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Director Construction - Pakistan

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

The entity of Planning and Development of Campuses (P&DC) ensures timely and effective implementation of Aga Khan University's Projects in Pakistan. This includes planning and design process for the project, development and implementation of land acquisition strategies, developing tendering and construction strategies for the projects, preparing the project execution plan and schedules for all aspects of the projects. 

This entity is led by the Executive, Planning and Development of Campuses (South and Central Asia) and is divided into three sections i.e. Design, Construction and Engineering & Maintenance.

Over the past few years with the expansions and the growing needs of the University, especially construction of new projects on Stadium Road, major outreach programs across Pakistan including phlebotomy centers etc. and respond to requests for services from institutions abroad, the scope of services for P&DC has increased tremendously. 

To meet University’s strategic initiatives and aggressive growth plans, AKU is looking for highly qualified and skilled individuals to work as part of the team and to head its construction projects. The Director Construction will report to and work under the direct supervision of the Executive Planning & Development of Campuses (South and Central Asia).

Responsibilities

Leading a diversified team of professionals, you will be responsible and accountable for providing leadership and direction for all aspects of construction planning and management for the University. You are also expected to lead the development of division's overall strategic and long-range planning activities, provide oversight on capital construction projects and the administration of the business affairs of the division. 

Analyzes the scope, plans, and budgets of projects and also ensure that the funds are adequately utilized. Formulate a clear strategic direction for the technical services and processes to ensure that its vision; mission and values are upheld and consistent with university’s plans; represent AKU at national and international forums. You are expected to be a positive change agent with a passion for designing innovative programmes in quality management systems, through leadership in business processes re-engineering.. Liaise with users of the facilities i.e., academic units, administrative departments, and other hospital functions.

Specifically, you will be responsible to:
  • Work towards achievement of Strategic Objectives of the Campus Development Division; includes crafting strategic objectives/actions for timely and cost effective delivery of Construction Portfolio, including Capital Projects, Minor works, and Deferred Maintenance and Outreach projects. 
  • Meet financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions
  • Provide leadership and direction for teams of Project Managers  ensuring that operational, professional and technical activities are performed consistently in cohort with organization’s vision, division’s mission, and its strategic objectives.
  • Implement an efficient internal/external communication/reporting strategy for ensuring timely communication to stakeholders. On regular basis, provides updates (written/presentations) to the University Leadership, Board and other external agencies on the Physical Progress, Costs,  risks and issues and budgets utilization of construction portfolio.
  • Maintain knowledge of current trends and advancements in the field of Project/Portfolio Management with focus to health care projects. Also advocates use of emerging technological tools/systems for efficient Projects Delivery.
  • Close liaison with key stakeholders for resolution of issues and matters that are escalated from Project Teams. Ensures that expectations of customers related to project time, cost and quality are met. 
  • Ensure tools and procedures are in place for capturing Project/Portfolio level risks; strategies towards mitigation of critical risks. 
  • Provide guidance to the Project Managers and other stakeholders in development of business cases, project management plans including schedules. Provides oversight to the Project Controls functions for close monitoring of the plans against approved baselines.  
  • Devise and implement robust contracts management systems that enables sourcing of best contractors and consultants, through efficient and transparent procedures for bidding, technical evaluations and post-award contracts administration. 
  • Builds strategic relationships with key stakeholders globally and locally. Provide full support to other AKDN partners as and when required.
  • Reviews existing processes and systems and recommends policy and procedure improvements. Implements AKU Board approved recommendations for robust project governance and organizational structures. 
  • Accomplishes human resource objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job contributions; enforcing policies and procedures.
  • Implements effective Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) program for all construction sites; ensuring the environment for campus user’s esp. patients and other neighbors is safe during construction.

Requirements

  • Master's / Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture or construction management from a recognized University.
  • Minimum 10 to 12 years of progressive experience of constructing and managing facilities, staff supervision, budget management, training programs or other related areas in a large multi-size organization.
  • Experience of handling large scale and complex construction projects. The position expects and incumbent who can articulate a sound philosophy of management techniques and values teamwork concepts.
  • Experience of implementing Process Enhancement/Organizational change management initiatives. Able to proactively identify process improvement opportunities and driving enhancements throughout the division.
  • Knowledge of building codes, city and local building permit procedures.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Self-motivated, quick and assertive
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and especially strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to describe complex ideas in clear and meaningful forms and to present data and information to various audiences.
  • Analytical and focused thinking with clearly defined and establish standards by understanding the implications and its impact. 
  • Strong knowledge of Contracts Management and knowledge about Process Improvement/Quality Management
  • Should have demonstrated the ability to coordinate between academic, finance, administration and construction personnel in successfully executing educational facilities projects. 
  • Entrepreneurial drive with ability to work in dynamic and unpredictable environment. 
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams both individually and collectively.
  • Advocate and commit to ongoing training and development to foster a learning culture within the department.
  • Conduct ongoing risk analysis, looking ahead for contingent liabilities and opportunities and astutely identifying the risks involved. Proactive thinking is essential.

To Apply

​Please send your resume at human.resources@aku.edu and mark the subject with position number "10006661".

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Applications should be submitted latest by March 10, 2019