Foreign Service Construction Engineer

Foreign Service Construction Engineer – Specialist Position Overview

Grace on Pace, in part, is a look into the career of a Foreign Service Construction Engineer and hopes to help bring the world of international diplomacy down to earth and put a human face on a profession that continues its dramatic transformation since September 11, 2001.  Construction Engineering, a specialist career track, monitors and reports on contract work overseas to ensure that the construction of new properties and renovation of existing properties are completed properly, on time, and within budget.

Currently, I am an Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Construction Manager for the New Delhi New Embassy Compound (NEC) Phase I replacement of the office facilities at the existing US Embassy Chancery and Enclave Compounds in New Delhi, India. The project consists of a multi-phased effort that will include a new utility infrastructure system, demolition of the existing West Annex and other buildings on both compounds; the construction of New Office Building (NOB) to contain both CAA and GWA spaces, a new MSGR, a Support Annex, Warehouse, 19 Staff Housing Units, a new utility building, two demarc buildings to the Chancery, perimeter wall replacement, CAC’s, and additional site, utility, and building projects. Since the replacement will need to occur while the Embassy is occupied and fully operational, thorough attention will be given to developing and implementing construction phasing and minimizing impact to Embassy operations and residences during construction activities. Continuity of utility service to and protection of the historic Chancery building and the Ambassador’s Residence will be required. The project will require significant use of cleared American labor and materials, and significant amounts of nighttime and weekend work. The two sites, Chancery and Enclave, encompass 16.17 acres and 11.9 acres. Approximate NOB size: 24,000 gsm. Other buildings total approximate size: 16,000 gsm.

Previously, I served a two year tour in Washington DC as a Construction Executive for various projects in the European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) branch in the Office of Construction Management (CM) and a two year tour in Ankara, Turkey as Construction Manager for a multi-building complex situated on a nine-acre site in the Karakusunlar neighborhood. 

If living abroad and constructing historic buildings interests you, read more about the career on my Foreign Service Construction Engineer Blog.  Or you could check out what a few of my colleagues have to say….

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