Small-Scale Construction Owner’s Representative

Overview of the Company

Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.

Overview of the Position

The Pacific American Fund (the Fund) is a five-year, $35 million project financing facility funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that serves a key platform for supporting the United States Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy while also advancing USAID’s goals of promoting the localization of aid delivery. The goal of the Fund is to improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and to improve access to services for remote communities in the region, and the Fund operates across 12 Pacific Island Countries. In addition to operating a grant-making facility, the Pacific American Fund supports USAID’s Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Environment Small-Scale Construction (SCALE SSC) program in the Solomon Islands, specifically to support the tendering and construction of small-scale infrastructure (projects valued at USD 500,000 or less) that strengthens and expands the agribusiness sector in Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. Approximately 10-12 projects are currently in consideration.

Social Solutions International Inc. is seeking an Owner’s Representative to lead the Pacific American Fund’s operations and engagement in the Solomon Islands for the SCALE SSC activity. This position reports to the Pacific American Fund’s Chief of Party based in Suva, Fiji.

The location of this position is Honiara, Solomon Islands with frequent visits to Malaita Province.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the SCALE SSC Owner’s Representative include:

• in coordination with Social Solutions, hire SCALE SSC local staff and manage their activities and performance;
• prepare, update, and maintain a Quality Assurance Plan for the project
• modify and/or validate, update, and maintain a Health and Safety Plan
• identify, procure, and oversee a firm to conduct Quality Assurance inspections and deliver reports;
• coordinate/facilitate pre-qualification of construction firms and pre-bid meetings;
• oversee preparation of small-scale construction tenders/solicitations;
• convene and support bid evaluation and selection of awardees by a technical evaluation Committee (TEC);
• prepare draft construction subcontracts consistent with AS 2124 or FIDIC (and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) if required) requirements and oversee construction contract administration;
• oversee compliance with contract terms and the completion of deliverables, receive and review reports and forms;
• consider and advise on, track, and oversee responses to issues related to construction schedules, permitting, change orders and modifications, bonds, bidding, procurement, and warranties;
• oversee procurements, track expenditures, and support efforts to maintain cost control;
• ensure close coordination with Social Solutions management and SCALE A&E experts;
• provide advice and consultation with respect to design, value engineering, scope of the work, cost estimating, general contractor and subcontractor prequalification, scheduling, and construction;
• select, negotiate with, and oversee construction subcontractors;
• ensure the preparation of time schedules which shall serve as control standards for monitoring performance of the construction of projects;
• lead in project evaluation;
• oversee handover to local owners upon project completion;
• coordinate with USAID and U.S. Embassy staff in the Solomon Islands and elsewhere, as required;
• travel within the Solomon Islands to project sites and to meet SCALE implementing partners and local counterparts;
• manage and report on stakeholder engagement, as appropriate; and
• perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• An advanced degree in civil engineering, architecture, or another relevant field;
• At least 15 years of proven experience in supporting civil engineering projects and construction;
• Experience working in the Pacific region would be an added strength;
• Experience with an international donor-funded program would be an added strength;
• Knowledge and experience in applying AS 2124 and FIDIC regulations in construction contracting; knowledge of the US Government’s Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) would be an added strength;
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in construction contracting, surveillance, and oversight;
• Demonstrated experience with managing A&E personnel, subcontractors, and construction contractors in a developing country context;
• Possession of a high degree of competency not only with traditional project management and administration processes and methods, but also well-versed in the issues associated with building information models, computer-based schedule programs, web-based file management and information systems, and other engineering and construction technology tools being used by design and construction firms;
• The ability to engage local government and community stakeholders to secure buy in and ownership of the SCALE small-scale construction projects;
• Professional attitude with the ability to be a self-starter, take initiative, and get things done in a complex development context;
• Strong interpersonal/diplomatic skills and cultural/political sensitivity; and
• Strong English writing and communication skills are required; knowledge of local language(s) would be an added strength.

Equal Employer

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.