Contracts Management & Project Controls Lead

The Contracts Management & Project Controls Lead is responsible for managing the full contractual and commercial framework of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project Phase 1.

Contracts Management & Project Controls Lead

Project: Western Water Resilience Improvement Project – Phase 1 (WWRIP1)
Reports to: Project Manager
Location: Great River, St James, Jamaica
Language Requirement: Full professional proficiency in English
Contract Type: Full‑time, on‑site. 1 year contract, renewable

1. Role Purpose

The Contracts Management & Project Controls Lead is responsible for managing the full contractual and commercial framework of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project Phase 1.
This includes administering the main Yellow FIDIC Contract with the National Water Commission (NWC), preparing and overseeing all subcontract agreements for works, services, and supply, maintaining all core contractual and project control registers, overseeing risk and opportunity management, and drafting all formal contractual correspondences on behalf of the Project Manager. It also involves carrying out any tasks assigned by the PM from time to time and proactively coordinating with the Branch or Head Office as required or upon the PM’s request.

The role ensures that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with corporate, contractual, and statutory obligations

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Contract Management

• Administer and manage the main Yellow FIDIC Contract with NWC, ensuring all obligations, procedures, notices, and timelines are fully complied with.
• Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer all subcontract agreements, including works packages, services agreements, and supply contracts. Contribute to identify any interface risks existing between subcontracts. Coordinate subcontracts closure or termination process
• Maintain and update contractual registers, including:
• Notice of Claims & Claims Register
• Variation Orders Register
• Correspondence Register
• Subcontractor and Supplier Contract Register

• Proactively provide contractual documentation and advice to site teams, construction managers, and project leadership in alignment with VCGP’s Contract Management governance
• Collect and follow up advance payment bond, performance bond, etc. (Employer & Subcontractors) throughout contract period
• Timely notify the insurer, in the applicable form and content, to activate the insurance coverage

B. Correspondences

• Draft all formal contractual letters, notices, claims, responses, and clarifications, ensuring compliance with FIDIC procedures.
• Support the Project Manager in interactions with NWC, the Engineer, and subcontractors, and participate in meetings, on all contractual matters.
• Prepare internal briefs to support decision‑making.

C. Project Controls

• Establish and maintain the project controls framework for cost, schedule, progress, KPIs, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and maintain high‑quality project dashboards and reports for internal (VCGP) and external (NWC, Engineer, donor) stakeholders.
• Coordinate the preparation of monthly performance reports, ensuring alignment with IMS, QHSE, and PMP requirements.

D. Risk & Opportunity Management

• Act as Owner of the Project Risk and Opportunities Register, ensuring continuous monitoring, updating, mitigation actions, and reporting.
• Facilitate regular risk workshops with discipline leads to assist Project team in forecasting expected additional works, potential claims, opportunities and contract matters
• Provide early warning to the Project Manager on emerging risks impacting cost, time, and quality together with the opportunity identified in this respect and corresponding contractual/legal action to implement
• Participate upon request in the technical and economic valuation, and Follow up variations and amendments instructed by the Employer / to the Sub-Contractors

E. KPIs & Reporting

• Propose, develop, validate, and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) covering:
• Contractual compliance
• Cost & budget control
• Progress & productivity
• Subcontract performance
• Documentation, turnaround, and quality metrics
• Integrate KPIs into monthly and quarterly reporting cycles, in line with project reporting structures

F. Registers & Data Governance

• Maintain all contractual and control‑related registers with strict accuracy, traceability, and compliance with IMS and QHSE rules.
• Ensure interface with Document Control for version control, codification, and archival of all correspondence and contractual documents.

3. Interfaces

Attend and actively participate in the Project Management Meeting

Internal

• Project Manager
• Branch Contracts Administrator
• Construction Managers
• Design Manager
• Procurement & Logistics Teams
• QHSE, Finance, Planning & Site Teams
• Document Control

External

• NWC (Employer)
• The Engineer
• Subcontractors & Suppliers
• Local authorities & statutory bodies
• Independent auditors (QSE‑I)

4. Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of FIDIC Yellow Book contract administration.
• Excellent drafting skills for contractual and legal correspondence.
• Advanced project controls skills (cost control, planning, KPIs, reporting).
• Risk management expertise (qualitative & quantitative).
• Strong communication, negotiation, and coordination abilities.
• High level of organisation and accuracy; ability to manage multiple registers simultaneously.
• Proficiency in MS Office, SharePoint, MS Project and project management tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multi‑site environment.
• Integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to VCGP values.

5. Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Law, Contract Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in contract administration and/or project controls on major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with FIDIC contracts is mandatory.
• Experience in water infrastructure or pipeline projects is a strong asset.
• Previous exposure to VINCI standards, IMS, QHSE, or similar international contractor environments is desirable.