Liaison Officer/Project Engineer (for Lebanese nationals only)

The Liaison Officer/Project Engineer will be responsible for assisting the project development process, participating in assessment, development of BoQs and preparation of bid documents as well as supervising the overall management of the works implementation in the field, monitoring that the constructions works are completed on time, within budget and up to quality standards. He/she will facilitate communication between the Programme Management Unit (PMU) based in Beirut (Lebanon) and the local public authorities and communities, acting as the focal point of the Programme in the field. He/she will report and be accountable to the Team Leader - Lebanon (Project Manager) and will work under the supervision of the Head of AICS in Beirut.

The Liaison Officer/Project Engineer will have the following responsibilities:

• Participate in project technical committees or team meetings in order to ensure timely implementation with a focus on procurement/infrastructure related activities.
• Assist in the preparation and publication of calls for tender and calls for proposals.
• Participate in the evaluation of the project proposals submitted by the municipalities/local authorities, with a focus on the infrastructural works proposed by the applicants.
• Assist in the development and drafting of bidding documents, bills of quantities and scope of work of the planned work constructions, professional services, and equipment procurements, in accordance with the Italian Cooperation and the EU’s requirements.
• Take part into the tender evaluation committee works, including drafting the tender selection/ evaluation forms, announcing tender results, and preparing the procurement provisions that will be included in the contracts, in close collaboration with the Finance and Administrative Manager and the Municipalities’ technical experts.
• Organize and maintain a data base of suppliers and bid information, including their contacts, areas of expertise, relevance to project components.
• Ensure the regular supervision of the infrastructural work progress in the field that shall be in compliance with the procurement provisions, reporting on any observed discrepancies during the site visits and the meetings. He/she could be required to sign the certificates of Practical Completion for works, service and supplies contracts.
• Take part into the selection of the beneficiaries of the Rapid Employment Schemes and review periodically the lists of participants in compliance with the criteria established by the project.
• Support the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in the communication with the local authorities and communities, interpreting and translating from Arabic to English and viceversa when needed.
• Represent the office, when needed, in key meetings with government officials and partner organisations, international donors and funding agencies, regional bodies and commissions, international professional bodies and societies in relation with procurement/infrastructure related initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Finance and Administrative Manager for the preparation of Project Management Reports, as a part of the  EU financial reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly progress reports of activities.
• Undertake other  duties and assist with other project management responsibilities as required by the Team Leader and the Head of AICS in Beirut.

1. REQUIREMENTS

Candidates will be considered eligible for selection on the basis of the following formal criteria to be fulfilled by the deadline for applications:

Qualifications:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or related field is required. A Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with 5 additional years’ relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required, both spoken and written. Italian desirable.

Professional experience and competencies:

• Minimum 3 years’ work experience in engineering design and project management with monitoring/supervisory responsibility – preferably within the infrastructure and civil works field, involving international organizations and/or governmental and/or non-governmental bodies.
• Relevant knowledge in international and local standards related to structural and civil engineering architecture are required. 

• Working knowledge of European/International procurement laws and purchasing procedures would be an asset.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to draft accurate reports and to deal with
 public authorities, administrators, purchasing professionals and company representatives.
• Advanced use of a personal computer and word processing software, including rapid data entry keyboarding functions, databases, spreadsheets, email and able to easily navigate the Internet.
• Additional qualities: ability to multitask, handle pressure well, improvise; flexibility, cultural and environmental sensitivity, team work skills.