Quantity Surveyor

Background

< Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Pakistan, UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, national partners, and the people of Pakistan to help find solutions to persistent development challenges. Its work derives from and contributes to four outcome areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework which include: governance; sustainable, inclusive and green economic transformation; climate change resilience and environment; and gender equality and women's empowerment. Supported by enablers, UNDP uses a portfolio approach in Pakistan, triangulating structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and building resilience.

UNDP's country programme document for Pakistan envisions that all Pakistani people are educated and healthy, their well-being promoted and protected through economic opportunities, jobs and a climate-resilient future in a country where women and girls are safe and able to exercise their rights and to put their trust in and benefit from improved governance.

Through its Resilience, Environment and Climate Change Unit (RECCU), UNDP leads projects across the country that respond to the growing threat of climate change, mainstream environmental concerns into national development planning processes, and expand access to environmental and energy services for local communities. In particular, UNDP has sought to ensure that the poor have stronger capacities to manage, adapt, and monitor climate change. Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also one of the most current pressing development challenges. Its impacts are escalating and disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable populations the most.

The 2022 floods in Pakistan have affected 33 million people, resulted in the loss of more than 1,700 lives, displaced around 9 million men, women, and children, and inundated almost one-third of productive agricultural land in Pakistan. These downstream challenges are compounded with institutional issues whereby the Government of Pakistan requires support for developing overarching frameworks to structure its flood response activities and technical expertise to set up and develop bankable projects, establish standardized mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, and enhance strategic communications for public outreach .

UNDP has responded to the challenge by developing and launching a flagship Flood Recovery Programme (FRP) to support the Government of Pakistan's flood recovery and rehabilitation efforts. The Programme has four key objectives dealing with the following thematic areas:

• Restoration of housing and access to/revival of essential community services.
• Restoration of livelihoods and income-generating capacities.
• Enhanced governance and service delivery.
  Strengthened capacities for Disaster Risk Management.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Quantity Surveyor will be as below:

• Supporting the planning and management of financial and contractual aspects of civil works projects.

• Assist in preparing preliminary cost estimates during project planning and design stages.

• Develop detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQs) based on approved drawings and specifications.
• Support in preparing cost breakdowns and unit rate analyses for various civil works activities.
• Update cost estimates in line with design revisions, scope changes, or market fluctuations.
• Gather and analyze market price data for construction materials, labor, and equipment to ensure realistic cost planning.
• Prepare comparative cost assessments for alternative designs or construction methods to support decision-making.
• Maintain a cost database of materials, labor, and subcontractor rates for reference in future projects.
• Assist in preparing interim payment certificates and final accounts.
• Liaise with engineers, site supervisors, and contractors for accurate measurement and certification.
• Assist in reviewing contractors' claims for variations and additional works.
• Maintain proper documentation of all measurements and valuations for audit purposes.
• Assist in identifying financial and contractual risks in ongoing projects.
• Track cost implications of design changes, delays, or unforeseen site conditions.
• Verification of various surveys including master plans, building layouts and utility plans.
• Verification of cutting level sheets on random locations of civil work projects.

• Review bar bending schedule for ongoing civil works and completed civil work projects of the Flood Recovery Programme in line with submittals and drawings.
  Provide support in undertaking technical inspections, documentation of design change and variations in drawings and approval of BOQs in accordance with the Pakistan Government rates and open market rates.

• Assist in monitoring, documentation and quality assurance of civil works projects

• Coordinate with relevant Flood Recovery Programme staff and collect and maintain photos/data of civil work sites at various levels of project implementation for verification of works.

• Assist and support the UNDP Flood Recovery Programme engineering team in planning and undertaking on and off-site technical inspections, documentation of potential changes / revisions to design plans, and potential variations to drawings and BOQs that are submitted to UNDP for review and approval by third-party construction and consultancy vendors/ service providers.
  Provide on -site supervision and conduct site inspection visits to UNDP Flood Recovery Programme infrastructure development sites where needed.

• Support successful completion of procurement processes for civil works projects

• Assist in preparing tender documents including BoQs, cost schedules, and technical specifications.

• Support the evaluation of contractors' bids by checking compliance with requirements and verifying rates.
• Conduct comparative analysis of bids to ensure competitive and fair selection.
• Coordinate with procurement and engineering teams during pre-bid meetings and clarifications.
• Maintain records of tender queries, responses, and addendums.
  Provide inputs to procurement committees on cost and value-for-money aspects.

4. Support knowledge building, knowledge sharing and capacity building relevant to the assigned project.

• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Support compiling and systematizing project knowledge, products and tools as well as their wide distribution to partners.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Expected Outputs:

• Accurate cost plans, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates prepared and updated in line with project designs, scope changes, and market trends.

Well-structured tender documents and bid evaluations completed, ensuring transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement processes.
- Properly administered contracts and payment certificates maintained, with variations and claims documented and reported.
- Verified site measurements and valuations conducted, with reliable records supporting interim and final accounts.
- Regular cost control and civil work monitoring reports produced, highlighting expenditures, variances, savings, and risks.
- Effective coordination and compliance documentation ensured, demonstrating adherence to organizational, contractual, and audit requirements.>

Competencies

< Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking : Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
• Effective Decision Making : Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business management

• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals.
• Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Procurement

• Contract management: Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Supplier / relationship management: Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree (bachelor's degree) in Civil Engineering, Architecture or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.>

Experience:

• Proficiency in computer aided design software (such as AutoCAD) and MS Excel is required.
• Diploma Associate Engineer (DAE) in Civil Engineering Professional is desired.
• Previous experience of civil work project implementation in Balochistan, KP or Sindh is desired.
• Proven track record of sound knowledge of procurement and UN System rules and regulations is desired.
• Proven experience in reviewing and processing of IPCs of contractors is desired.
• Proven experience of performing QS function within large civil works projects is desired. Proven experience of reconciling physical quantities with IPCs and final BOQs is desired.
• Fluency in English and Urdu is required. Fluency in Pashto will be an added advantage>

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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