Dispute Resolution Officer

Dispute Resolution Officer (Construction)

Dispute Resolution Officer for a large public sector organisation based through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Location: Housing Centre, Adelaide Street, Belfast.

Pay Per Hour: £17.79

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE:

To assist the Dispute Resolution Manager, to deliver a comprehensive and consistent approach to Construction Dispute Resolution, proactively managing and leading on various matters with key stakeholders including the client and contractor(s) as required to bring solutions and resolve issues.

The postholder will contribute to the provision of a modern, professional and responsive Dispute Resolution service to support NIHE business delivery and our vision and values as outlined below:

MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Dispute Resolution Management

1. To assist the Dispute Resolution Manager, to deliver a comprehensive and consistent approach to Construction Dispute Resolution, proactively managing and leading on various matters with key stakeholders including the client and contractor(s) as required to bring solutions and resolve issues.

2. To assist with influencing and seeking to resolve various matters that are in dispute with the parties involved through the processes and procedures under the contract, and via alternative dispute resolution means, attempting to reduce potential litigations where possible, supported by legal partners where required.

3. To liaise with colleagues in understanding Contract disputes needs, supporting the Dispute Resolution Manager in advising on appropriate routes to resolution, working alongside external NIHE panel solicitors where required.

4. To lead and assist, as appropriate, in managing resolution of contract disputes and claims, through contractual procedures, including assisting in managing formal dispute resolution procedures (adjudication, arbitration, litigation, mediation).

5. To provide advice on the Dispute Resolution escalation process using knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution application and procedures.

6. To provide advice and support and liaise with Housing Services and Asset Management colleagues and other relevant internal and external stakeholders when required.

7. To provide updates on disputes/ongoing matters to the Dispute Resolution Manager and for Senior Management as and when required, including preparing and maintaining records.

8. To prepare Recommendation Papers and Business Cases in relation to proposed resolution of disputes/settlements.

Contract Management Support

9. To provide NEC contract management advice and technical support to colleagues where required, including evaluating claims.

10. To provide support and liaise with Housing Services and Asset Management, colleagues and other relevant internal and external stakeholders when required.

Performance Management and Reporting

11. To support the Dispute Resolution Manager in providing training, preparing and delivering workshops and seminars on contractual issues and providing guidance for the Asset Management and Housing Services teams, working to continuously learn and improve contract and cost management.

12. To maintain and update a Lessons Learned Register from contract disputes, providing feedback, and incorporate into an Internal Training programme for operational staff to continuously improve contract and cost management of the Housing Executive's Maintenance Contracts.

13. To support the Dispute Resolution Manager in maintaining and updating the teams Risk Register, inclusive of the Current Issues Register, Summary Update, progress over the last reporting period, and reports for review at the monthly Performance Review Group.

14. To undertake staff appraisals, where required under your line management, providing guidance on personal development needs, advising on and initiating development/training opportunities.

15. To assist with and support the identification of staff training needs, inclusive of reporting on progress of the staff training programme and maintaining Staff Training Registers of completed training.

16. To produce, record and monitor monthly performance and prepare update reports, ensuring deadlines are achieved.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. (i) A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent level 6 qualification) in Quantity Surveying or in another relevant Building/Construction Discipline PLUS at least 2 years' relevant experience working within a Building/Construction function

OR

(ii) A BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma (or equivalent Level 5 qualification) in technical/Construction related discipline PLUS at least 3 years' relevant experience working within a Building/Construction function

2. Demonstrate significant relevant experience in ALL of the following areas set out below:

• Understanding of the NEC contract document structure and experience in the management and application of NEC building contracts, including providing contract related advice, and compiling Lessons Learned

• Management of early warnings and compensation events, including the importance of programme

• The inspection of works to determine compliance with specification, and delivery of projects through NEC contract management principles

3. Demonstrate significant relevant experience in ALL of the following areas set out below:

• Understanding of the NEC contract document structure and experience in the management and application of NEC building contracts, including providing contract related advice, and compiling Lessons Learned

• Management of early warnings and compensation events, including the importance of programme

• The inspection of works to determine compliance with specification, and delivery of projects through NEC contract management principles

If you are interested and available for this position, please upload your CV to the link or contact Emer McNally on [email protected]

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants must meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless of if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.