Installation Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS

Job title	Installation Manager
Job location	Parwan, with travel to provinces as required
VA #	AUA0013-2025
Report to	Technical Project Manager
Grid level	To be discussed

SUMMARY OF KEY FUNCTIONS

Alfalah-ul-Alami (AUA) as a profit-based company contracted by Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in partnership with national international companies, is dedicated to establishing a cement factory that produces high-quality cement products in Afghanistan. Through our commitment to bringing a cadre of expert and diverse team, we aim to promote excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction so it contributes to the growth and development of Afghanistan's construction industry while ensuring profitability and access to international markets.

The Installation Manager is a critical leadership role within the technical team for the 5000 tons per day (tpd) cement plant project in Jabal Saraj, Parwan Province, Afghanistan. This position oversees the installation of mechanical, electrical, and control systems for the cement plant, 18 MW coal power plant, and potential 6 MW Waste Heat Recovery System. Collaborating closely with the Technical Project Manager, Civil and Structural Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineer, and the Engineering, Procurement, Erection, and Construction Management (EPECM) firm, the Installation Manager ensures that all installations meet design specifications, safety standards, and project timelines while addressing Afghanistan’s logistical and environmental challenges.

Scope of Work

The Installation Manager is responsible for managing and supervising the installation of all mechanical, electrical, and control systems across the project, ensuring seamless integration with civil infrastructure and alignment with the project’s goals of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This role involves coordinating with contractors, validating installations, and resolving technical issues to prevent delays or cost overruns. Below is a detailed scope of work tailored to the project’s requirements and informed by the responsibilities outlined for this position:

KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

3.1 Installation Oversight and Management

Supervise the installation of mechanical systems (e.g., kiln, crushers, mills), electrical systems (e.g., power distribution, control panels), and control systems (e.g., automation, instrumentation) across the cement plant and power generation facilities.
Review and approve contractors’ commencement reports, construction organization plans, and installation methodologies, ensuring compliance with design specifications and project requirements.
Coordinate interfaces between mechanical, electrical, and control system installations, ensuring seamless integration with civil infrastructure and other project components.
Monitor installation progress, ensuring adherence to approved engineering designs, quality standards, and project schedules.
Manage technical changes and resolve installation-related issues promptly to minimize delays and cost overruns.

3.2 Quality Assurance and Control

Collaborate with the QA/QC Specialist to develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance and control framework for installation activities, aligned with international best practices (e.g., ISO standards).
Conduct regular inspections, including factory acceptance tests (FATs) and site acceptance tests (SATs), to verify that installed systems meet design specifications, performance criteria, and quality standards.
Manage non-conformances in installation work, implementing corrective actions swiftly to maintain project integrity and prevent operational setbacks.
Jointly inspect delivered installation materials and equipment (e.g., mechanical components, electrical wiring, control systems) with contractors, ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and efficiency standards.
Maintain accurate records of installation approvals, change orders, and inspections, supporting the project’s documentation and traceability requirements.

3.3 Safety and Compliance

Ensure safe production and civilized construction practices during installation activities, collaborating with the HSE Specialist to implement safety protocols and conduct risk assessments.
Enforce compliance with Afghan regulations and international HSE standards (e.g., OSHA, ISO 14001) for all installation work, prioritizing worker safety and environmental protection.
Oversee the implementation of safety measures for high-risk installation operations, such as heavy equipment lifting or electrical system energization, and ensure emergency response plans are in place.
Support environmental sustainability initiatives by ensuring installations align with the project’s goals, such as energy-efficient equipment or minimal environmental disruption.

3.4 Progress and Schedule Management

Monitor the progress of installation activities, identifying deviations from the schedule and coordinating with the Planning and Control Engineer to implement corrective measures.
Provide technical input to schedule development, highlighting critical paths and dependencies related to installation activities (e.g., equipment lead times, system integration).
Review contractors’ progress payment applications and claims, ensuring accuracy and alignment with completed installation work.
Ensure installation activities are synchronized with civil construction and other engineering disciplines to maintain project momentum.

3.5 Risk Management

Identify and mitigate risks related to installation activities, such as equipment failures, installation errors, or logistical constraints in Afghanistan.
Collaborate with the Risk Management Specialist (or Technical Project Manager, if integrated) to incorporate installation risks into the project’s overall risk management strategy.
Address Afghanistan-specific challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or security concerns, to ensure safe and timely execution of installation work.

3.6 Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with the Technical Project Manager to align installation activities with the project’s overall timeline, budget, and technical objectives.
Coordinate with the Civil and Structural Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineer, and Instrumentation and Control Engineer to ensure installations integrate seamlessly with civil infrastructure and other systems.
Engage with contractors and the EPECM firm to validate installation plans, resolve discrepancies, and ensure compliance with design intent.
Support the Logistics Manager in managing the delivery and handling of installation materials and equipment, addressing logistical challenges in Afghanistan.
Collaborate with the Government Relations Specialist to secure permits or approvals related to installation activities, such as electrical or environmental compliance.

3.7 Commissioning and Handover

Participate in the development and implementation of commissioning plans for installed systems, ensuring they meet design specifications and operational requirements.
Conduct pre-commissioning checks, performance testing, and validation of mechanical, electrical, and control systems to ensure operational readiness.
Oversee the commissioning process, ensuring all installed systems perform as expected and meet project performance criteria.
Support the development of operational and maintenance manuals for installed systems, facilitating training for plant operators and maintenance staff.
Manage the handover of installed systems to the operations team, ensuring all documentation and training requirements are complete.

3.8 Documentation and Reporting

Maintain accurate and timely daily work logs for installation activities, ensuring traceability of on-site decisions and changes.
Prepare technical reports and documentation related to installations, supporting the technical team’s transparency and accountability objectives.
Review and validate engineering documents submitted by contractors, ensuring completeness and alignment with project standards.
Assist the Document Controller in archiving installation-related documentation, including approvals, test results, and change records.

3.9 Alignment with Project Goals

Ensure installation activities support the project’s goals of safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, such as installing energy-efficient equipment or systems that minimize environmental impact.
Facilitate the integration of the hybrid energy ecosystem (coal, solar, and potential WHR systems) by ensuring precise installation of power generation and distribution systems.
Contribute to sustainability objectives by optimizing installation processes to reduce waste and ensure efficient resource usage.

Key Competencies and Requirements

Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control system installations, with experience in large-scale industrial projects, preferably in cement or power plant construction.
Installation Management: Proven experience in overseeing complex installation projects, managing contractors, and ensuring quality and schedule adherence.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with Afghan regulations and international standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA) for installation and safety compliance.
Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate risks related to installation activities, particularly in challenging environments like Afghanistan.
Coordination and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with technical teams, contractors, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on installation objectives.
Problem-Solving: Capability to address installation challenges, such as equipment integration issues or logistical constraints, promptly and effectively.
Attention to Detail: Precision in reviewing designs, managing inspections, and documenting installation work to ensure accuracy and compliance.

4.1 Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a closely related field (essential).
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Project Management, or Industrial Engineering (preferred).
Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or relevant ISO/OSHA training are considered strong assets.

4.2 Minimum Experience Requirements:

A minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in installation, erection, or construction management of large-scale industrial projects, such as cement plants, power plants, or process industries.
Candidates holding a Master’s degree must have no less than 10 years of relevant experience.
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree must have no less than 15 years of relevant experience.
Proven track record in managing the installation of heavy mechanical equipment (kilns, crushers, mills), electrical systems (substations, power distribution), and control/automation systems.
Extensive experience in coordinating contractors, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and resolving installation-related technical issues.
Strong background in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), commissioning, and handover processes.
Familiarity with international installation standards, safety codes (OSHA, ISO 45001, ISO 14001), and local Afghan regulatory frameworks.
Previous experience working in challenging environments, particularly with logistical constraints and developing-country contexts, is highly desirable.
Direct involvement in cement plant or hybrid energy (coal, solar, WHR) project installations is a strong advantage.

4.3 Language

Fluency in English (oral and written) is mandatory for communication with international EPC/EPECM partners, contractors, and documentation.

Alignment with Project Context

The Installation Manager is essential to the success of the Jabal Saraj cement plant project by ensuring the accurate and timely installation of critical systems that drive the facility’s operations. This role supports the technical team’s efforts to deliver a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable facility by overseeing the integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems with civil infrastructure. The Installation Manager’s expertise in navigating Afghanistan’s logistical and operational challenges ensures the project meets its ambitious goals of safety, efficiency, and sustainability, contributing to the seamless operation of the cement plant and its hybrid energy ecosystem.

Submission Guideline:

Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit their CV along with cover letter to: hr@aua.af
Please clearly state the Position Title and your Name in the subject of your E-mail.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.