Contract Expert (Highway Projects)

Job Summary:

The Contract Expert will be responsible for managing all contractual aspects of highway projects, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating risks, and overseeing claims, variations, and dispute resolution. The role involves working closely with project teams, contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth project execution within contractual frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Contract Management & Administration

· Review, draft, and negotiate contracts related to highway infrastructure projects.

· Ensure compliance with FIDIC, EPC, PPP, BOT, HAM and other contract models used in highway projects.

· Monitor contract execution, milestones, and deliverables to prevent disputes.

· Maintain contractual records and documentation for audits and project reference.

2. Claims & Dispute Resolution

· Identify and assess contractual risks and claims related to cost overruns, delays, and variations.

· Handle extension of time (EOT) claims, price escalations, and change orders.

· Participate in dispute resolution, arbitration, and negotiation processes.

· Provide contractual advice to project teams, ensuring proper documentation for claims.

3. Compliance & Legal Coordination

· Ensure contracts comply with local and international construction laws and regulations.

· Liaise with legal teams, government agencies, and consultants on contract-related matters.

· Stay updated on amendments to contract laws, procurement rules, and industry best practices.

4. Risk Assessment & Cost Control

· Analyze contract risks and propose mitigation strategies.

· Monitor cost variations and work with finance teams to control budget deviations.

· Ensure contract terms align with project financial planning and cost estimates.

5. Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting

· Collaborate with project managers, engineers, procurement teams, and clients to ensure contract adherence.

· Prepare reports on contract performance, risks, claims, and recommendations.

· Assist in contract negotiations with subcontractors and vendors.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

✅ Education:

· Bachelor’s/Master’s in Civil Engineering, Law, or Contract Management.

✅ Experience:

· 5-10 years of experience in contract management for highway projects, road infrastructure, or large-scale civil engineering projects.

· Knowledge of FIDIC, EPC, HAM, PPP, DBFOT, and BOT models.

✅ Technical & Legal Skills:

· Strong understanding of contract laws, procurement regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

· Experience in handling claims, arbitration, and risk assessment.

· Proficiency in contract drafting, negotiation, and documentation.

✅ Software Proficiency:

· MS Office, Primavera / MS Project, Contract Management Software.

✅ Soft Skills:

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

· Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

· Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple contracts simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

✔ Certification in Construction Contract Management / FIDIC / Arbitration.

✔ Experience with government highway contracts (NHAI, MoRTH, State PWDs, etc.).

✔ Understanding of PPP concession agreements and financial structuring.

Salary & Benefits:

�� Salary: As per industry standards.

�� Benefits: Health insurance, travel allowances, project-based incentives.