Site Engineer

Mission and objectivesUNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in more than 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Development challenges in Papua New Guinea are as diverse and complex as the country itself. To address these complex development challenges and in consultation with stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, UNDP designed a Country Programme Document for Papua New Guinea 2024-2028 that responds systematically to root causes. The programme builds on the UNDP position as a trusted partner in PNG. It supports government endeavours for realizing key development principles enshrined in the national constitution based on mutual respect, dignity, equity, integrity, non-violence and dialogue. Guided by the Programme, the Country Office’s policy, advisory, programmatic, and implementation services focuses on the following areas: • Equality for women and girls • Peace, governance and social cohesion • Sustainable economic transformation • Environment and climate change The country office is located in the capital city Port Moresby and hosts approximately 80 personnel. UNDP also maintains project office presence in Buka (Autonomous Region of Bougainville), Mendi (Southern Highlands Province), Wewak (East Sepik Province) and Wabag (Enga Province).

ContextThe Bougainville Programme within UNDP Papua New Guinea office supports the delivery of multiple initiatives focused on economic development, peace building, and environment. The programme strives to deliver on outcomes focused on improving people’s lives through multi-faced initiatives. One of the key pillars that the programme in supporting is the Bougainville peace process that was formalised through the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA). BPA has three core pillars – weapons disposal, operationalising Bougainville’s new autonomy powers, and holding a referendum within 15 years of Bougainville’s 2005 Constitution which would provide guidance on whether the people wanted independence from PNG or some other form of governance. 11 December 2019 marked a historical moment for PNG-Bougainville relations and implementation of the BPA, with the announcement of the Bougainville Referendum result (hereafter ‘Referendum’). The Referendum, conducted with little incident, saw 97.7% of voters choosing independence from PNG. Special efforts were made in advance of the vote to ensure the inclusion of women voters and younger voters, and it appears that the referendum process was inclusive and genuinely representative of the people’s will, with the results widely and peacefully accepted. The general positivity and unity experienced in the lead up, conduct and response to the result of the Referendum by the vast majority of Bougainvilleans highlighted the deep desire across Bougainville for people to have their say in the future political status of their region. This translated into ensuring the referendum process took place in a peaceful manner which allowed their voices to be heard and recorded through the region-wide vote. The conduct of the Referendum was described by many in Bougainville as a key step in broader reconciliation processes. The UN’s investment contributed to the conduct of a peaceful, credible referendum process. UNDP Papua New Guinea has recently received funding from Government of Japan as part of a multi-country project – green transformation. This project will look to deliver on renewable energy in Bougainville through establishment of micro solar farms. As part of project implementation strategy, a feasibility study was conducted, which identified that in Buka and Arawa other development partners are building hybrid solar farms. In light of this, UNDP PNG prioritized Buin for construction of a solar farm under current project.

Task DescriptionUnder the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the Site Engineer/Supervisor shall be provide daily supervision of construction activities and shall be engaged in the following tasks and responsibilities: • Develop a monitoring plan for solar farm establishment. • Regular supervision of works on site in accordance with contract documents, drawings, technical specifications, etc; ensuring correct implementation of works according to contract, design, quality of materials & workmanship to ensure that the works are being carried out in compliance with the terms and conditions of the relevant Contract Documents. • Ensuring that health and safety measures are adopted and properly complied with, and all workers are obeying them. • Study and verify the extent/volume of works undertaken and certify for payment. • Advise the Project Manager on any discrepancies that may be a reason for technical or contractual issues, such as poor construction quality, delayed completion, inconvenience with others, etc., and take necessary actions (or recommend actions to be taken) to rectify such discrepancies. • Design and maintain with the Contractor a system for inspection and approval of work before it is covered – e.g. foundations, reinforcing, formwork at each stage before concrete is poured (hidden works). • Ensure that all construction materials and solar equipment, delivered by the contractor meet the Contract technical specifications and of high quality. Any discrepancy to be reported to UNDP. • Review the Contractor’s proposed work plan, quality assurance plan, safety plan, environmental protection measures etc. • Review and assess valuations for interim payments, proposals for variations orders, claims etc that may be raised by the Contractor. • Implement and maintain overall monitoring concerning actual and work progress compared to the Contractor’s submitted construction schedule. • Maintain a document control system for all site memos and instructions, quantities of work and materials on site, reports and other documents pertaining to the construction activities. • Ensure that contractor follows the quality and safety standards for solar installation work. • Conduct engineering site visits to assess and document site dimensions, electrical systems, PV array location, load data, and utility interconnection of solar systems. • Provide technical support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring. • Establish an effective and positive business relationships with all parties, including ABG, PNG Power Ltd, Buin Power, etc throughout project implementation. • Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation works. • Create a Site inspection Logbook and reflect comments and recommendations after each site visit. • Ensure that implemented works are in compliance with PNG regulatory safety standards, practices, codes. • Accompany PNG Power, Buin Power in testing and commissioning of the farm, including electrical, mechanical, instrumentation and control systems. • Provide monthly progress reports assessing progress and quality of the works. • In close collaboration with Project Manager, ensure timely and effective implementation of project’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). • Develop a detailed report on the assignment. • Undertake other tasks required by the project.

Competencies and values• Accountability • Commitment and Motivation • Adaptability and flexibility • Judgment and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarksPapua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern part of the Island of New Guinea – the world's second largest island – and its offshore islands in Melanesia. It is unique in many respects: linguistically, it is the world's most diverse country, with more than 700 native tongues. PNG provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as a relatively high level of stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Port Moresby is the capital of PNG and is the largest city in the Pacific Islands outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is located on the south-eastern coast of the Papuan peninsula on the shores of the Gulf of Papua. The city’s official population according to the PNG National Statistical Office is 364,125, but it is believed to be double that figure. The expansion of the PNG economy – thanks to a thriving extractive industry – became the trigger for the growth of Port Moresby. Successive national governments and municipal authorities rolled out modern facilities, complimenting increased investment in property development by the private sector. Today Port Moresby’s skyline has evolved from low-set buildings to multi-storeyed apartment blocks. Security Advisory: UN travellers to/in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville are advised to exercise a high degree of caution. Crime rates are high, particularly in the capital and in the large cities. Violent carjacking, street robberies, house breaking, violence against women and sexual assaults frequently occur. All travel at night must be made by vehicle. Tribal conflicts, riots and looting are frequent in the Highlands provinces. Agencies undertaking visits to the highlands must take special security arrangements including protection team in certain areas. Security arrangements have to be detailed when submitting the clearance. Health and medical services. Malaria is endemic in all areas. Dengue fever is also common in coastal towns, including Port Moresby. Tuberculosis is common. HIV/AIDS and other STDs are also present. PNG only offers basic medical facilities, and you should ensure you discuss all possible vaccinations and other preventative measures recommended for Papua New Guinea with your primary care physician prior to leaving your home country. Social issues: Despite Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) economic boom led by extractive industries, almost 40 percent of the country’s population lives in poverty. Gender inequality, violence, corruption at all levels, excessive use of force by Police and domestic violence continue to affect PNG citizens. Rates of family and sexual violence are among the highest in the world. Road and traffic conditions are poor; as such accidents are likely, with only limited emergency response services available. Accommodation: The accommodation rates in PNG is incomparable with most other cities in the world as it is very costly. Groceries: There are a number of supermarkets and grocery shops stocking a diverse range of products but mainly influenced by the city’s trade with East Asian countries, America, India, Australia and New Zealand. They also have provision for people with special dietary requirements. Visas: All foreign visitors to PNG require a visa to enter. They will not be issued at the airport. Transit visas always are required for transit through Australia, even if remaining in the international transit area for a few hours. Check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”