GOVERNMENT OF TONGA
Ministry of Finance
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
• Civil/Structural Engineer
The Ministry of Finance is seeking to engage suitably qualified and experienced consultants for the following assignment:
Terms of Reference (TOR) for Civil/Structural Engineer (Contract)
1. Background
The Ministry of Finance is seeking a qualified Civil/Structural Engineer to conduct extensive evaluation and investigations to identify where the defects are coming from and how to address each of the physical and structural defects from the Tungi Colonnade Building located at Taufa‛ahau Road, Nuku‛alofa, Tongatapu. The Civil/Structural Engineer will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, durability, and compliance of structures with applicable building codes, health requirements and safety standards.
2. Objectives
The primary objective of this assignment is to carry out a visual inspection, gathering information on the condition of the buildings. The Civil/Structural Engineer should prepare a key plan of defects found during the site inspection and prepare a detailed plan which includes every aspect of architectural and structural considerations and ensuring that they meet regulatory, environmental, public health and safety requirements.
3. Scope of Work
The Civil/Structural Engineer will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Carry out a visual inspection, gathering information on the condition of the buildings.
- Provide technical recommendations for material selection and construction methods.
- Conduct site inspections and assessments to monitor construction progress and structural integrity.
- Collaborate with architects, civil engineers, and other stakeholders to optimize structural solutions.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with structural designs.
- Prepare detailed reports, including structural assessments and recommendations.
- Assist in resolving construction-related structural issues.
- Evaluate any conditions that may present health hazards, such as mold growth, poor ventilation, poor lighting, improper drainage system, water damage, or hazardous material exposure.
- Ensure that structural and material recommendations reduce or eliminate risks to building occupants and public users, including emergency evacuation concerns.
- Collaborate with health and safety officials to ensure recommended solutions align the health and safety at work requirements under the Public Health Act and other public health requirements.
4. Deliverables
The Civil/Structural Engineer is expected to deliver the following:
- Site inspection reports and compliance assessments.
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Public Health Risk Report, outlining any structural defects that could impact public health, with recommendations for immediate and long-term mitigation.
- Recommendations for ensuring safe indoor environments (e.g., air quality, moisture control, accessibility) in rehabilitated structures.
- Final project report summarizing findings and recommendations.
5. Duration and Location
The assignment will be for a period of 20 working days (equivalent to one month of engagement) and will be based in Tungi Colonnade Building, Taufa‛ahau Road, Nuku‛alofa, Tongatapu.
6. Qualifications and Experience
Proposals may be submitted by individual consultants or consulting firms. The selected individual or team must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience relevant to conducting a structural survey of a building:
- A Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Civil/Structure Engineering (for the lead technical expert) or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in structural assessments, building inspections, structural design, and construction supervision.
- Proven experience in conducting structural condition surveys and preparing structural integrity reports.
- Proficiency in structural engineering analysis tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Strong understanding of applicable building codes, safety regulations, and structural assessment guidelines.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely.
- Understanding of public health and safety implications associated with structural defects, including moisture ingress, ventilation, and material degradation.
- For firms: the proposal must include CVs of key personnel assigned to this assignment and demonstrate the firm's previous experience in similar structural survey work.
7. Reporting and Supervision
The Civil/Structural Engineer will report to CEO for Finance and will work closely with the Financial Framework Division staff.
8. Evaluation Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevant academic qualifications and professional certifications.
- Demonstrated experience in civil/structural engineering projects.
- Technical expertise and familiarity with engineering software.
- Quality of past work and references.
- Ability to work collaboratively and provide innovative solutions.
9. Proposed Budget / Payment Terms
Payment will be made on an output basis, upon submission and acceptance of the key deliverables outlined in Section 4 of this Terms of Reference. Bidders are required to propose a financial offer that reflects their professional fees and any applicable taxes. The financial proposal should be based on a maximum of 20 working days (equivalent to one month of engagement). The proposed budget will be assessed alongside the technical proposal during the evaluation process.
10. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application, including a CV, cover letter, and relevant certifications, to CEO for Finance, Ministry of Finance, St. George Government Building, Taufa’ahau Rd, Nuku’alofa by 4.30pm Friday 8th August 2025.
The detailed term of reference can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website: www.finance.gov.to or send a request to recruitments [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to. Interested candidates who wish to apply are required to submit their letter of application together with a CV, cover letter, and relevant certifications. At least two (2) refernce letters is also required.
All expression of interest applications is to be forwarded to the office of the Chief Executive Officer for Finance, Ministry for Finance. St George Government Building or send electronically to recruitments [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to no later 4.30 pm of Friday 8th August 2025.
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