US Non-profit Careers – Contracts Manager at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Title:     Contracts Manager  
Organisation: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Project Manager
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
NB: Only selected candidates that meet the requirements
will be contacted for interviews.

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