Engineering Adviser – Construction Review and Technical Advice

This is an assignment for Strongim Bisnis, an initiative of the Australian Government in Solomon Islands.

Dates & duration: July 2025 - April 2026

Location: Honiara, Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands)

Reports to: Dina Karic, Partnerships Director

Intervention / area of focus: Program Activities

ASI contact representative: Danya Salinas, Strongim Bisnis Program Manager

This position is open to Solomon Islands nationals or third-country residents with a valid work permit to work in the Solomon Islands. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Background to the Strongim Bisnis program

Solomon Islands Australia Partnership’s Strongim Bisnis program is an economic development initiative to increase economic opportunities and participation for people and businesses in Solomon Islands.

Recognising that Solomon Islands has a small consumer market and economy, dispersed population, and high cost of doing business, Strongim Bisnis identifies and analyses specific sectors that have a high potential for growth and can create new employment and income generation opportunities.

We facilitate strategic partners (including businesses, government, civil society, and associations) in those sectors to address the root constraints to growth and inclusion (Women, Youth and People living with disabilities) through innovative solutions.

Background to the Assignment

Strongim Bisnis is an economic development program supported by the Australian Government, working to promote inclusive growth, particularly for women, youth, and people with disabilities, across key sectors in Solomon Islands. The program supports a range of market system interventions, including infrastructure-related activities that aim to stimulate private sector growth, improve market access, and build climate-resilient local economies.

To ensure the quality, safety, cost-effectiveness, and inclusivity of supported infrastructure, Strongim Bisnis seeks the services of an experienced engineer to review construction designs andprovide technical advice that aligns with the program’s objectives and the unique Solomon Islands operating environment.

Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to provide timely, practical, and independent engineering advice and quality assurance support for construction activities during key phases of a project, ensuring:

• Supported infrastructure is designed and constructed to appropriate technical standards.

• Proposed works are feasible, cost-effective, and climate resilient.

• Infrastructure interventions contribute to inclusive economic development and align with Strongim Bisnis’ sectoral priorities and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles.

Scope of Work

The Engineering Adviser will:

• Review construction drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for projects supported or influenced by Strongim Bisnis.

• Provide technical assessments focusing on design suitability, structural integrity, material appropriateness, climate resilience, and cost-efficiency.

• Advise on opportunities to strengthen accessibility, gender responsiveness, and safety in design and implementation.

• Recommend practical, locally available, and sustainable construction methods and materials.

• Assess contractor submissions, variations, and progress reports where required.

• Conduct site visits to verify progress and quality of works when appropriate.

• Identify and provide advice on technical risks, environmental considerations, and mitigation strategies.

• Support the Strongim Bisnis team in procurement evaluations for construction-related activities. Respond to ad-hoc technical queries from the program, its partners, and implementing contractors.

Deliverables

• Written review reports on each construction design, specification, or BoQ reviewed, with clear recommendations.

• Site visit reports (if applicable), including progress assessments and quality assurance findings.

• Short technical memos on emerging issues or design adjustments.• Final summary report consolidating all reviews, recommendations, and lessons learned throughout the engagement.

Duration and Level of Effort

The Consultant will be engaged on an as-needed basis over the next 9 months, and potentially longer. For each assignment, a scope of work will be drafted indicting the specific tasks, deliverables and expected number of days.

Reporting and Coordination

The Engineering Advisor will report directly to the Strongim Bisnis Partnerships Manager and will work closely with the program’s sector leads, procurement team, and implementing partners.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.

• Minimum 10 years of demonstrated experience in reviewing and/or supervising infrastructure projects, preferably in Solomon Islands or the Pacific.

• Strong understanding of local construction practices, material sourcing, and environmental conditions.

• Experience in integrating climate resilience, accessibility, and GEDSI considerations into infrastructure design.

• Proven ability to provide practical, context-appropriate advice.

• Experience supporting economic development or donor-funded programs is an advantage.

• Strong communication and report writing skills.

• Solomon Islanders or third-country residents with work permit should only apply.

Location of Work

Honiara with possible travel to the provinces.

Deliverables and schedule

The assignment will commence in July 2025. Completion of the assignment is conditional upon approval of the deliverables by Strongim Bisnis.

How to apply

Any questions should be sent to dina.karic@strongimbisnis.com.sb

Please use the following title: Engineering Adviser role - Strongim Bisnis Applications should include a one-page cover letter addressing the required qualifications, experience, and attributes, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of three

professional referees.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.