QA/QC Specialist Description

 

JOB DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS

 

Job title	QA/QC Specialist Description
Job location	Parwan, with travel to provinces as required
VA #	AUA0012-2025
Report to	Sr. Technical Project Manager
Grid level	To be discussed

 

1. 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 Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Specialist is a critical role within the technical team for the 5000 tons per day (tpd) cement plant project in Jabal Saraj, Parwan Province, Afghanistan. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive QA/QC framework to ensure that all project activities, including the cement plant, 18 MW coal power plant, and potential 6 MW Waste Heat Recovery System, meet rigorous quality, safety, and performance standards. Collaborating closely with the Technical Project Manager, Civil and Structural Engineering Manager, Installation Manager, and the Engineering, Procurement, Erection, and Construction Management (EPECM) firm, the QA/QC Specialist ensures compliance with international and Afghan standards while addressing the project’s logistical and environmental challenges.

 

2. Scope of Work

The QA/QC Specialist oversees quality assurance and control across all project phases, from design to commissioning, ensuring that materials, equipment, and workmanship align with project specifications and objectives. This role supports the project’s goals of safety, efficiency, and sustainability by validating the EPECM firm’s work and maintaining high-quality standards. Below is a detailed scope of work tailored to the project’s requirements and informed by the responsibilities outlined for this position:

 

3. KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

 

3.1 QA/QC Framework Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive QA/QC framework covering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases, aligned with international best practices (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Establish quality standards and procedures to ensure consistency across all project components, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and process systems.
• Collaborate with the Technical Project Manager to integrate QA/QC protocols into the project management framework, ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives.

3.2 Quality Inspections and Testing

• Conduct regular inspections, including factory acceptance tests (FATs) and site acceptance tests (SATs), to verify that materials, equipment (e.g., kiln, crushers, mills, WHR systems), and workmanship meet design specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee quality checks for delivered materials, coordinating with the Logistics Manager and Warehouse Keeper to ensure compliance with technical and safety requirements.
• Perform audits of construction and installation activities, ensuring adherence to approved designs and quality protocols across the cement and power plants.
• Manage non-conformances, implementing corrective actions swiftly to maintain project integrity and prevent delays or cost overruns.

3.3 Design and Procurement Validation

• Review and validate technical designs, specifications, and documents for the cement plant, coal power plant, and potential WHR system, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborate with the Pre-Contract and Final Accounts Manager to evaluate supplier and contractor bids, ensuring procured items meet quality, safety, and efficiency criteria.
• Verify that equipment and materials, such as electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and bag filters, comply with project specifications and environmental sustainability goals.

3.4 Compliance and Standards

• Ensure all project activities comply with Afghan regulations and international quality standards, supporting the HSE Manager in aligning QA/QC with ISO 14001 and OSHA requirements.
• Validate the EPECM firm’s work, acting as an internal safeguard to ensure alignment with the project’s quality and performance objectives.
• Coordinate with the Government Relations Specialist to prepare quality-related documentation for regulatory approvals and inspections.

3.5 Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate quality-related risks, such as defective materials, installation errors, or non-compliance with standards, in collaboration with the Risk Management Specialist (or Technical Project Manager, if integrated).
• Address Afghanistan-specific challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or environmental factors, to ensure quality standards are maintained in a challenging environment.
• Monitor quality risks continuously, adjusting QA/QC procedures to prevent issues that could impact project safety or performance.

3.6 Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Civil and Structural Engineering Manager, Installation Manager, and Electrical Engineer to ensure quality standards are integrated into design, construction, and installation processes.
• Engage with contractors and the EPECM firm to enforce QA/QC requirements, resolving discrepancies in documentation or workmanship.
• Support the Document Controller in archiving QA/QC records, including inspection reports, test results, and non-conformance reports, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Collaborate with the HSE Manager to align quality assurance with safety and environmental protocols, ensuring a cohesive approach to project standards.

3.7 Commissioning and Handover Support

• Develop quality assurance procedures for commissioning, ensuring all systems meet design specifications and performance criteria before operational startup.
• Conduct pre-commissioning quality checks and validate system performance during commissioning, coordinating with the Installation Manager and Electrical Engineer.
• Support the development of operational and maintenance manuals, ensuring quality-related documentation is complete for handover to the operations team.

3.8 Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and maintain comprehensive QA/QC documentation, including inspection reports, test results, and corrective action logs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Provide regular quality performance reports to the Technical Project Manager, highlighting compliance, issues, and recommendations for improvement.
• Assist the Document Controller in archiving QA/QC records, ensuring timely submission to project records and regulatory authorities.

3.9 Alignment with Project Goals

• Ensure QA/QC practices support the project’s goals of safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability by validating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
• Facilitate the integration of the hybrid energy ecosystem (coal, solar, and potential WHR systems) by ensuring quality standards for power generation and distribution systems.
• Contribute to sustainability objectives by enforcing quality controls that minimize waste and ensure durable, high-performance infrastructure.

4. Key Competencies and Requirements

• Quality Expertise: Extensive experience in QA/QC for large-scale industrial projects, preferably in cement or power plant construction, with knowledge of ISO 9001 standards.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of engineering processes, materials, and equipment used in cement and power plant projects.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with Afghan regulations and international quality and safety standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA).
• Attention to Detail: Precision in conducting inspections, validating designs, and documenting quality outcomes to ensure compliance.
• Coordination and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with technical teams, contractors, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on quality objectives.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address quality issues, such as non-conformances or material defects, promptly and effectively.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to operate in Afghanistan’s challenging environment, addressing logistical and security constraints to maintain quality standards.

4.1 Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering (essential).
• Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Quality Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Professional certifications in Quality Assurance/Control are highly desirable (e.g., ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt).

4.2 Experience

• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) roles for large-scale industrial projects, such as cement plants, power plants, or heavy process industries.
• Candidates holding a Master’s degree must have no less than 7 years of relevant experience.
• Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree must have no less than 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in implementing and managing QA/QC systems across engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Hands-on experience with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and quality audits.
• Demonstrated expertise in compliance with international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OSHA) and local regulatory frameworks.
• Previous experience working in challenging environments or developing countries (such as Afghanistan, Central Asia, or similar regions) is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with cement plant equipment (kilns, crushers, mills, ESPs, bag filters) and hybrid power systems (coal, solar, WHR) preferred.

4.3 Language

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is mandatory, given coordination with international EPECM firms and contractors.

5. Alignment with Project Context

The QA/QC Specialist is essential to the success of the Jabal Saraj cement plant project by ensuring that all project components meet stringent quality, safety, and performance standards. This role supports the technical team’s efforts to deliver a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable facility by validating designs, materials, and workmanship. By navigating Afghanistan’s logistical and regulatory challenges, the QA/QC Specialist ensures the project achieves its goals of safety, efficiency, and sustainability, contributing to the reliable operation of the cement plant and its hybrid energy ecosystem.

 

 

 

6. 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.