About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services is an International charity organization which was set up by the Bishops of the United States (US) to mainly assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations.
Job Summary: The Contracts Manager will be in charge of the development and implementation of construction contracts to support Infrastructure within the scope of work and closely monitor construction progress against project schedule; tracks expenditures and monitors projected costs against the project budget; assist with materials and equipment management.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Project Controls:
· Maintains a document control system for ail contract and project records.
· In charge of the oversight (gathering, filing, keeping history) of all project documents.
· The incumbent maintains database for project cost and accounting
· Maintains project master schedule – projects, location, timelines, budgets/spending, PRF tracking, budget maintenance, purchases.
· Make sure there is on-time grant closure, reconciliation with donor and financial tracking;
· Provide information, data and reports Project Manager.
· Support Project Manager to prepare reports for the donor as per the project reporting schedule.
2. Contract Management and Implementation:
· Guide on the form of standard construction contract to be used in the project considering CRS policies in the context of national standard contracts.
· Responsible for implementing and ensuring that programming, including technical assessments, project development and design, tendering and contract administration is in accordance with CRS policy.
· Retain a log of variations claims from contractors.
· Ensure all parties are acting according to the signed construction contract.
· Assist and support the Project Manager in the development of project documentation, including project development tools, technical designs and cost plans, tender and contract documentation, project tracking tools, and program budgets.
· Implement and oversee the selection and management of
· Construction service suppliers and construction contractors to be engaged to complement the capacity of the CRS construction team.
· Ensure that tenders and contract administration for construction and design, engineering and site supervision services are in accordance with agreed agency procedures, and contribute to the structured revision of such procedures.
· Ensure that documents and procedures are produced and maintained to provide the required level of internal program and financial control.
· Take an active role in the procurement and logistics process for materials and equipment required by the construction program, in close coordination with the relevant staff in the other CRS offices.
· Ensure adherence and compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards for all projects, in keeping with internationally agreed best practices or as otherwise outlined in agency guidelines.
· Work closely with MoH and national, provincial, and local government, task-force teams and workshops, technical committee meetings, and coordination groups as necessary.
· Ensure program compliance with CRS principles of justice and solidarity in consultation with the Project Manager.
· Participate in CRS meetings and workshops on strategic planning, construction programming, and agency-wide initiatives as requested by supervisor.
· Ensure gender issues are fully considered throughout the project cycle with women being included in decision-making for all construction issues.
· Responsible for preparing and assisting in the preparation of concept papers, project documents and other material to develop or promote the construction programming. This may include taking a supporting role in reviewing proposals and concept papers submitted by CRS’ partners and assisting them in building project proposal and implementing capacity.
3. Information and Co-ordination:
· Offer timely support in the preparation of project reports as required by CRS, relevant Government coordination bodies, and donor.
· Provide project documents, operation plans, program schedules and budgets as required by the Project Manager.
· Submit regular updates to the Project Manager on progress, priorities and constraints verbally and in writing.
· Work closely with CRS finance team for planning timely payment to contractors.
· Facilitate information flow between other sector and program support departments;
· Carry out spot checks on the technical monitoring procedures.
4. Planning:
· Take part in the planning and technical assessment procedures requirements for construction project.
· Manage the technical assessment of construction needs in consultation with the Project Manager and other sector managers including preparation of detailed cost estimates and unit prices for technical standards to support overall program decision-making.
· Support the assessment of agency resources (staff, material and financial) required to proceed with the planned activities and to keep Project Manager informed.
5. Program Design:
· Ensure that the project complies with relevant local, national and international standards and regulations, and reflect agency best practices.
· Manage the development and use of program documentation and tools, in accordance with agency best practices.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicant should preferably hold a degree or similar professional qualification in Quantity Survey, Construction Management or related technical field on contract management. Qualifications in accountancy or financial management with significant construction sector experience will also be considered.
· A minimum of seven years’ experience, five years in the construction sector specializing in estimating, quantity survey, and contract management, within a development context preferable.
· Expert knowledge of the construction contract bid process and contract administration.
· Computer literacy i.e. proficient in MS Office applications. (Word, Excel, Outlook Access- and ideally MS Project)
· Excellent planning, analytical and organizational skills
· Excellent contract negotiation skills.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Highly knowledgeable in appropriate construction administration systems and procedures, in particular control of works and financial management.
· Ability to understand and adapt local construction materials, technologies, codes and laws.
· Ability to read, analyse and interpret administrative reports, technical procedures, or government regulations.
· Familiarity with current standards health facilities standard.
· Ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs as appropriate.
· Ability to build capacity in implementing teams, local partners and community bodies, with a focus on community participation.
· Experience in grant management is preferred.
· Ability to write reports, and procedure manuals and effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, counterparts, Government representatives, regional CRS staff and Baltimore HQ staff.
· Fluency in English (both oral and written skills).
· Self-reliance and an ability to work in a challenging and demanding environment.
· Broad knowledge and awareness, sensitivity and understanding of cross-cultural issues particularly in representing a US-based, Catholic agency.
Personal Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
· Serves with Integrity
· Models Stewardship
· Cultivates Constructive Relationships
· Promotes Learning
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send their applications with a cover letter, updated CV and three work references (names and contact information only) to: ReliefUGJobs@gmail.com
Deadline: 7th August, 2015