Construction Specialist

SCOPE OF WORK

The Construction Specialist will perform the following key tasks:

Blueprint and Design Coordination

Lead the preparation and finalization of the blueprint (model school design) in collaboration with the selected consulting firm, ensuring compliance with national building codes, World Bank standards, and international best practices (including the RIGHT+ and other relevant international publications);

Coordinate review and endorsement of the blueprint with the Ministry of Construction,
the State Committee on Architecture and Construction, and other relevant agencies;

Ensure that the blueprint reflects key parameters of safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, gender sensitivity, climate resilience, and conduciveness to teaching and learning;

Organize inter-agency technical consultations and workshops to review and approve
the blueprint;

Oversee preparation of design guidelines and standard documentation to serve as the foundation for the Program’s infrastructure component.

Land Identification and Technical Assessment

Coordinate with regional authorities (hokimiyats), the Ministry of Construction, and the State Cadaster Committee to identify and preliminarily assess potential land plots for future school construction;

Review technical suitability of proposed sites, considering access, topography, soil conditions, utility connections, and environmental and social requirements;

Support preparation of land assessment reports and mapping documentation;

Facilitate inter-agency coordination to ensure timely site selection and approval.

Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance

Review architectural, engineering, and cost documentation produced by consultants for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with national and World Bank requirements;

Provide technical feedback and ensure incorporation of recommendations into final deliverables;

Monitor consultants’ deliverable schedules and adherence to technical specifications;

Ensure that all technical designs align with energy-efficient, climate-resilient, inclusive,
and teaching and learning conducive design principles;

Contribute to M&E, including studies on the quality of school infrastructure, aligned
with the Program’s results framework.

Coordination and Liaison

Serve as the main technical liaison between MoPSE, the Ministry of Construction, regional authorities, and the World Bank on all infrastructure-related matters;

Participate in technical missions, meetings, and workshops with the World Bank and relevant national agencies;

Coordinate technical inputs for the Operation Operational Manual (POM) and other relevant documents;

Support the Implementation Office Coordinator in preparing technical sections of reports, procurement documentation, and supervision activities.

Responsibilities for E&S risk management

Coordination with E&S specialists to ensure all construction activities meet E&S requirements.

Integration of climate resilience, energy efficiency, gender sensitivity, and universal accessibility in design and construction.

Implementation of site-specific E&S screening and mitigation measures.

Monitoring and reporting on E&S compliance, including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress.

Adherence to labor management procedures, OHS, and prevention of child/forced labor.

Other related tasks as required.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

To ensure effective monitoring and coordination, the Construction Specialist shall submit
the following reports:

Quarterly Technical Progress Reports:

Submission – within 15 days after the end of each quarter;

Content – progress on blueprint development, land identification, technical review activities, consultant coordination, and key recommendations.

Technical Review Notes:

Submission – as required, upon completion of major consultant deliverables;

Content – written comments and recommendations on design documentation, drawings, and cost estimates.

Final Technical Report:

Submission – at the end of the assignment;

Content – summary of infrastructure-related preparatory work, blueprint finalization, land site assessments, and technical readiness for implementation under the main Program.

The Construction Specialist will deliver the following outputs:

Validated Blueprint (Model Design) for New Schools, approved by relevant authorities;

Technical reviews and recommendations on design and feasibility deliverables;

Land identification and assessment summary;

Quarterly technical progress reports;

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Professional Background

Bachelor’s or higher degree in civil engineering, architecture, or a related field;

Professional certification or license in engineering or architecture is required;

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in design, construction, or supervision of public infrastructure projects;

Proven experience in coordinating multi-agency infrastructure projects and interacting
with government bodies such as the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services;

Demonstrated experience in reviewing and approving technical design documentation, cost estimates, and feasibility studies;

Knowledge of Uzbek construction codes and standards (KMK, SHNK) and familiarity with World Bank infrastructure and safeguard policies.

Language Required

1. English

2. Uzbek and Russian

Skills and Competencies

Strong technical and analytical skills in infrastructure design and planning;

Proficiency in professional architectural and engineering software such as AutoCAD and relevant national design tools used for technical documentation;

Excellent coordination and stakeholder engagement abilities;

Ability to identify and mitigate technical and design risks;

High ethical standards, attention to detail, and professional integrity;