Managing large scale projects as a contracts management specialist
International construction projects are complex. These projects are inherently multifaceted, involving diverse stakeholders, and often involve large-scale technical challenges. The complexities are not only impacted by their size but the scale of the teams and the potential friction points where the project planning stage and the muti-layered partnerships meet. The complexity can be further exacerbated by the need to balance legal norms for the practical execution of the project across different jurisdictions.
Large scale infrastructure projects often span years and require advanced engineering and design expertise. In recent years, coordinating the supply chain across borders has become increasingly vital, as well as being aware of any geo-political considerations which could affect the realisation of the project.
The ability to understand how a contract is run is therefore vital for managing the project’s workload, but also for ensuring its success during the entirety of the project’s lifecycle.
Contract management is critical for ensuring that projects such as the construction of roads, bridges, water systems or energy facilities which are large-scale in nature, are delivered on time, within budget and incompliance with the established legal and technical standards.
The advantage of using FIDIC contracts are many. Aside from providing a globally recognised suite of standard contract forms, they offer a balanced allocation of duties, responsibilities and implementation timelines applicable to the parties to the contract.
When such projects are governed by FIDIC contracts, they have a framework which could enable the parties to determine the scope of the implementation of the works.
While FIDIC contracts are designed to be internationally applicable, they must nevertheless be interpreted within the context of local laws. This is because international projects often involve governments, private stakeholders and contractors, as well as other independent professionals. This in turn may lead to a need to manage cultural and linguistic differences. Ideally, these
relationships should be managed under a single contract framework, but this would require careful coordination and diplomacy.
Challenges may therefore arise during the project’s implementation. These could include;
- Conflicts between FIDIC provisions and national legislation.
- Variations in the interpretation of the enforcement mechanisms for dispute resolution.
- Lack of legal harmonisation or contract amendments procedures.
Why use FIDIC contracts?
FIDIC contracts aim to fairly allocate risks between parties. They also have the advantage of including detailed procedures covering claims and variations, time extensions, payment certifications and dispute resolution. This also means that in instances where the parties disagree over the contractual terms or its implementation, they must find ways to resolve their conflicts through a structured dispute resolution procedure, (e.g., Dispute Adjudication Boards).
Strict adherence to these procedures is essential, but can be difficult due to multiple time zones, different languages spoken by the parties, and multilayered organisational structures.
FIDIC contracts have a robust framework for managing international construction projects, but they must also accommodate the evolving technical realities.
Why become a FIDIC Certified Contract Manager?
A FIDIC Certified Contract Manager should know how to navigate these issues and they should also be able to provide technical insights, as well as the logistics oversight support that could be key to addressing some of the major challenges which may affect the contract’s actualisation. It goes without saying that successful contract management requires expertise in both the FIDIC contracts framework and the international context within which it is applied.
The FIDIC Certified Contract Manager is a professional who has more than 5 years of experience working in the industry and who has the added advantage of having their expertise validated by FIDIC through the certification exam which takes place online.
Why not become certified too?
Applications for this programme are currently open until 26 September 2025 and the exam will take place on 9 October 2025. For more information about this programme, including the fees, exam syllabus and assessment requirements can all be found on the programme’s webpage or by clicking on the link provided below.
The September session will be penultimate exam offered this year, and it is also worth investing in yourself to gain this excellent international qualification from FIDIC?
Register today by clicking on the link provided: Certified Contract Manager.
