Lead Engineer - Contracts📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Jasara Program Management Company (JASARA PMC) is seeking a Lead Engineer - Contracts to act as an independent contractual authority. This role represents the Engineer's function under FIDIC forms of contract, overseeing client-contractor agreements on major infrastructure and construction projects. The position requires a professional with a proven background in contract administration, engineering oversight, and dispute-neutral decision-making.

This role is essential for ensuring the fair and impartial administration of contracts, serving as a neutral arbiter to facilitate project continuity and minimize disputes. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for upholding project specifications, codes, and standards while managing complex contractual relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Engineer under FIDIC contracts, ensuring fair and impartial administration of agreements between the Employer and the Contractor.
• Administer QIC-based contractor agreements in strict compliance with FIDIC procedures and all contractual obligations.
• Review and certify interim and final payment certificates, ensuring accuracy and adherence to contractual terms.
• Assess and certify variations, claims, and extensions of time (EOT), providing objective evaluations.
• Review and approve contractor submissions and deliverables, ensuring they meet project requirements and contractual scope.
• Ensure that all project documentation, notices, and contractual communications are meticulously maintained in accordance with FIDIC requirements.
• Serve as an independent decision-making authority, maintaining strict neutrality between contracting parties.
• Objectively assess contractor and employer claims, issuing determinations and decisions based solely on contract provisions.
• Provide professional judgments to minimize disputes and support the seamless continuity of project operations.
• Provide high-level engineering leadership, ensuring strict compliance with project specifications, relevant codes, and industry standards.
• Review and approve design submissions and other technical deliverables, verifying their alignment with project objectives.
• Oversee construction activities to ensure they are conducted in alignment with approved plans and the defined contractual scope.
• Act as the key interface between the Employer, Contractors, consultants, and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Lead meetings, progress reviews, and resolution discussions pertaining to both contractual and technical issues.
• Provide strategic advice to the Employer regarding contractual risks and effective mitigation strategies.
• Proactively identify potential project risks and contractual issues before they escalate.
• Manage and evaluate claims, disputes, and variations with a strong commercial awareness and understanding.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms, including participation in DAB/DAAB processes where applicable.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A minimum of 20-25+ years of progressive experience in engineering and contract management.
• A proven track record of serving as the Engineer (as defined under FIDIC) on major infrastructure or construction projects.
• Deep expertise in various FIDIC contract forms, including but not limited to the Red Book and Yellow Book.
• A strong background in managing large-scale, complex contractor environments.

Required Skills

• Exceptional knowledge of contract law, FIDIC principles, and comprehensive claims management.
• Strong analytical and decisive decision-making skills.
• A high level of professional integrity and the ability to maintain independence.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven ability to handle high-value contracts and complex disputes effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership capability within multidisciplinary and multi-contractor environments.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Jasara Program Management Company.