USAID

Position summary

Industry: Engineering

Job category: Construction Project Management

Location: Pretoria

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: R968,725 - R1,356,200

EE position: No

Introduction

The Engineer (Construction) is a senior position, located in the Regional Executive Office of USAID/Southern Africa. However, his/her work will cover the entire Southern Africa region, including the bilateral Mission in South Africa. He/she reports to the USDH Supervisory Regional Engineering Officer. The jobholder will support the USDH Supervisory Regional Engineering Officer to provide construction management expertise and guidance on civil infrastructure projects, analyze the technical feasibility of proposed projects, prepare and review procurement documents and specifications, manage construction and commissioning of projects, manage project resources, identify and resolve problems, communicate effectively and contribute to development of regional and bilateral mission strategic plans and objectives. Moreover, the jobholder will also work with the USAID facilities staff to manage the operations, maintenance and renovations of grounds, buildings and residences in Pretoria as well as in Botswana, Namibia and other USAID Southern Africa countries. The jobholder will serve as the Project Manager for Roofing, Elevators, Generators, HVAC, Solar and Fire & Security Equipment for the USAID/Southern Africa compound and for housing renovations in supported countries. In both roles, the jobholder will serve as an independent Quality Assurance Representative, responsible for the quality assurance and inspection of construction projects for compliance with plans, specifications, acceptability of materials, methods and workmanship, and required safety and labor law regulations.

Job description

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72067421R10085

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 13, 2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 27, 2021

At 12:00 midnight, Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Engineer

5. MARKET VALUE: R968,725 – R1,356,200 pa equivalent to FSN GRADE/12

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five years renewable contract subject to funds availability and need for the position.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pretoria, South Africa

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Internal and External Applicants

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Basic Function of Position:

The jobholder will support the USDH Supervisory Regional Engineering Officer to provide construction management expertise and guidance on civil infrastructure projects, analyze the technical feasibility of proposed projects, prepare and review procurement documents and specifications, manage construction and commissioning of projects, manage project resources, identify and resolve problems, communicate effectively and contribute to development of regional and bilateral mission strategic plans and objectives.

Moreover, the jobholder will also work with the USAID facilities staff to manage the operations, maintenance and renovations of grounds, buildings and residences in Pretoria as well as in Botswana, Namibia and other USAID Southern Africa countries. The jobholder will serve as the Project Manager for Roofing, Elevators, Generators, HVAC, Solar and Fire & Security Equipment for the USAID/Southern Africa compound and for housing renovations in supported countries.

In both roles, the jobholder will serve as an independent Quality Assurance Representative, responsible for the quality assurance and inspection of construction projects for compliance with plans, specifications, acceptability of materials, methods and workmanship, and required safety and labor law regulations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The jobholder will allocate work as follows:

Project Management 40%

Oversees the planning, designing and execution of construction and maintenance activities for bilateral and regional infrastructure activities
Conducts pre-construction conferences reviewing the scope of the entire contract including various technical sections associated with construction, safety, and security matters; assures compliance with all environmental, safety and labor laws/standards;
Ensures all construction activities are performed in accordance with the terms of agreement and specifications; obtains required approvals for any changes to designs, specifications, and scopes of work.
Participates in routine meetings between the host government, implementing partners, contractors and any sub-contractors to review the status of projects and address any technical matters; reviews and recommends approval or disapproval of solicitation documents and proposed awards and make recommendations for concurrence.
Monitors the activities of any independent Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firm to assure compliance with host country building requirements, permit requirements, contract plans and specifications; reviews quality assurance and field reports from a technical engineering aspect, and recommends corrective action to the implementing party to bring the construction quality into compliance with plans and specifications.
Acts as main POC and PM for Roofing, Elevators, Generators, HVAC, Solar and Fire & Security Equipment for the USAID/Southern Africa compound.
Plans and prioritizes work in coordination with supported offices/sections to ensure optimal performance and results.

All of the above duties in accordance with USAID policies and regulations, as well as host government and partner laws, regulations and requirements. Projects include new construction, renovation, or updating and upgrading of equipment/facilities in which application of professional engineering expertise is required to ensure conformance to international best practices, compliance with contract terms and specifications, and adherence to internationally recognized project management practices.

Mission Advisor for Infrastructure Development Activities 20%

Work closely with the bilateral operating units to coordinate construction activities, including renovation and rehabilitation.
Identify technical assistance expertise required for field construction activities as well as facilitate the development and implementation of construction activities by implementing partners at the federal, regional and community levels.
Prepares informed initial government estimates of projects or components of projects.
Provide strategic technical advice for and prepare portions of planning and reporting documents on construction and infrastructure activities related to design, management, oversight, and construction risk mitigation.
Obtains preliminary construction site information including building and site surveys, information on ground conditions, availability of utilities, availability of access and related constraints, legislative constraints, and existence (or lack of) planning consent.
Prepares Scopes of Work (SOWs) for local A&E technical support as required.

All of these in accordance with USAID policies and regulations and host government/partner laws, regulations and requirements. This work will inform initial programmatic decisions.

Project Administration 20%

Performs the full range of C/AOR duties when assigned contract responsibility related to bilateral construction projects and in support of the Facilities Office.
Reviews periodic payment invoices and recommends disbursement of funds by the Office of Financial Management (OFM); monitors project schedules, budgets and resource plans to ensure that projects adhere to schedule and budget and advises of any deviations from the approved project work plan; Recommends concurrence with variations, change orders or contract amendments;
Recommends corrective actions to resolve problems during construction. Works independently and reviews construction reports to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the award/contract.
Reviews periodic progress reports and advises to the timeliness of all deliverables; reviews quality assurance reports or other deliverables for completeness, accuracy and readability; maintains records and prepares close-out files on completed projects.

Monitoring & Evaluation 20%

Monitors quality assurance (QA) activities directly or through subcontractors to determine the sufficiency and quality of completed work; reviews proposed change orders and supplemental agreement modifications; attends factory acceptance tests (FAT) and type tests (TT) for key components; reviews QA field testing of materials and prepares documentation of testing results; maintains accurate and complete records and files, including as-built drawings and specifications;
Monitors the QA inspections and indirectly monitors compliance with environmental, health and safety, marking, permits, land and right of way (ROW) and other requirements including compliance with Malawi laws and codes.

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

a. Education: Education: A master's degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, structural, geotechnical), construction management or construction contracts management from an accredited engineering institution is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in engineering design, construction management and quality control is required. Demonstrated experience supporting national and regional stakeholders in planning and implementing construction is required. Work experience with the South African government, international organizations and implementing partners is required.

c. Post Entry Training: Jobholder shall receive one or more of the following Trainings or Certifications:

- USAID Activity Manager (AM) related training.

- AOR/COR Certification

- Construction Risk Management

- OBO Facilities Management

- Engineering and Construction Contracting Management (ECCM 201)

CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa.

d. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing, is required.

e. Job Knowledge:

· The jobholder must have a demonstrated a thorough technical knowledge of construction project management including previous experience in program and contract administration.

· Must have a thorough knowledge of engineering design and construction practices covering a range of different engineering requirements.

· Thorough professional knowledge in design calculations and criteria and preparation and ability to critically review A&E drawings and specifications is required.

f. Skills and Abilities:

· The jobholder must have sound professional knowledge/skills in construction and building principles and project management with demonstrated ability to oversee and manage multiple infrastructure construction, renovation and/or improvement projects.

· The jobholder must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and briefings, written reporting and analysis, and via information technology tools.

· A demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and work productively in a multi-cultural environment with co-workers, host government representatives, implementing partners and contractors.

· Excellent computer skills (Excel, power point, Auto CAD, other Engineering specific as necessary etc. ) are required for analytical, monitoring, design, and reporting and presentation purposes.

· Strong quantitative, analytical, and budgetary skills are required.

IV. POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Supervision Received: The jobholder works under the general policy and guidance of the USDH Supervisory Regional Engineering Officer. The jobholder must be able to work independently in the achievement of short-term goals and long-term strategies in projects/activities spread throughout Southern Africa.

b. Supervision Exercised: The jobholder is directly responsible for the supervision of the CCN Engineer (FSN-10).

c. Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives and supplements thereto, safety manuals, construction and management codes, strategic and other general program documents, contact with acquisition and financial management offices, assistance and acquisition instruments.

d. Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder must be able to exercise a professional level of judgment in the exercise of responsibilities and in the application of USAID rules and regulations and interpretation of USAID objectives and priorities in working with a very diverse range of organizations and individuals.

e. Authority to Make Commitments: The jobholder exercises the authority given to all USAID activity managers and CORs/AORs and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The jobholder takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. The jobholder may not independently commit the USG to the expenditure of funds; but, within the scope of the authority delegated, the jobholder may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The jobholder may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor.

f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts The jobholder is required to develop and maintain constructive contacts with middle and senior level officials within relevant ministries as well as some provincial governments (in supporting the Regional Engineer) and with other agencies, and to develop and maintain productive internal contacts with regional office supervisors that have infrastructure construction activities. This includes creating establishing a positive and constructive relationship the Embassy facilities and RSO section regarding projects involving the USAID facilities and residence work.

g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One Year.

V. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The following factors, and points for each, will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

1. Work Experience (40 points)

2. Abilities and Skills (35 points)

3. Education (25 points)

How the Selection will be made:

The successful candidate will be selected based upon the following:

· A preliminary review of the applicant's submitted package (which includes the cover letter and CV) to establish that minimum educational, work experience and English writing fluency requirements are met;

· Assessments to include English writing skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency that might include any of the following: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and any technical skill test that might be deemed appropriate;

· A personal face to face interview; and

· Reference checks.

USAID/SA’s Human Resources Section will perform the preliminary review (Step 1 above) to eliminate those applications that do not meet the minimum educational and written English language requirements before forwarding the rest to the Technical Office or Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for further review and assessment.

The TEC will review each of the forwarded applications against the established evaluation criteria to develop a shortlist of applicants to be tested and possibly interviewed. Applicants will be contacted for testing (Step 2) and/or possibly interviews. Based on the results of the tests an applicant may be dropped from the interview list.

Following the interview (Step 3), during which the applicant will be evaluated against the established criteria, the TEC will make a preliminary determination of candidates to be considered for employment and forward that list to HR. The TEC Chairperson will conduct and document reference checks (Step 4) and advise the TEC members of the results of these checks. Please note that references may be solicited from current as well as former supervisors in addition to the references you provide in your application package. References will only be solicited for those interviewed applicants who are being considered for ranking.

Based on this final input, the TEC will make its final decision on candidate ranking, prepare a selection memo for the review and approval of the Contracting Officer, after which an offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate. Unsuccessful candidates who were interviewed will be contacted and advised of their non-selection. As positive medical and security clearances are a condition of employment, the selected candidate will undergo stringent investigation prior to employment with USAID/SA.

Submitting an Offer:

· All interested and eligible candidates should visit usaid.ci.hr to apply. Applicants with P-net accounts can log-in from the above website to apply and first-time users will be required to register on the site before they can apply.

· Kindly note that when you apply via cellphone you are not able to complete the required questionnaire. And if you do not complete the required questionnaire for the position, you will automatically be eliminated from further review.

· For an application to be considered complete, please include a high-quality cover letter, explaining why you are qualified for the position and a CV of no more than 4 pages. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in your application being considered “non-responsive” and eliminated from further consideration.

· Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I.

· To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

· The U.S. Mission in South Africa provides opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also strives to ensure equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.

· Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not follow the application instructions may be dropped from further consideration.

Points of Contact:

· Thabang Mothupi, Telephone: (012) 452-2198

· Heather Franklin, Telephone: (012) 452-2028

· Lavinia Denation, Telephone: (012) 452-2054

· Seja Matlakala, Telephone: (012) 452-2358

· Engeline Sebego, Telephone: (012) 452-2188

· Carol Masemola, Telephone: (012) 452-2058

· Odessa Sifora, Telephone: (012) 452-2112

· Alicia Veldman, Telephone: (012) 452-2088

· Kim Sias, Telephone: (012) 452-2206

Applicability:

This position is open to South African citizens and South African permanent resident permit holders. USAID Southern Africa management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, need for continuity, and residency status in determining successful applications. Current USG employees on probationary status (i.e., within their first year of employment) are not eligible to apply.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies

for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

References:

Three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

VI. COMPENSATION

This position will be compensated in accordance with the U.S. Mission for South Africa’s Local Compensation Plan (LCP). The successful candidate’s salary level will be based on prior job-related experience and salary history.

VII. REQUIRED FORMS FOR CCNPSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the forms.

VIII. BENEFITS

The plan includes basic salary, miscellaneous allowance, pension fund and medical aid subsidy.

IX. TAXES

Every CCNPSC staff member in the Mission regardless of agency affiliation is required as a condition of employment, to pay their taxes to the South African Government.

X. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO CCNPSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms will be used for this contract.

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE Regulations .

Minimum requirements

a. Education: Education: A master's degree in engineering (civil, mechanical, structural, geotechnical), construction management or construction contracts management from an accredited engineering institution is required.

b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in engineering design, construction management and quality control is required. Demonstrated experience supporting national and regional stakeholders in planning and implementing construction is required. Work experience with the South African government, international organizations and implementing partners is required.

c. Post Entry Training: Jobholder shall receive one or more of the following Trainings or Certifications:

- USAID Activity Manager (AM) related training.

- AOR/COR Certification

- Construction Risk Management

- OBO Facilities Management

- Engineering and Construction Contracting Management (ECCM 201)

d. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing, is required.

e. Job Knowledge:

• The jobholder must have a demonstrated a thorough technical knowledge of construction project management including previous experience in program and contract administration.

• Must have a thorough knowledge of engineering design and construction practices covering a range of different engineering requirements.

• Thorough professional knowledge in design calculations and criteria and preparation and ability to critically review A&E drawings and specifications is required.

f. Skills and Abilities:

• The jobholder must have sound professional knowledge/skills in construction and building principles and project management with demonstrated ability to oversee and manage multiple infrastructure construction, renovation and/or improvement projects.

• The jobholder must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and briefings, written reporting and analysis, and via information technology tools.

• A demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and work productively in a multi-cultural environment with co-workers, host government representatives, implementing partners and contractors.

• Excellent computer skills (Excel, power point, Auto CAD, other Engineering specific as necessary etc. ) are required for analytical, monitoring, design, and reporting and presentation purposes.

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and budgetary skills are required.

Senior Engineer

Position summary

Introduction

Job description

Minimum requirements

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