Project Manager Engineer/Architect

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website:  and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

Background

The WFP-managed United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Brindisi, Italy developed a multi-year project proposal for the expansion and upgrade of its premises. This is based on four main pillars: expansion of the training centre and simulation area; establishment of an international conference centre; strengthening of logistics capacity; and upgrade of the Research & Development unit.

UNHRD Brindisi is hosted on a free-of-charge basis by the Ministry of Defence of Italy (MODIT) at the Brindisi Military Airport and within premises of the San Vito Military Installation based, among others, on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the United Nations in 1994 and an Implementation Agreement (IA) signed in 2007.

The improvement plan builds on a recent expansion of the hub's premises. In late 2020, MODIT granted UNHRD Brindisi the free use of an additional eight hectares of land for training activities. This brings the footprint of the San Vito premises to 23 hectares. WFP plans to restore this area to expand the hub's capacity for scenario-based simulations as well as accommodation facilities. Concurrently, the project aims to establish a state-of-the art international conference centre open to UN organizations, governments, NGOs and academia for seminars, workshops, and other activities. The configuration of the UNHRD Lab will also be upgraded. The facilities hosted within the Brindisi Military Airport will be completely renovated and the cold chain and temperature-controlled rooms there hosted will be increased. Overall, the plan shall aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the hub, including through the installation of green energy production infrastructure and by renewing the fleet with electric vehicles.
With an MoU singed in June 2022 with WFP, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has committed funds to launch the first phase of this plan. An engineering company has since started work on designing the areas identified as a priority and the overall masterplan of the entire hub. MAECI wishes to support the additional phase(s) of this plan and, based on milestones set in this above-mentioned MoU, a further agreement should be signed to this end.
Therefore, UNHRD Brindisi is looking for a Project Manager with civil engineering and/or architect skills to carry out the project in coordination with WFP Management Services Division (MSD), in particular with Engineering (MSDE) and Infrastructure (MSDI) branches in Headquarter (HQ). This considering, the PM will be based in Rome, Italy in order to facilitate continuous coordination with other WFP teams and units especially during the planning and review of the project; availability to travel to the Brindisi hub, including on a short notice, is a requirement.
Given UNHRD Brindisi's specific hosting agreements with the MODIT, which also provide rules and regulations on authorizations processes, the PM will be required to have experience in working in such context.
This role will be under the direct supervision of the Deputy Network Coordinator and Brindisi Hub Manager

Duties & Responsibilities

The following non-exhaustive list of functions will be considered as the competence of the Project Manager:

• Lead the planning and execution of the Brindisi Hub Expansion and Upgrade plan. This includes the supervision of all the component of the design and construction, and the works planning with different actors and stakeholders, acting as the focal point of the project between WFP-UNHRD and the other stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice and support on a range of engineering services, project management, and construction activities including the implementation of WFP policies, standards, norms, and practices.
• Provide effective coordination with other WFP teams and units: Maintenance Engineering, Space Management, WFP Environmental unit, WFP Engineering, WFP Security, etc.
• Read, implement, or adjust designs, drawings and construction contract documentation reflecting site specific constraints.
• Liaise with third party companies (contractors, suppliers, etc.), and supervise the relative works on site.  
• Liaise with local Authorities to obtain necessary authorization for the implementation of the projects and to ensure co-ordination of activities throughout the project duration.
• Liaise with Stakeholders both internal and external to the organization, and other UN organizations which may be involved in the project (as Clients, partners, etc.).
• Maintain records including site correspondence, survey data, inspection records, test data, records of meetings, financial records, progress records, daily photos, etc.
• Provide guidance to contractors and consultants.
• Assess contractor's proposals and methodologies.
• Review and evaluation of planned and in progress construction projects.
• Establishment and maintenance of project performance monitoring, evaluation and reporting up to project completion.
• Prepare reports, including technical appraisals, additional contract documentation, and any other relevant reports as may be required from time to time.
• Prepare and manage cash flow programmes, including processing invoices and following payments.
• Assist with interpretation of the contract documents. Explain and or reconcile any ambiguities and or discrepancies in the contract documents and apply the various provisions of the contract documents.
• Prepare and review reports, minutes, and correspondence in relation to the project as requested.
• Attend and organize on-site meetings or attend conference calls.
• Prepare tender specifications for construction works and services relative to the areas and projects of responsibility.
• Certify quality and quantity of all construction materials received relative to the projects of responsibility.
• Monitor contractor's performance.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

 Education: Advance University degree in Architecture or civil Engineering or related fields.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven Architectural/Engineering experience in design and construction/rehabilitation of building projects and project management.

At least 5 years of professional experience gained through working in international environments is an asset

Solid experience in the construction sector of office and conference buildings is required

Proven experience with FIDIC Form of Contracts is required

Experience in Health and Safety and Quality Control is required

Experience working in the humanitarian sector is desirable.

Knowledge & Skills: Computer literate; Microsoft Project; Microsoft Office including (MS

Word and Excel); AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Knowledge of construction contracts management processes.

Knowledge and ability to use engineering survey equipment.

Knowledge of UN system rules, policies and practices related to procurement is considered an asset.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in English and Italian language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.