OGCS Guinea SARL, a leading consultancy firm specialising in multi-disciplinary project management services for the global mining and energy sectors, is looking to fill multiple Project Engineer roles for the Simandou Iron Ore Project in Guinea, West Africa. The project offers a unique opportunity for engineers to make a significant impact on one of the largest iron ore projects in the world.
The positions are based both in Conakry, Guinea, and at the mine campsite, approximately 650km east of Conakry. These roles are offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with a rotational schedule of six weeks on-site followed by a three-week fly-in, fly-out break. The successful candidates will join the Simandou Mine Team at a pivotal early stage of the project’s development, providing input on a range of areas including the minerals processing plant, non-process infrastructure, and special projects such as early ore crushing facilities.
Each Project Engineer will focus on a specific discipline, including earthworks, concrete, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or controls. As part of the Owner’s Team, they will be responsible for managing contract packages in their area of expertise and supporting the Lead Project Engineer. The role requires close collaboration with engineering, project services, and construction management teams to ensure the successful execution of this multi-billion-dollar, 60Mtpa iron ore mine and its supporting infrastructure.
The engineers will be tasked with developing comprehensive work scopes and contract packages to define the project requirements. This will involve evaluating bids and variations in collaboration with functional teams. A key part of the role will be proactively managing contractor performance, including monitoring quality, cost, and schedule, and ensuring contractors meet their responsibilities and deliver the expected outcomes. The engineers will also handle technical queries, review field designs for construction suitability, and manage the interfaces between contracts, procurement, and service provider packages to avoid gaps or overlaps.
Contract assessment and coordination of input from functional services teams will be central to achieving the project’s objectives. In situations where issues arise, Project Engineers will lead and coordinate the resolution process, develop mitigation strategies, and implement changes in accordance with project procedures. Their involvement extends to identifying and capitalising on opportunities to maximise value for the project. When necessary, they will provide coverage for Lead Project Engineers and other discipline-specific engineers during rotation breaks.
Candidates for this role should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and have over 12 years of experience, particularly in project engineering and major contract delivery for large-scale mining projects. Preference will be given to those with experience in the construction and operation of material handling systems, crushing, conveying, stackers, reclaimers, and train load-out systems. Site-based project delivery experience, especially in international and remote locations, is essential. Additionally, experience working on projects in West Africa or China will be highly regarded.
Successful applicants must possess excellent communication and collaboration skills, with French language proficiency being particularly advantageous. Chinese language skills would also be valuable. They should demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and show leadership in fostering a safety-first culture within the project. Furthermore, a solution-driven mindset and the ability to tackle challenges in a dynamic, fast-paced environment are crucial for these roles.
Interested candidates should send their applications to David Kelly, Resourcing Manager at OGCS Guinea SARL, via email at david.kelly@ogcsglobal.com. The deadline for application submissions is 31 October 2024.
About the Simandou Project:
The Simandou Iron Ore Project, located in the Republic of Guinea, is a world-class, high-grade iron ore deposit and one of the largest known iron ore reserves globally. The project operates under the Simfer joint venture, with the Government of Guinea holding a 15% stake, and Rio Tinto and Chinalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH) holding 45.05% and 39.95% respectively. The venture is exploring options to develop the Simandou iron ore deposit and collaborate on the infrastructure necessary for the project and mining operations.
