Muhammad Sohail

Manager - Engineering Services & Projects

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Education

MSc Engineering Management - UET (University of Engineering & Technology), Taxila BE (Civil) - NUST (National University of Sciences & Technology) Headline

A Professional Civil Engineer Contract & Project Manager; with exceptional leadership & administrative skills. Summary

A dedicated, highly self-motivated, goal oriented and emphatic Civil Engineer & Project Manager with 21+ years’ experience in both public and private sectors; have undertaken a wide range of roles, encompassing the spheres of Projects’ Planning, Design & Development, Project Interface, Construction Management, Contract Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, Consultancy, and Quality Control Management. Have worked with United Nations, Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and Govt of Pakistan for design and construction of numerous infrastructure development projects in the most complex and challenging environments such as conflict zones

& disaster struck areas. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills - able to build and maintain solid relationships with project stakeholders, with a proven history of timely and within budget delivery of projects through managing a crew of up to 6000 technical & field staff. Technologically proficient in MS-Project, Primavera, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, and SAP.

Additional experience includes Leadership, Administration, HR Management, Business Development, Logistics Management, Procurement, Disaster Management, Safety and Security. Skills

• Civil Engineering

• Project Planning

• Project Management

• Contract Management

• Construction Management

• Renovation & Maintenance

• QA & QC

• Monitoring & Evaluation

• Process Improvement

• Strategic Planning

• Business Development

• Programme Management

• Leadership

• Arbitration & Conflict Resolution

• Risk Management

• Performance Management

• HR Management

• Procurement & Logistics

• Multinational experience

• Resource Management

• Crisis Management

• Change Management

• Cross-functional Coordination

• Communication skills

• Organizational skills

• Disaster Management

• Safety & Security

Work Experience

1. Planning & Project Manager / Administrator

Estezo Pvt Ltd – Rawalpindi / Islamabad (August 2022 to date) Projects: Planning & Construction of multiple residential & commercial units (value USD 35 Mn). As MD, manage the construction projects (low, medium and high-rise) and real estate business (commercial & residential) of the firm playing active role in urban development. Prepare technical and commercial proposals, execution plans, and present them to Commercial Board for approval, along with policies and procedures to improve engineering mechanisms and project management. Administer the entire project & engineering lifecycle from inception to delivery, including design, implementation, and evaluation of complex systems to meet Projects’ objectives as per budget, time and quality.

Direct teams involved in planning, feasibility, design, project management, procurement and control.

Chair and manage periodic progress review meetings, stage-gate presentations, and executive presentations.

Design and implement Project Management/ Execution Plans, budgets, monitoring and controlling methodologies.

Evaluate and sanction any variations to the projects’ scope, budget, or timeline that would have a significant effect.

Plan and implement monitoring and control tools such as Earned Value Analysis, schedule and resource optimization techniques, risk qualitative and quantitative analysis, risk management and mitigation plans.

Spearhead development and approvals of MOC, Quality Control, Assurance Policies, and HSE Plans.

Administer contracts, claims, and preparations of contract's general & particular conditions. Also, manage joint venture operations.

Have created an environment that helps diverse and multi-functional project teams accomplish targets and results.

Boost business development through effective stakeholder management and relationship development with business units, partners, clients, vendors, suppliers, contractors, and industry professionals.

Revitalized project management by introducing Agile methodology to improve resource utilization efficiency and gain a greater understanding of project objectives, reducing project time by an average of 10% compared to the predictive project management style.

2. Senior Project Manager & Administrator

Frontier Works Organization (FWO) – Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (October 2020 to July 2022) Project: Construction of 75 km of Jaglot-Skardu Road (Contract value: USD 45 Mn). Senior Project Manager & Chief Administrator of an Infrastructure Construction Unit (FWO) deployed at Karakoram Mountains for construction of road, leading & directing a staff of 800, in extreme challenging environments with heights ranging from 7000-9000 feet and temp dropping to -20 C. Defined and prepared job scopes and cost estimates, providing leadership and direction to the project team comprised of internal and external service providers, including Project Engineers, Planning Engineers, Operation Engineers, and Material Engineers.

Managed construction of 75 Km of road (JSR) with allied structures, to include, 6 Bridges, 50 km length of Retaining Structures, 164 Culverts (Box & Pipe), and other miscellaneous structures; while managing integral construction material plants (2 Asphalt plants, 2 Crush plants and 3 Batching plants), with rock blasting and slides clearance in extremely high mountainous slide prone terrain.

Efficiently managed the area specific challenges of logistics, maintenance of construction machinery, non-availability of construction material, and deliberate risk management for hazards like mountain slides/rock falls & harsh weather.

Coordinated with Consultants to resolve designs issues and get timely approvals.

Developed and executed Project & Logistics Management Plans in the toughest working environments.

Prepared and negotiated contracts with external vendors & petty contractors to reach profitable agreements.

Developed construction processes and quality control procedures using project management skills and application of agile methodologies. Ensured site works as per scope of work, project specifications & schedule.

Efficiently managed different phases of the project, managing sub-contractors, controlling construction costs and project resources; also, certified the expenditures.

Planned & implemented a well-coordinated crisis management response mechanism; strictly ensured job safety protocols for high-risk activities. Identified potential risks, developed mitigation strategies; implemented and enforced HSSE protocols to minimize risks and ensure a safe working environment.

Initiated daily, weekly & monthly reports to demonstrate project status and KPIs.

Exercised financial & administrative control of the Project & Outfit; looking after budgets, administration, logistics, procurement, safety, security, judicious employment, leave, salaries and health issues of all the staff. 3. Contract Administrator / Technical Advisor

Govt of Pakistan – Rawalpindi / Hybrid (October 2019 to October 2020) Role: Contract administration of multiple infrastructure development projects (value USD 180 Mn). Contract Administrator & Technical Advisor of Government’s infrastructure development projects in more than 50% of the country (Provinces of Balochistan and Sindh). R&R included:

Projects’ planning & feasibility, prioritizing, necessity processing, approvals, budgeting & finance, technical evaluation/ verification of BOQs & estimates, publication of advertisement, pre-qualification of contractors, tendering, bidding; and award/ initiation of contracts.

Monitoring & evaluation of projects in coordination with project managers (PMs); ensuring implementation of Project execution plans, compliance of codes & safety regulations, procurement plans, QA & QC, and all other SOPs.

Coordination & consultation with Design offices on all design issues.

Frequent travel to field, inspecting all onsite & offsite constructions, and reporting progress to higher management.

Progress Review Meetings with PMs, consultants and contractors over planned & achieved progress, QA & QC matters, SHEQ policies and all construction issues to assess and optimize projects’ outcomes.

Technical evaluation & processing of changes in projects’ scope of work, variation orders, claims & EOT cases.

Conflict resolution & arbitration between contractors and field offices.

Manage internal and external stakeholders' communication, prepare stakeholder management plans and perform stakeholder analysis.

Verification & Closing of the contracts.

4. Senior Project Manager & Administrator

Govt of Pakistan – FATA (Pak-Afghan Border Areas) (October 2017 to September 2019) Projects: Infrastructure Development Projects in Conflict Zone (value USD 70 Mn). Director of a specialized Engineers outfit in field, operating in an area of more than 20,000 sq km in the conflict zones along Pak-Afghan border, led & directed a staff of 600 to manage development projects throughout the full projects' lifecycle, leading all matters related to engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and start-up while assuring construction was done within budgeted costs and project schedule, ensuring strict compliance with HSSE policies. Liaised with key stakeholders to drive gate review meetings, identify project risks, conduct qualitative and quantitative risk analyses, and prepare project estimates covering transition from Class-V to Class-I as per project phase.

Collaborated with provincial authorities for infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, education and health in advisory role. Provided strategic direction and technical leadership in execution of projects with multiple outputs.

Planned & managed infrastructure development/ rehabilitation projects in the conflict hit areas. Managed, monitored and evaluated construction, renovation & maintenance of damaged infrastructure.

Employed a variety of project management tools and techniques such as expert judgment, brainstorming, variance analysis, dependency determination, resource leveling, what-if scenarios, work authorization, and conflict management to facilitate excellent results and increased team output.

Provided the appropriate level of project documentation during and following design completion to ensure compliance with Corporate, Federal, State, and other governing bodies’ policies and accurate monthly project cash flow forecasts.

Planned & ensured safe rehabilitation of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) in the area.

Supervised all design engineers, drafters, and technical staff involved with specific projects. Planned and implemented the daily, monthly & annual Work Plans, optimizing the overall efficiency.

Headed Administration, Logistics & Procurement, HR management of the outfit in adverse security environments.

Formulated and executed Safety & Security management plans, encompassing interconnected network for safety & security of men & material at multiple camps & work sites at far off locations in high threat security areas.

Provided capacity building training, technical support, and mentorship to the staff; monitored their performance and generated “Annual Performance Appraisals”.

5. Planning & Project Manager

Govt of Pakistan – Islamabad (July 2015 to October 2017) Projects: Infrastructure Construction Project (value USD 32 Mn). Planned & established a special Security & Forensics setup; an EPC project. Developed feasibility, project charter, scope, project management, and execution plans. Managed decision-making, facilitated steering committee meetings, developed detailed engineering scope, prepared Request for Proposal (RFP) packages, and administered the bidding process.

Managed construction of various infrastructures and fixing of different equipment as per the requirements/ design.

Carried out project scheduling; planned all construction operations in multiple phases to ensure cost-effective and time-effective completion, without compromising quality.

Determined the resources required (manpower, equipment, and materials) for the entire duration of the project with attention to budgetary limitations.

Followed construction methodologies and procedures as well as the quality, health, and safety standards.

Accomplished contract management and procurement of specialized equipment for the setup, while tailoring analysis of the local & international supply markets for viable procurement solutions.

Directed project from design to inception and conclusion with project closeout, procurement closure, updated lessons learned and archiving of project records.

Technically led all the staff; monitored & evaluated progress (physical & financial); also, certified the expenditures. 6. Project & Contract Manager - New Organization Raising Govt of Pakistan – Rawalpindi / Hybrid (June 2012 to July 2015) Projects: Infrastructure Construction Projects (value USD 60 Mn). As founding member, planned & developed infrastructure for newly raised Counter IED Organization (Org HQ, 5 Specialized Units, Forensic Exploitation Facility, a Training Complex - as National Counter IED Centre of Excellence); the EPC projects. Partnered with stakeholders to conduct feasibility studies, develop detailed projects’ charter, DBM and plans including budgets, timelines, and regulatory considerations.

Directed and standardized overall aspects of strategic project management, engineering and contract management functions in collaboration with various teams/stakeholders.

Scheduled, coordinated and attended frequent interactions & meetings with UK and US Army (JIEDDO), for construction of buildings to house different equipment as per design, programs, advocacy and operations.

Planned & managed complete development from Master Plan to execution of projects in line with the objectives, time-frame and budget. Evaluated projects’ progress; initiated daily, weekly & monthly reports.

Supervised preparation of detailed schedules, resource & man-hours estimation, and resource-based cost estimates.

Reviewed and processed RFIs, variation orders, interim & final payments, and claims by contractors.

Accomplished contract management, procurement & import of specialized C-IED equipment for the organization from Pakistan, USA and UK.

7. Project Manager - Infrastructure Development

Govt of Pakistan – Hyderabad / Thar Desert (April 2009 to June 2012) Projects: (value USD 85 Mn).

Construction Projects (roads, tracks, defence bunkers, shelters, helipads) in Thar Desert (Sindh).

Water Supply Network (along with purification & desalination plants) in Thar Desert (Sindh) – serving 200,000 populace.

Construction, Renovation & Maintenance of multi-purpose/ multi-type buildings at Hyderabad (Sindh).

Planning & Construction of Counter-Terrorism Training Complex (spread over 30 sq km) at Kotri (Sindh).

Planning & Construction of Security & Safety Measures for Hyderabad Garrison (spread over 50 sq km). Deputy and then Director of an Engineers Unit in the field, planned & successfully managed the infrastructure development/ EPC projects worth USD 85 Mn. Led projects from FEED, detailed engineering, and construction phases. Defined deliverable requirements in terms of both scope and schedule to all the team members. Managed all aspects of project engineering teams, including compliance and implementation of SHEQ policies and procedures, compliance audits, engineering drawing approval, and monitoring of project progress through construction stage. Extensively involved in contracts' administration, cost variations and time extension claims, and change order management. Maintained approval power for drawings, material submittals, RFIs, IRs, material inspections, progress updates, monthly invoice preparation, and approval of interim progress payment certificates. Timely resolved issues and conflicts to keep the projects on track. 8. Manager Flood Relief Operations - 2010 & 2011 (Sindh) Govt of Pakistan – Province of Sindh (July 2010 to December 2011) During the super floods of 2010 & 2011, actively participated and led multiple teams for rescue, relief & rehabilitation operations (in an area 20,000 square km) in different parts of the Province of Sindh;

Evacuated the flood affected people ( 0.5 Million) to safe locations.

Established relief camps, provided food & drinking water to the affected populace, managed measures for WASH.

Led damage assessment surveys and executed rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure (Projects’ value USD 25 Mn) in collaboration with local & international NGOs/ organizations. 9. Planning & Project Manager - United Nations (UNMIL) United Nations – Liberia (West Africa) (April 2008 to April 2009) Projects: Infrastructure Rehabilitation/ Development Projects in Conflict Zone (West Africa). A unique experience to work in the United Nations environments; planned and managed construction & renovation of infrastructure as part of rehabilitation programs in the war hit areas. Collaborated with local authorities and community leaders to promote their involvement and foster positive relationships between the organization and the community.

Prepared feasibility reports; coordinated, and monitored projects from initial conception to schedule and final completion, including planning and forecasting of budgets and timelines, building high-performance teams and assigning tasks and responsibilities, and ensuring strict compliance with all UN HSSE policies.

Performed quality control checks during all project stages, monitored & evaluated projects’ progress and KPIs.

Improved connectivity of towns & villages by carrying out construction of shingle tracks, culverts, small bridges and maintenance of 250 km of roads and bridges.

Supervised construction of Landing Strip, concrete Helipad and related structures at Cesstoss City (a far off place from the center), facilitating provision of logistics & rations to UN troops deployed in the area, in all weather conditions.

Planned & executed rehab of multiple civic infrastructures (schools, hospitals, places of worship). Implemented initiatives to address the social impact of the projects, considering the needs and concerns of the local population.

Generated situation and analysis reports; carried out regular meetings, coordination, liaison and information sharing with Sector & Force Headquarters (Joint Analysis Cell).

Additional responsibilities included Administration, HR & Logistics management, Safety & Security of camps. 10. Project & Contract Manager - Infrastructure Development (FWO) Frontier Works Organization (FWO) – Province of Balochistan (November 2006 to April 2008) Projects: (value USD 110 Mn).

Road Construction - 210 km of Dera Allah Yar - Nuttal - Sibi - Dhadar road (N-65), connecting the province of Sindh with Balochistan.

Urban Water Supply Scheme for Jacobabad (Sindh) - 6 MGD, serving a population of 0.5 Mn.

Laying of Optical Fibre Cable (Balochistan-Punjab) - 602 Km long, for Wateen Telecom (Pvt) Ltd.

Kachi Canal (Balochistan) - Feasibility Study, Recce and Kick-Starting.

Additionally worked as Staff Officer/ Manager Administration to Setup Chief. Worked as Project Manager for the infrastructure development projects (cost USD 110 M) in remote/high threat security areas of Balochistan Province. Assisted Project Director in planning & execution, progress meetings, prepared project Look Ahead and progress reports, conducted EV analysis, used control charts and root cause analysis part of the Quality Control and Risk Response. Prepared monthly and yearly resources, budget and revenue forecast, and development of executive summaries and reports. Controlled projects’ costs by approving expenditures as per project resource plan and budget. 11. Manager Flood Relief Operation - 2007 (Balochistan) Frontier Works Organization (FWO) – DMJ/Sibi/Jhal Magsi (Balochistan) (July 2007 to December 2007)

Planned & conducted Rescue & Relief Operations during flash floods of 2007 in Balochistan (in an Area 20,000 square km), leading and directing more than 500 individuals (multiple teams).

Ensured evacuation of affected populace ( 0.5 Million) to safe locations, establishment of emergency relief camps, provision of food & shelter, WASH management and rehabilitation of damaged communication network (road & rail). 12. Manager Rescue, Relief & Rehabilitation Operations - Earthquake 2005 Govt of Pakistan – Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) (October 2005 to October 2006) Projects: Rescue, Relief & Rehabilitation Projects in Disaster Struck Areas of AJ&K. Administered Rescue, Relief & Rehabilitation Ops during “Operation Lifeline”, in an area 10,000 km having a population

1 Mn, after the devastating Earthquake in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Oct 2005) - the deadliest in country’s history. R&R included:

Rescue & evacuation of injured persons; rubble clearance.

Relief efforts intended for establishing tent villages, provision of bedding, distribution of relief goods & rations to the affected people; planned & managed WASH measures/ activities.

Rehabilitation efforts encompassing provision of shelter homes, CGI sheets, & financial assistance to 50,000 families.

Led damage assessment surveys; managed re-construction of damaged houses, roads, tracks, bridges, schools, hospitals, water supply, and other infrastructure (Projects’ value USD 30 Mn).

Conducted projects’ Planning, Scheduling, Costing, estimation of Resources and Materials, Risk Assessment, estimates of budget and cost of completion; ensured implementation of SHEQ procedures.

Collaborated with UN entities (WFP, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNOCHA, IOM), international forces, NGOs, local authorities/ military units/ setups, and volunteers - in programs, in advocacy and in operations. 13. Project Manager - Construction, Renovation & Maintenance Govt of Pakistan – Jhelum (March 2004 to October 2005) Project Manager responsible for construction, renovation & maintenance of multiple buildings (all types) at Jhelum Cantonment (Projects’ cost USD 16 Mn); to include offices, living accommodations, dining, sports & recreational facilities, APS&C (class rooms and accommodations for staff). Managed the day-to-day progress of the projects as per scope of work, specifications and schedule. Reviewed detailed drawings, shop drawings, material submittals, RFIs, and supervised the execution of project works. Followed the change control system in all phases of the project. Additional responsibilities as staff officer included administration, HR & logistics management, safety & security of the outfit. 14. Project Engineer - Infrastructure Development

Govt of Pakistan – Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) (October 2002 to March 2004) Initially as deputy and then Team Leader in the field, responsible for construction of roads & tracks, laying of water supply schemes (under KKP - Khushal Kashmir Program) in the mountainous terrain of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Projects’ cost USD 20 Mn) and construction of various defense infrastructures. Was responsible for conducting site inspections as per IRs, perform quality control audits and testing procedures. Assisted the project manager in the preparation of weekly and monthly reports, project reviews, performance reports, and executive summaries. Addressed all issues related to HSSE, and ensured minimum health and safety risks at the site. Prepared Inspection Testing Plans, Request for Information, CVIs. 15. Education & Training

Govt of Pakistan – NUST (April 1998 to October 2002) Graduated as BE (Civil) at NUST (National University of Sciences & Technology) and acquired team-based Leadership and Public Administration training in real-world scenarios. Certifications / Licenses

1. Monitoring & Evaluation of Projects & Programme for Public Sectors (Nov 2019) 2. Construction Health and Safety (May 2014)

3. Safety Together: Planning, Designing and Building a Healthy and Safe Construction Industry (Aug 2013) 4. International Conference on Safety, Construction Engineering and Project Management (Aug 2013) 5. Pre & Post Flood Seminars - 2012 to 2014 (Jun 2012 - Dec 2014) 6. Mid-Career Operational Planning Course (Oct - Dec 2007) 7. Operations and Planning Junior Staff Course (Jul - Oct 2007) 8. Computer Skills Course (Apr - May 2003)

9. United Nations / UNDSS - BSAFE (Dec 2022)

10. United Nations - Certificate of Commendation (Apr 2009) 11. United Nations - Certificate of Appreciation (Nov 2008) 12. United Nations Logistics/ Supply Chain Training Seminar (Jul 2008) 13. United Nations Advanced Security in the Field (Oct 2008) 14. United Nations System Induction Course (Oct 2008) 15. Certificate of "The United Nations Medal" (Dec 2008) Publications

“Resource Allocation Practices and Trends in Construction Industry” - October 2015 Research Thesis conducted during MSc Engineering Management got published in Journal of Strategy and Performance Management (JSPM), Islamabad.

https://www.proquest.com/openview/e41bbcfcc57066ee28374fa772dc6a17/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2035009 Groups

1. Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) - Professional Engineer (23 January 2013 to Present) 2. Pakistan Engineering Institute (PEI) - Member (28 July 2003 to Present)

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