Construction Management Engineer

UNODC in Afghanistan operates to identify and address aspects of the drug and crime situation in the country. This is done through evidence-based advocacy in the policy arena; providing reliable information on opium poppy cultivation, production, prices, and drug users; and through implementation in the field by providing effective alternative livelihoods to farmers dependent on poppy cultivation as well as drug demand and harm reduction support to people affected by drug dependence. Afghanistan has long been a major source of illicit opium production, making UNODC's work particularly important for both national and regional stability.

There are 12 Drug Treatment Centres (DTCs) in Kandahar, Helmand, Badakhshan, Badghis and Takhar provinces, providing drug treatment and rehabilitation services supported through domestic funding and external donors.

Several DTCs operate under substandard conditions due to insufficient resources for facility maintenance and upgrading. Key challenges include inadequate space for service delivery, particularly for women who use drugs, unreliable electricity supply, limited WASH and hygiene facilities, and inadequate access to safe drinking water. 

The Project for Strengthening Counternarcotics Capacities for Vulnerable People aims to address these gaps through infrastructure upgrades and facility improvements, including construction of additional service rooms, renovation of existing facilities, and provision of essential utilities and WASH services. These interventions are expected to strengthen the capacity of DTCs to deliver evidence-based and human rights-oriented drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

By improving the physical infrastructure and essential amenities, the project aims to create a safer and more conducive treatment environment, enhance service quality and accessibility, and support the sustainable delivery of treatment and rehabilitation services for men and women with drug use disorders in the targeted provinces.

Under the overall guidance of the Representative of the UNODC Country Office for Afghanistan (COAFG) and direct supervision of Programme Coordinator for Drug Demand Reduction and HIV Prevention, the Construction Management Engineer will be based in UNODC Country Office Afghanistan in Kabul (with frequent travel to Kandahar, Helmand, Badakhshan, Badghis and Takhar provinces), and closely work with the UNODC DDR/health team, relevant entities and partners  to deliver assigned tasks and responsibilities.

Comprehensive Assessment of Construction Needs in DTCs and Support to Vendor Selection Process:

• Support the assessment of infrastructure needs in five Drug Treatment Centers (DTCs) located in Kandahar, Helmand, Badakhshan, Badghis, and Takhar provinces, including facility expansion, renovation, WASH improvements, and solar energy system installation.
• Identify and document technical requirements for expansion and renovation works, including preparation and finalization of design requirements, technical drawings, scope of work, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates/budgets. Submit completed technical documentation to the Health Section to support procurement and contractor selection processes.
• Assist the team in preparing and reviewing solicitation documents with a strong focus on technical specifications, engineering standards, drawings, and compliance requirements. Ensure all documents meet quality standards and organizational procurement procedures.
• Contribute to technical evaluation of bidders by assessing the technical proposals, implementation methodologies, qualifications, and institutional capacities of offerors. Provide technical recommendations to support the selection of qualified vendors and contractors.
• Support the procurement and contracting process for DTC expansion and renovation works, installation of solar energy systems, and construction or rehabilitation of WASH facilities, ensuring value for money, quality assurance, and compliance with approved technical standards.
• Facilitate the timely processing and certification of installment payments to vendors and contractors in accordance with contractual agreements, approved work progress, organizational financial regulations, and procurement procedures. Verify supporting documentation, monitor contract milestones, and coordinate with relevant technical, procurement, and finance units to ensure accurate and compliant disbursement of payments.

Construction Management:

• Oversee and manage day-to-day site construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, approved drawings, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor work progress and contractor performance to ensure timely, cost-effective and high-quality delivery of outputs.
• Identify and report potential delays, risks and cost overruns. Recommend and implement approved corrective actions.
• Supervise construction works as per contractual provisions, verifying consistency with Bills of Quantity (BoQs) and approved schedules.
• Review and assess contractors’ progress payment claims, variation orders, and extension requests for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain proper documentation of project activities, including progress reports, site records, and meeting minutes.
• Represent UNODC  in site meetings, coordination fora, and stakeholder consultations.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with contractors, suppliers and project stakeholders to address technical and operational issues promptly. 

Quality Management 

• Enforce compliance with applicable quality standards and project-specific quality assurance plans.
• Conduct regular inspections and testing of materials, equipment and works to ensure conformity with design specifications and quality benchmarks.
• Review and verify contractor quality control procedures, inspection reports, and material certifications.
• Prepare and monitor quality control documentation, including inspection checklists, test logs, and non-conformance reports.
• Provide technical guidance to contractors and field personnel to ensure continuous improvement in construction quality and adherence to specifications.

Health, Safety, Social and Environment (HSSE) Management:

• Lead the implementation of HSSE management systems at the project site, ensuring compliance with organizational and local regulations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Promote environmental sustainability and integrate ‘’green construction’’ practices across project activities.
• Monitor and report on incidents, near misses and corrective actions, maintaining a culture of accountability and prevention. 

Monitoring, Reporting and Progress Control:

• Track project progress against work plans, milestones and performance targets, providing accurate updates to stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed weekly and monthly reports covering progress, quality, health and safety, environmental, and financial aspects.
• Support the preparation of Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), contract close-out documentation, and project completion reports.
• Maintain comprehensive site records, including daily logs, inspection reports, correspondence and photographic evidence.
• Participate in project review meetings, ensuring timely follow-up on actions and decisions.

Education:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 0 years of relevant experience is required. 

Experience: 

Required:

• Relevant experience is work in building construction, site supervision or infrastructure project management or similar fields.
• Experience in quality control, monitoring and reporting within construction projects is required.

Desired:

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in project documentation, report writing and technical communication is desired.
• Thorough knowledge of the construction industries in Afghanistan is an asset. 

Interested and qualified applicants are requested to apply online via follwing link: Construction Management Engineer - 4927 - UNOPS