International Consultant - Technical supervision of afloat repair, mechanical refurbishment, system restoration, testing and handover of Tugboat Danu

Country: Yemen Organization: UN Development Programme Closing date: 6 Oct 2026 Position Information • Organization: UNDP Yemen, through Stars Orbit Consultants and Management Development (SOC). • VA No. VA26/186 • Position Title: International Consultant - Technical supervision of afloat repair, mechanical refurbishment, system restoration, testing and handover of Tugboat Danum 61 • Duty Station: Mukalla, Hadramout Governorate, Yemen. Field-based assignment with regular presence at the vessel/worksite and other relevant project locations in Mukalla as required. No dedicated UNDP office/workstation will be provided. • National or International Consultancy: International • Duration: Six (6) months from the contract signature / commencement date. • Number of Required Positions: 1 • Vacancy Date of Issue: 30 September 2026 • Vacancy Closure Date: 06 October 2026 • Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible To review the full job description, please click on the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tCYtTUAhxS6_s6U2aON56osEQS9o6Rbj/view?usp=sharing Background The Yemen Arabian Sea Ports Corporation (YASPC) operates the Port of Mukalla, where harbour tugboats are essential to safe berthing, towage and port operations. Tugboat Danum 61 requires comprehensive afloat repair, mechanical refurbishment and restoration of key vessel systems to return the vessel to safe and reliable operational service. UNDP is supporting the procurement and implementation of the rehabilitation works. The scope includes overhaul and repair of major propulsion and auxiliary machinery, underwater and hull-related works, piping and safety systems, navigation/electrical systems, testing, sea trials and final handover. Given the technical complexity of the works and the need for independent verification of contractor performance, UNDP requires a qualified Marine Project Supervision Consultant to provide technical supervision, quality assurance and progress verification throughout procurement and implementation, including any post-completion or defects follow-up falling within the six-month assignment period. Objective of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to provide independent and professional marine engineering and technical support to UNDP throughout the procurement and implementation stages of the rehabilitation of Tugboat Danum 61, within the six-month assignment period. The Consultant will support preparation and review of technical requirements, procurement-stage technical inputs when requested, field supervision, quality assurance, progress monitoring, testing and handover activities, ensuring that the works are undertaken in accordance with approved contract documents, technical specifications, applicable marine standards, manufacturer requirements, agreed schedules, and health, safety and environmental requirements. The Consultant will inspect, verify, document and technically certify completed works and milestones and will provide UNDP with clear recommendations for acceptance, corrective action, testing, provisional completion and final completion. All contractual decisions and payment approvals remain with UNDP. Scope of Work and Responsibilities The Consultant shall provide technical support across the procurement, implementation, testing and handover stages, and any post-completion/defects follow-up falling within the six-month assignment period, as requested by UNDP, including the following: Procurement Preparation and Tender Support • During the first month of the assignment, and thereafter as required until contract award, provide technical inputs to UNDP for the preparation and finalization of the procurement package for the vessel rehabilitation, including review and refinement of the scope of work, technical specifications, equipment/spare-parts requirements, drawings, schedules, inspection/testing requirements, acceptance criteria and other technical documentation as requested by UNDP. • Review available vessel records, previous assessments, equipment data, OEM information and site conditions, and identify technical gaps, inconsistencies, ambiguities or missing information that could affect competitive bidding, implementation, testing or acceptance of the works. • Coordinate with UNDP and relevant YASPC/Mukalla Port technical representatives to validate technical information and operational requirements, reconcile conflicting or incomplete technical inputs, and ensure that the final requirements are clear, internally consistent and sufficiently detailed for procurement purposes. Any material differences, concerns, assumptions or unresolved technical matters raised by stakeholders shall be documented and referred to UNDP for decision. • Support UNDP during the solicitation process by participating, when requested, in pre-bid/site visits or technical meetings and by preparing or reviewing technical responses to clarification requests received from prospective bidders. All communications with bidders shall be issued through UNDP's authorized procurement channels. • Support UNDP in reviewing proposed technical alternatives, substitutions or equivalent solutions submitted during the solicitation process and provide documented technical recommendations against the published requirements, without changing the solicitation requirements unless formally approved and communicated by UNDP. • Participate in the technical evaluation of offers as a technical evaluator or technical resource to the UNDP-appointed evaluation panel, when formally designated by UNDP. The Consultant shall assess submissions only against the published evaluation criteria and tender requirements, document the technical basis of findings, and comply with applicable confidentiality, impartiality and conflict-of-interest requirements. • Provide technical continuity between procurement and implementation by maintaining a clear record of final technical requirements, bidder clarifications and accepted technical interpretations for use during contract implementation, while ensuring that no bidder receives information or access outside the formal UNDP procurement process. Mobilization, Contract Review and Work Planning • Following contract award, review the signed works contract, final technical specifications, drawings, bill of quantities/schedules, contractor methodology, implementation schedule, inspection and test plans, HSE documentation, agreed clarifications and relevant OEM requirements. • Participate in the joint site handover/kick-off process and establish a practical supervision, inspection, reporting and document-control arrangement with UNDP, YASPC and the contractor. • Prepare an inception/supervision note identifying critical technical interfaces, hold points, key risks, required inspections/tests, documentation requirements and the proposed supervision approach for implementation. Mechanical, Electrical and Marine Works Supervision • Supervise dismantling, condition assessment, overhaul, repair, reassembly and commissioning of the main engines, auxiliary generators, gearboxes, pumps and associated systems included in the rehabilitation scope. • Review dimensional checks, NDT results, inspection findings and repair recommendations against applicable OEM tolerances and approved technical requirements. • Inspect and verify materials, spare parts and equipment delivered for the works, including identification, quantity, technical conformity, condition and supporting documentation, and maintain inspection/acceptance records. • Supervise installation, integration and testing of piping, fuel treatment/filtration, oily-water separation, fire-fighting, navigation, control, electrical and other systems included in the contract. • Witness and document underwater inspections and works, including hull cleaning, anode replacement and underwater welding, using available dive reports, photographic/video evidence and approved procedures. • Identify non-conformities, incomplete works or deviations from approved requirements and recommend corrective actions to UNDP. Quality Assurance, HSE and Progress Monitoring • Monitor contractor compliance with approved quality-control procedures, method statements, inspection/test plans and applicable marine HSE requirements, including hot works, confined-space activities and diving operations. • Monitor progress against the approved programme, identify delays or critical-path risks, and recommend practical mitigation measures to UNDP. • Maintain concise site records, inspection notes, photographic evidence, issue/non-conformity logs and risk/action trackers. • Submit a concise monthly progress report covering activities performed during the reporting period. During the procurement stage, the report shall summarize technical inputs provided to the procurement package, site/pre-bid support, clarification support, evaluation activities (where applicable), key technical issues and decisions requiring UNDP action. During implementation, it shall cover progress achieved, inspections/tests witnessed, key findings, non-conformities, risks, actions required, and the Consultant’s level of effort. Significant safety, quality, procurement-integrity, schedule or contractual risks shall be reported to UNDP immediately and shall not wait for the monthly report. Testing, Sea Trials and Handover • Witness and verify quayside/static testing of machinery, generators, switchboards, pumps and associated systems prior to sea trials. • Review and agree with UNDP and the contractor the readiness checklist and test protocol for sea trials. • Witness the approved sea-trial programme, including warm-up, sustained load/full-power testing as applicable, maneuvering and emergency/functional tests, and record results and deficiencies. • Prepare a technical recommendation for provisional acceptance/fitness for operational service, clearly identifying any outstanding punch-list items or restrictions. Any statutory/class/flag certification remains the responsibility of the competent authority where applicable. • Verify submission of required as-built drawings, OEM manuals, test records, warranties, spare-parts records and other close-out documentation. • Verify and document transfer/custody of removed components, scrap and replaced materials to YASPC, where required under the works contract. Technical Verification of Contractor Milestones and Claims • Review contractor progress claims against actual verified work completed, approved milestones and supporting records. • Issue technical milestone verification/certification to UNDP, stating the verified status of works, any deductions/qualifications, outstanding deficiencies and recommendation on technical acceptance. • Provide technical advice to UNDP on variation requests, unforeseen conditions, technical substitutions and claims, without committing UNDP contractually or financially. Post-Completion / Defects Follow-up (if applicable within the assignment period) • Provide technical support for defects, punch-list items or post-completion issues arising within the assignment period, when requested by UNDP. • Review reported defects or performance issues, participate in inspections when required, assess the technical cause and relevant contractor obligations, and recommend corrective actions to UNDP. • Verify closure of outstanding defects/punch-list items falling within the assignment period and provide concise technical close-out notes or recommendations to UNDP, as requested. Other Related Technical Advisory Support At the request of the UNDP Project Manager, provide other marine, engineering or technical advisory inputs reasonably related to the rehabilitation, procurement, supervision, testing, handover or defects-liability aspects of Tugboat Danum 61, where such inputs fall within the Consultant’s professional expertise and the overall objective of this assignment. This may include review of additional technical information, preparation of technical notes, participation in coordination meetings, advice on emerging technical issues, and other relevant support required for informed project decision-making. Such support shall remain within the overall purpose and contractual level of effort of the assignment and shall not authorize the Consultant to make contractual commitments, approve variations, incur costs on behalf of UNDP or materially expand the assignment beyond the applicable contractual arrangement. Availability, Meetings and Coordination • The Consultant shall remain available throughout the assignment during normal working periods and as reasonably required to support project implementation. The Consultant shall attend technical, procurement, coordination, progress, site and other project-related meetings, whether in person or virtually, as requested by the ECAPAM Project Manager or other UNDP personnel designated by the Project Manager. • The Consultant shall provide timely technical advice, clarifications, reviews and follow-up inputs arising from such meetings and shall maintain regular coordination with UNDP, the end user, contractors, suppliers and other relevant stakeholders, as directed by the ECAPAM Project Manager and in accordance with UNDP communication channels. • The Consultant shall ensure adequate availability during critical procurement, repair, inspection, testing, commissioning and handover activities and shall respond promptly to urgent technical matters that may affect safety, quality, schedule, cost or project implementation. This requirement does not imply continuous 24-hour availability. Records, Documentation and End-of-Assignment Handover • Maintain orderly and retrievable technical records generated under the assignment, including reviews, inspection notes, site observations, photographs where appropriate, test records, non-conformity/issue logs, technical recommendations, meeting records and other relevant documentation. • Provide copies of relevant assignment records to UNDP upon request and ensure that key technical decisions, assumptions and recommendations are sufficiently documented to support project administration, contract management and any subsequent technical review. • At the end of the assignment, submit a concise final handover/close-out note summarizing the status of the rehabilitation activities, key technical records, outstanding issues and risks, pending contractor obligations or defects, warranties or follow-up matters, and recommendations for any actions required after the Consultant’s assignment ends. As supporting documentation for each monthly payment, the Consultant shall submit: (i) a monthly progress report summarizing work performed, progress/status, key technical findings, issues requiring UNDP attention and planned priorities; and (ii) the applicable monthly attendance/timesheet record. The monthly progress report and attendance/timesheet record shall be reviewed and certified by the ECAPAM Project Manager or designated approving authority prior to payment processing. Institutional Arrangement and Coordination • The Consultant will report to the ECAPAM Project Manager, UNDP Yemen, or another UNDP staff member formally designated by the Project Manager for specific technical or administrative purposes. • The Consultant shall remain reachable and responsive to the ECAPAM Project Manager throughout the assignment and shall participate in scheduled and ad hoc meetings, site visits, technical consultations and coordination activities when reasonably requested. • The Consultant will work closely with UNDP project, procurement and engineering personnel, YASPC/Mukalla Port technical representatives, vessel crew and, following contract award, the rehabilitation contractor. The Consultant shall use this coordination to verify technical facts, resolve ambiguities and maintain consistency between end-user requirements, tender documentation and implementation, while maintaining independent professional judgment and respecting UNDP's formal decision-making and communication channels. • The Consultant's role is advisory and technical. The Consultant shall not act as the representative or agent of YASPC, the contractor, any bidder or any other stakeholder. Where different technical views or requirements arise, the Consultant shall objectively verify the available evidence, document the issue and provide a recommendation to UNDP for decision. • UNDP remains responsible for contractual instructions, approvals, variations, acceptance decisions, procurement decisions and payment authorization. The Consultant has no authority to commit UNDP financially or contractually, approve contract variations, waive contractual requirements, communicate procurement decisions to bidders, or issue instructions that modify a contractor’s scope, price, schedule or other contractual obligations, unless specifically authorized in writing by UNDP. • During the tendering process, the Consultant shall not communicate directly with bidders on substantive procurement matters, provide informal guidance, or disclose non-public information. Any technical question, site clarification, interpretation or response intended for bidders shall be documented and transmitted through UNDP Procurement in accordance with the solicitation process. • YASPC/Mukalla Port is expected to facilitate reasonable access to the vessel, work areas, relevant operational personnel and existing vessel documentation, subject to port rules and security arrangements. • The Consultant shall immediately disclose to UNDP any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, including any prior professional, commercial or other relationship with a bidder, contractor, end-user representative or other stakeholder that could reasonably call the Consultant's impartiality into question. Where participating in a procurement process or evaluation, the Consultant shall sign any confidentiality, impartiality and conflict-of-interest declarations required by UNDP and shall follow any mitigation measures determined by UNDP. The Consultant shall maintain confidentiality of procurement, project, contractor and vessel information. • All non-public information, documents, procurement records, bidder information, technical data, vessel records, contractor information and other material accessed or generated in connection with the assignment shall be treated as confidential. The Consultant shall use such information solely for the purposes of the assignment and shall not disclose, reproduce or use it for any other purpose without prior authorization through the applicable UNDP/consultancy-firm arrangements. Confidentiality obligations shall continue after completion of the assignment to the extent required under the applicable contractual arrangement. Contractual Status and Nature of Engagement The Consultant will be engaged by a third-party consultancy firm contracted by UNDP through an applicable Long-Term Agreement (LTA)/call-off arrangement. This Terms of Reference defines the technical scope, reporting arrangements and performance expectations for the assignment; it does not constitute an employment contract or individual consultancy contract between UNDP and the Consultant. The Consultant is not a staff member, official, employee or agent of UNDP or of the United Nations, and the engagement does not create an employer-employee relationship between the Consultant and UNDP/the United Nations. Contract administration, payroll, personnel benefits, insurance and other employer/service-provider obligations shall be handled by the third-party consultancy firm in accordance with the applicable LTA/call-off arrangement and its contract with the Consultant. Technical supervision, reporting to the ECAPAM Project Manager, participation in UNDP meetings or procurement activities, access to project sites, or use of UNDP-approved procedures shall not alter the Consultant’s contractual status or confer UN staff-member status, privileges or entitlements. Duty Station, Field Presence and Logistical Arrangements The principal duty station is Mukalla, Hadramout Governorate, Yemen. The assignment is field-based and requires regular physical presence at the vessel/worksite and other relevant project locations in Mukalla during activities requiring technical input, including inspections, meetings, testing and sea trials. No dedicated UNDP office or workstation will be provided. The Consultant shall organize his/her work arrangements accordingly. UNDP will not provide accommodation, daily subsistence allowance (DSA), local transportation, vehicle support, a dedicated office/workstation, or routine living/logistical arrangements for the Consultant in Mukalla, unless exceptionally agreed in writing under the applicable contractual arrangement. The Consultant and/or the contracting consultancy firm, as applicable, shall make the arrangements necessary for the Consultant to perform the assignment at the duty station. The third-party consultancy firm shall arrange and maintain the insurance coverage required under the applicable LTA/call-off arrangement for the full duration of the Consultant’s engagement, including the coverage applicable to international personnel. Any visa, travel-to-duty-station, security, medical, evacuation/repatriation or other personnel support arrangements shall be administered in accordance with the applicable LTA/call-off arrangement and the Consultant’s contract with the consultancy firm. Nothing in this ToR creates a separate entitlement to such benefits directly from UNDP. Annual Leave: The Consultant shall accrue paid annual leave at the rate of 1.5 working days for each completed month of service (up to nine (9) working days over a full six-month assignment). Leave shall be subject to prior approval by the ECAPAM Project Manager, coordinated so as not to disrupt critical procurement, site supervision, testing, commissioning or handover activities, and recorded through the applicable attendance and leave administration process of the third-party consultancy firm. Other leave categories, including sick leave where applicable, shall be governed by the Consultant’s contractual arrangements with the third-party consultancy firm and the applicable LTA/call-off provisions. The Consultant shall comply with applicable UNDP security instructions, site-access requirements and local safety/security procedures communicated for the assignment. Any exceptional travel or logistical support specifically requested or authorized by UNDP shall be subject to prior written approval and the applicable contractual arrangements. Academic Qualifications • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field with at least two (2) years of relevant professional experience; OR a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in one of these fields with at least four (4) years of relevant professional experience. A recognized professional marine engineering license/certificate may be accepted in accordance with the applicable ICS-9 qualification framework, subject to confirmation of relevant experience. • A valid/recognized marine engineering professional qualification, Class 1 Marine Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency or equivalent marine technical certification is an asset. Minimum years of relevant work experience • Relevant professional experience in marine engineering, vessel repair/overhaul, shipyard supervision, marine surveying, dockmaster operations or comparable marine technical assignments, meeting at least the minimum experience requirement corresponding to the academic qualification stated above. • Demonstrated experience supervising major overhaul/repair of marine diesel engines, gearboxes, auxiliary generators and associated mechanical/electrical systems on tugboats or comparable commercial/work vessels. • Demonstrated experience in inspection, QA/QC, testing, commissioning and sea trials for vessel repair or rehabilitation projects. • Practical experience reviewing NDT/dimensional inspection results and verifying repairs against OEM specifications/tolerances. • Experience with underwater hull works, commercial diving activities, underwater welding and/or cathodic protection/anode replacement is highly desirable. • Experience with Cummins KTA38-series marine engines and Reintjes gearboxes, or technically comparable propulsion systems, is highly desirable. • Experience in supervising works involving marine safety, firefighting, oily-water separation, piping, navigation and electrical/control systems is an asset. • Experience providing technical inputs to tender specifications, bidder clarifications and/or technical evaluation of marine repair, shipyard or engineering contracts is highly desirable. • Previous experience with UN agencies, international financial institutions, donor-funded infrastructure projects or similarly regulated contract-management environments is an advantage. • Strong knowledge of marine machinery overhaul, vessel maintenance, commissioning and fault diagnosis. • Good knowledge of applicable IMO/SOLAS/MARPOL requirements and marine occupational health and safety practices relevant to the assignment. • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, OEM manuals, specifications, inspection records, test results and contractor work programmes. • Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, integrity and ability to identify and document non-conformities objectively. • Excellent technical reporting, coordination and communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with contractors, port engineers, vessel crews and UNDP personnel. Required Language(s) • Fluency in written and spoken English is required. All formal reports, technical notes and written submissions to UNDP shall be prepared in English. • Working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. The Consultant shall provide explanations, coordination support or Arabic-language inputs/versions when reasonably requested by UNDP for engagement with local counterparts or the end user. How to apply • Personal CV or P11 indicating relevant assignments and contact details of at least two professional references. • The CV must be submitted online in PDF format through SOC's portal via the following link: https://vacancies.my-soc.org/apply/20260930103414/VACANCY-6ABCE5A6F0AFD • Kindly note only CVs received through the link will be considered for this position • If the candidate is currently employed by a government institution, he/she must be able to provide an unpaid leave of absence for the duration of the consultancy. • Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted. • By submitting your application, you have read the Terms of Reference for this position and agree that any false, wrong, or incomplete information might lead to your disqualification in this recruitment process.