8 years of progressive professional experience gained in diverse, complex, and remote locations.
• At least 5 years of field experience in UN or similar organisations or in developing countries.
• Managed large-scale, complex engineering and construction projects and programs in an international environment, managing multi-disciplinary or cross-functional teams to ensure a successful project outcome.
• Demonstrated considerable experience in planning and organizing; managing work programs, objectives, and budgets, and liaison with stakeholders/donors.
• Developed expert knowledge in engineering specialisations (e.g. seismic, environmental, blast, fire or security and safety engineering).
• Developed strong experience in construction or arbitration law and engineering contract management.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Establishes strategic direction and policies that expertly align to local needs and the Programme’s strategic objectives.
• Promotes the strategic value of impactful reporting in supporting well-informed decisions making.
• Expert proficiency in applying engineering knowledge to assess the broader impact of highly complex and high cost alternatives that are critical to WFP’s success.
• Demonstrates leadership and provides technical direction to engineering activities across WFP.
• Leverages expert internal controls and risk management strategies to implement effective controls as needed to ensure WFP remains best in class for assurance provision to its stakeholders.
• Applies knowledge of construction and arbitration related law, and advanced knowledge of project planning, engineering and design management to ensure the effective delivery of complex strategic projects. Demonstrates advanced skills in monitoring complex projects, suggesting corrective actions to overcome unforeseen challenges to achieving quality, time and cost targets.

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).

Terms and Conditions

Selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. He/she will be required to travel abroad sometime to remote and difficult locations.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org

HOW TO APPLY:

Application Procedures:

Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/16-0022284

Step 1: Register and create your online CV.

Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.

NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications: 05 October 2016

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

REF: 16-0022284