PROJECT PROGRAMMER (one year renewable contract)

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The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) was
established as a statutory body by Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act No. 20 of 1984, now
Chapter 39:58. Since its establishment, NIHERST has resourcefully pursued its mandate to
promote the development of science, technology and higher education in Trinidad and Tobago,
and enhance the innovative, creative and entrepreneurial capabilities of the general population.
NIHERST is currently engaged in the construction of state-of-the- art facilities, viz. a Science
City, at Indian Trail in Couva that will enable the institute to expand its offerings of experiential
science learning to children and adults, and its promotion of “citizen science” through a new
national science centre. The city will also allow NIHERST to extend into new areas of capacity
building in innovation, the stimulation of indigenous research and development, and serve as a
hub for sharing knowledge with business and industry on technological advancements, to support
local innovation and entrepreneurship.
NIHERST therefore invites suitably qualified nationals of Trinidad and Tobago for the following
career opportunities.
PROJECT PROGRAMMER (one year renewable contract)
The Project Programmer acts as the focal point to co-ordinate, adjust and agree on final Science
City project programmes. The officer controls the project’s various programmes by identifying
changes in work scope and ensuring that appropriate planning is undertaken and also by
monitoring baseline programmes and providing periodic reports. The Project Programmer
provides support in the coordination of resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Develops detailed programmes with short and long-term resource allocation plans based
on input from all key stakeholders.
2. Monitors baseline programmes and provides weekly, fortnightly and monthly reports,
clearly identifying issues in the programme, their causes and making recommendations
for their corrective action.
3. Proactively identifies changes in work scope and ensures appropriate planning measures
are taken with the client and contractors to reassess, renegotiate and amend scope of work
responsibilities, proposals, contracts and budgets
4. Tracks programmes regularly utilising project data such as task percentage complete,
actual start and finish dates.
5. Proactively assesses and analyses with the team, any risks and issues that may
compromise long term execution performance and results, and develops plans to remove
or mitigate them.
6. Facilitates the planning process and the interaction between the client and the
contractors.
7. Acts as a focal point to coordinate, adjust and agree on final project programmes liaising
with the client, consultants and contractors.
8. Proactively identifies and communicates risks to Unit Head in advance and provides
possible mitigation actions.
9. Follows the programme and provides support in the coordination of resources.
10. Responsible for the correct and efficient administration of the planning tool.
11. Performs any other related duties as required.
Required qualifications and competencies
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Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited university and a minimum of five
(5) years’ experience in the Construction Industry including at least two years’ planning
and programming
OR any equivalent combination of qualifications and experience
Knowledge and experience of Primavera P6 would be an asset
Knowledge of maintenance planning processes
Intermediate knowledge of Computer Applications including word processing and
spreadsheet applications.
Ability to be a team player and display good interpersonal skills
Ability to synthesise complex or diverse information
Ability to work effectively and prioritise in a high performance, fast-paced work
environment
Ability to inspire and motivate others to work well and accepts feedback
Seeks ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and
thoroughness
Ability to make decisions in a timely manner and exhibits sound and accurate judgment
MEP ENGINEER (one year renewable contract)
The Project Engineer oversees mechanical, electrical and plumbing works at the Science City
site. This officer lends assistance to the project implementation team in both technical and
administrative capacities. The officer undertakes technical reviews of important project
documents submitted by professionals attached to the Science City project as well as conducts
site inspections to ensure that the project requirements are being met.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Undertakes technical review of all relevant documents submitted by the Architect,
Engineer and Quantity Surveyor and documents.
2. Reviews designs to ensure that applicable codes, standards and procedures are followed
to ensure a high level of quality.
3. Thinks creatively and logically to solve design and project issues.
4. Assists in the preparation of relevant approval documents.
5. Liaises with all stakeholders in the development of Client requirements.
6. Assists in the preparation of reports to the Board and other authorities.
7. Assists in the tracking of the project finances.
8. Provides technical advice regarding mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs to Head
of the unit.
9. Inspects project site to ensure conformance to design specifications.
10. Advises on engineering activities ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or
other governmental regulations.
11. Undertakes administrative work for the Project Implementation team including document
management for the project.
12. Performs any other related duties as required.
Required qualifications and competencies
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Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field.
OR any equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
Qualifications or experience in project management will be an asset.
Must be a registered engineer.
Knowledge of and experience in mechanical, electrical and plumbing works and the
ability to communicate technical information to others outside the field.
Attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to identify problems and review related information to develop and evaluate
options and implement solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees
and the public.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of software
STATISTICIAN (three year contract)
The Statistician is responsible for assisting in organising and directing the collection, analysis and
publication of basic statistical data over a wide variety of fields. This employee is engaged in the
supervision of subordinate technical staff, the correlation of data and the application of basic
statistical techniques in organising data collected into accepted tabular and graphic forms for use in
management planning and other areas.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Designs and develops questionnaires to obtain information required through surveys and
prepares manuals for guidance of survey interviewers
2. Assists in the design of surveys for determination of appropriate data sources and the
nature and size of samples
3. Organises, directs and assists in collating and compiling data collected; presents and
summarises data into the form of tables and graphs using basic statistical techniques
4. Designs tables, graphs and charts and supervises their presentation
5. Directs and provides guidance to technical support staff in compiling and presenting
statistical data especially when difficulties are encountered
6. Serves on technical committees
7. Performs related work as may be required.
Required qualifications and competencies
 Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or Mathematics or Economics with Statistics as a major
subject.
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Knowledge of the theory, systems and practices of statistical research and of the standard
sources and uses of information
 Knowledge of standard statistical procedure and their application.
 Knowledge of the application of statistical findings
 Ability to compile, correlate and analyse data and arrive at sound conclusions.
 Ability to represent findings and conclusions effectively in appropriate tabular, graphic
and written forms.
 Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials
of other government departments and representatives of private firms
 Technology proficiency, particularly in SPSS statistical software.
Deadline Date and Submission
The deadline date for submission of applications is January 5th 2015. Applicants are asked
to provide a copy of their resumé and a cover letter indicating interest for the chosen
position
Applications should be sent to:
Senior Human Resource Officer
NIHERST
77 Eastern Main Road
St Augustine
OR via email to
hr@niherst.gov.tt
(Please place the applied for position in the subject line)