Individual Consultant for Civil Engineer

1. Background

The Nurturing Early Skills through Technology (NEST) Project is funded by the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and administered by the World Bank. The Project is implemented by Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) of Cambodia.

The Project aims to enhance access to and quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the promotion of learning through play and the integration of digital technology in target districts in Cambodia. The Project supports teacher professional development, establishment of an ECE digital resource platform, parental and community engagement, improvement of preschool learning environments through construction and renovation, and implementation of pilot school meal programs.

The Project is implemented in selected districts in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces, targeting public preschools with the objective of strengthening equitable access to quality ECE services for young children aged 3–5 years.

Component 2 of the Project includes significant civil works activities, comprising: (i) construction of 17 new preschool buildings, including kitchen facilities in 6 preschools; (ii) renovation of 43 existing preschool facilities; and (iii) outdoor environment improvements at all 60 targeted preschools. These works are spread across multiple districts and provinces, including remote rural areas, and are procured through Request for Bids (RFB) and Request for Quotations (RFQ) methods.

To ensure construction quality, timely implementation, and compliance with technical specifications and applicable standards, SVA seeks to recruit a qualified National Individual Consultant – Engineer to provide dedicated on-site supervision, quality assurance, and technical support for civil works activities throughout the Project.

2. Objectives

The objective of this assignment is to support technical supervision, quality assurance, and monitoring of civil works activities under the NEST Project, in coordination with the SVA Engineer and Project Management Unit (PMU).

Specifically, the Consultant will:

• Provide on-site supervision and quality assurance for all civil works, including construction of new preschool buildings, renovation of existing facilities, kitchen installations, and outdoor environment improvements.
• Monitor and certify contractors’ compliance with technical specifications, approved drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), and contract requirements.
• Review and assess contractors’ work progress, quality of materials and workmanship, and provide timely technical guidance and corrective instructions as needed.
• Support preparation and revision of technical drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), and site-specific technical solutions for construction and renovation works, as required during Project implementation.
• Support the preparation and review of civil works-related procurement documents, including technical specifications, BoQs, bidding documents, and contract variations.
• Coordinate with the E&S Specialist to ensure implementation of environmental and social (E&S) mitigation measures at construction sites, including occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.
• Certify completion milestones and support payment verification for civil works contracts.

3. Scope of Work

Upon commencement of the assignment, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks, organized by thematic area:

a. Pre-Construction Preparation

• Review and assess construction drawings, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), and contract documents for civil works activities prior to commencement of works.
• Prepare and/or revise technical drawings, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQ), and site-specific technical solutions for construction and renovation works, as required during Project implementation.
• Conduct pre-construction site visits to verify site conditions, site readiness, and compliance with relevant requirements prior to commencement of works.
• Review contractors’ pre-construction submissions and work plans, and provide technical recommendations as required.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings with contractors and the SVA project team to clarify technical and implementation requirements.
• Support preparation and review of technical documents for civil works procurement, including technical specifications, BoQs, and bidding documents, as required.

b. Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance

• Conduct regular on-site supervision and field visits to construction and renovation sites to monitor work progress, quality of materials and workmanship, and compliance with approved designs, technical specifications, and contract requirements.
• Inspect and verify construction materials, structural works, WASH facilities, kitchen installations, technology infrastructure, and outdoor improvement works at project sites.
• Coordinate and provide technical recommendations to contractors regarding construction quality issues, non-compliance, and corrective actions, as required.
• Support inspections and verification of construction phases prior to recommending payment certification and practical completion

c. Progress Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare regular site visit and progress reports covering construction status, quality observations, contractor performance, outstanding issues, and corrective actions.
• Monitor contractor work plans and construction schedules, identify implementation delays and issues, and provide technical recommendations to SVA project management.
• Maintain construction progress records, photo documentation, and site inspection records for project sites.
• Prepare periodic progress updates and contribute civil works-related information and findings to Project reporting, monitoring activities, and World Bank supervision missions, as required.

d. Contract Administration Support

• Support SVA in contract administration related to civil works activities, including review of contractor payment applications, completed works, and supporting documentation in accordance with contract provisions.
• Review contractor claims, variations, and implementation issues in coordination with the SVA Engineer and provide technical recommendations to SVA project management.
• Maintain records related to contract variations, site instructions, inspections, and other relevant civil works documentation.
• Support preparation of snagging lists and monitor rectification of identified defects prior to practical completion and during the defects liability period.
• Coordinate with the SVA Procurement and Finance teams on contract implementation, payment verification, and related documentation, as required.

e. Environmental, Social, and Safety Compliance

• Coordinate with the E&S Specialist to monitor contractor compliance with environmental and social (E&S) mitigation measures, occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, and applicable E&S instruments at construction and renovation sites.
• Conduct regular site safety inspections and monitor implementation of safety measures and community safety requirements at project sites.
• Support monitoring of contractor compliance with relevant labor management and community health and safety requirements, including workers’ code of conduct and prevention of child labor.
• Document and report E&S incidents, accidents, safety issues, and non-compliance observed at project sites to the E&S Specialist and SVA Project Manager.
• Monitor implementation of corrective actions related to E&S and safety compliance at project sites, as required.

f. Completion and Handover

• Support verification that completed works comply with approved designs, technical specifications, and contractual requirements prior to recommending practical completion and handover.
• Prepare and maintain as-built records and relevant completion documentation for project sites.
• Support the handover process for completed facilities to school management committees and relevant government counterparts.
• Monitor rectification of identified defects during the defects liability period and support final completion verification, as required.

4. Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The following deliverables are expected over the course of the assignment. Timelines are indicative and subject to adjustment based on project implementation progress and construction schedules.

5. Work Supervision

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the SVA Project Manager and in close coordination with the SVA Engineer for technical implementation matters.

The Consultant will coordinate and liaise with:

• PMU members and field staff;
• The E&S Specialist and other technical consultants engaged under the Project;
• Contractors, site supervisors, and construction personnel at project sites;
• Relevant government counterparts, including MoEYS and sub-national authorities;
• School Management Committees (SMCs) and community representatives at project sites.

The Consultant shall submit deliverables and periodic progress reports to the SVA Project Manager, in coordination with the SVA Engineer, for review and approval, and participate in regular coordination meetings, site meetings, and World Bank supervision missions, as required.

6. Contract Term and Location of Assignment

The initial contract period is one (1) year, with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance, project needs, and availability of funding.

The Consultant will be engaged as an Individual Consultant (IC) under the NEST Project and is expected to provide regular technical support and field supervision throughout the assignment period.

Key arrangements are as follows:

• Duty Station: Battambang Province, Cambodia, with frequent travel to project sites in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces.
• SVA will provide office space at the assigned duty station. The Consultant is expected to provide their own computer and personal working equipment.
• Payment Modality: Payment shall be made on a monthly basis upon submission and approval of progress reports and agreed deliverables.
• Travel costs directly related to project implementation and approved by SVA, including travel to project sites and meetings, will be covered in accordance with SVA travel policy.

7. Consultant Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other relevant technical field.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in civil works supervision, construction management, or quality assurance for building construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision of building construction and/or renovation works, preferably including educational, public, or community infrastructure.
• Experience in preparing and reviewing technical specifications, Bills of Quantities, construction drawings, and contract documents.
• Experience working on World Bank-financed or other internationally funded projects is an advantage.
• Familiarity with World Bank procurement regulations and civil works contract management is desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Sound technical knowledge of civil engineering and building construction methods, materials, and quality control.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, technical specifications, and Bills of Quantities.
• Knowledge of construction contract management and payment certification procedures.
• Familiarity with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and environmental and social compliance in construction settings.
• Strong analytical, coordination, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, MS Office) is an advantage.
• Fluency in Khmer is required; working knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is required.

Other Considerations

• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly to project sites in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces.
• The Consultant must not hold a government position during the contract period.

8. Guidelines for Applying

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to the contact below, with the subject line:

“Application for IC – Civil Engineer – NEST Project: [Your Full Name]”

Required submission documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly demonstrating qualifications and relevant experience.
• Cover letter outlining suitability for the role, expected monthly rate, and availability.

Submit to:

Ms. Chea Sopheavy

Position: Procurement and Operation Officer, Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)

Address: No. 8, Street 424, Sangkat Tomnob Teuk, Khan Boeng Keng Kang, Phnom Penh

Email: info@sva-cambodia.org

Copy to:

Ms. Ayano Kikuchi

Position: Project Manager, NEST Project, SVA

Email: kikuchi@sva.or.jp

Applications will be accepted until June 28, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Revised February 2025), under the Individual Consultant (IC) selection method.