Deputy Head of PMU / Chief engineer for Joint IsDB/ ISFD/ GPE Smart-ED Project

The Republic of Uzbekistan has secured financing from the GPE-ACG SmartEd Initiative of the Islamic Development Bank and Global Partnership for Education to implement the Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE Smart-ED Project aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of education services in Uzbekistan. The total project cost is US$220 million with a duration of 60 months.

A dedicated full-time Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established within the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan to ensure effective management and implementation of the project. The Deputy Head of PMU / Chief Engineer will support the Head of PMU in leading technical and operational aspects of the project.

1. Objectives of the Assignment

To support the Head of PMU by providing technical leadership and operational oversight to ensure the successful implementation of project components, with particular focus on project planning, risk management, quality control, resource optimization, and stakeholder coordination.

2. Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Project Oversight:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of project work plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate project risks and develop risk mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Provide technical guidance and support to project teams and ensure compliance with standards.

Technical and Quality Control:

• Oversee quality assurance and control processes, ensuring all project outputs meet required standards.
• Resolve technical issues and provide expert advice related to project execution.
• Promote the use of innovative methods and best practices to improve project outcomes.

Resource Management:

• Optimize utilization of personnel, materials, and financial resources to achieve project goals.
• Support recruitment and performance evaluation of technical staff in coordination with the Head of PMU.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Liaise with various project stakeholders including government departments, partners, contractors, and suppliers.
• Prepare and present regular technical and progress reports to the Head of PMU and relevant authorities.

3. Deliverables

• Contribution to annual and quarterly work plans and budgets.
• Regular technical and progress reports.
• Risk assessment and mitigation plans.
• Quality assurance documentation.
• Reports on resource utilization and optimization.
• Documentation of technical guidance and innovations.

4. Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in civil engineering, water supply and sanitation, architecture, urban planning or similar fields relevant to construction of basic infrastructure and service delivery in rural areas;
• At least 10 years of professional work experience in civil works, engineering, infrastructure development, water supply and sanitation, or similar area. Experience in projects financed by the IsDB or other International Financial Institutions’ (IFI) is highly preferable;
• Experience leading multi-agency coordination processes and the organization of workshops and trainings;
• Proficient written and spoken Russian or Uzbek is highly preferable. Working-level of English is mandatory;
• Computer skills: MS Office, WORD, EXCEL, Outlook, Internet Explorer.

5. Duration and Reporting

• Contract duration: 12 months, renewable annually based on performance.
• Probation period: 3 months.
• The Deputy Head / Chief Engineer will report directly to the Head of PMU.
• The position is based in Tashkent, with required travel to project sites within Uzbekistan. Travel expenses will be reimbursed per regulations.