Assistant Project Engineer – Irrigation at Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
RECRUITMENT OF PROJECT STAFF
COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENCE PROGRAM (FSRP)
GRANT NUMBER: IDA-E1840
DATE OF ISSUE: 18TH APRIL, 2024

BACKGROUND
The Government of the Republic of Malawi has received financing in the amount of US$250 Million equivalent from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Food Systems and Resilience Program (FSRP) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for recruitment of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) staff.

The objective of the Project is to Increase commercialization of agriculture value chain products selected under the Project, and consists of six main components namely: (i) (Re-) Building Resilient Agricultural
Production Capacity; (11 Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agricultural Landscapes; (iii) Getting to Market; (iv) Promoting a Greater Focus on Food Security Resilience in National and Regional Policymaking and Response (v) Contingency Emergency Component (CERC) and; (vi) Project Management and Coordination.

It is, therefore, regarding the constituting of the MFSRP Project Implementation Unit that Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as a lead implementing agency, would like to engage the services of Monitoring and Evaluation Institutional Officers, Agribusiness Officers, Development Officers, Assistant Accountants, and Assistant Project Engineer as set out below:

Assistant Project Engineer – Irrigation (1 Position):

Reference No.MW-MOA-376184-CS-INDV

The Assistant Project Engineer (APE) will be part of a larger Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which comprises the National Project Coordinator and other specialists. The Assistant Project Engineer will be responsible for ensuring deliverables of Irrigation Services are done according to schedule and specified standards. Specifically, the APE shall be involved in day to day implementation of Works and Services contracts/activities under the project.

The APE will technically be supported by Project Engineer and PIU Team members. In addition, the APE will assist in coordinating the tasks of a team of consultants comprising design and supervision engineers, surveyors, etc. and report to the Project Engineer.

3.0 Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of the APE shall include, but not be limited to assisting the Project Engineer and implementing agencies in the following aspects:

1. Data and Information Sharing and Communication:
   1. Ensure timely engineering information sharing among the service providers (consultants and contractors) and other engineers within PCU;
   2. Ensure that the implementation of engineering activities is done according to schedule and that the Gantt chart is updated regularly;
2. Planning and Coordination:
   1. Oversee all planning, design, technical implementation, operation and maintenance aspects of the irrigation service provision component of the project;
   2. Planning and coordinating the execution of all engineering activities required to achieve their respective outputs;
   3. Attend all project, site, and management technical review meetings;
3. Monitoring of activities:
   1. Ensure that quality control of the programme activities on all engineering aspects is adhered to;
   2. Be responsible for general contracts management, and inform the consultants, contractors and the NPC on contractual Issues,
   3. Monitoring the progress of implementation of project activities under component one and comparing it with the planned schedule, and notifying the Consultants/ contractors of any deviations from the planned programme;
   4. Provide quality assurance of the activity reports, data and information being generated and ensure that any inconsistencies in the outcomes of the deliverables are resolved at an early stage;
   5. Conduct supervisory visits project areas,
   6. Oversee any constraints, issues or problem areas on engineering aspects and advise on appropriate action;
   7. Support all Consultants/contractors in the fulfilment of their assignments and assist them in overcoming any technical constraints that they may face in the implementation of their tasks;
   8. Prepare Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR) as well as monthly progress reports; for submission to the NPC on time;
   9. Provide input to the preparation of the Project Completion Report (PCR);
   10. Carry out regular inspections of construction works and provide necessary advice to the supervision consultant;
   11. Oversee preparation of bidding documents for both contractors and consultants and in the evaluation of the same;
   12. Check and review all technical aspects of the irrigation systems, structures designs and relevant data to ensure that the designs are adequate, complete and in compliance with recognized standards;
   13. Coordinate the preparation of feasibility studies and detailed designs, bills of quantities, tender documents and all associated drawings by consultants;
   14. Ensure that comprehensive Engineer reports and supporting documentation are prepared on time;
   15. In coordination with the Environmental Safeguards Specialist ensure that proposed environmental mitigation measures identified in ESIA & ESMP reports are implemented;
   16. Build capacity for counterpart staff and provide technical support through active involvement and engagement in activities;
   17. Analyse and vet all progress reports from the contractors) and engineering consultants, before submission to the National Project Coordinator;
   18. Vet and authenticate all payment certificates, invoices and claims originated by the contractor (s) and consultants, before submission to the National Project Coordinator;
   19. Ensure that as-built drawings are prepared by the contractors;

Qualifications and Experience

1. A minimum of Master’s Degree qualification in Irrigation/Civil or related Engineering with at least 5 years of work experience as an irrigation and drainage design engineer
2. At least 10 years of solid work experience as an irrigation and drainage design/construction engineer in large irrigation and water projects. Experience in construction supervision of large-scale civil works water/irrigation-related projects is a must.
3. 5 years’ experience in implementing donor-funded projects must have a proven track record of implementation of irrigation and water projects.
4. Experience and/or familiarity with Government and World Bank procedures would be an added advantage.
5. Good computer skills in using office applications and relevant engineering packages
6. Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to write clear, concise technical reports in English.

Location of Employment
The Assistant Project Engineer will be based at MFSRP/AGCOM 2 PIU in Lilongwe but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project sites.

Duration of Employment
The assignment is for six years subject to annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.

Submission of Applications
Interested Candidates should submit applications including detailed CVs in English with a minimum of three traceable referees NOT later than 3rd May, 2024.

Address for submission of applications by email is [email protected] and be addressed to the following:

The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project,
Off Paul Kagame Road – Opposite MRA
Domestic Taxes Offices,
P.O. Box 727, Lilongwe