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Every construction project progresses through distinct phases. These include conception, design, pre-construction, construction procurement. Procurement can cover acquiring materials, equipment, and labour. Ultimately, the project’s success will be determined by its delivery and post-construction maintenance. Contract management exists to mitigate some of the possible risks that may arise, thus safeguarding the interests of all parties throughout the project’s lifecycle and ensuring it fulfils the desired results.

Who is a Contract Manager or a contracts specialist?

This is a specialist or a working professional who has experience managing contracts for construction or engineering projects. A contracts management specialist is also someone who understands the various stages a project goes through in order for it to be successfully completed – ideally within the set deadlines, as well as being able to help find solutions when there are challenges to its completion.  

In the FIDIC context, a Contract Manager is someone who has experience using FIDIC contracts to manage construction projects during its entire lifecycle, whether it is in a built or natural environment.

This is also a professional who has expertise when it comes to implementing the practical aspects of their knowledge and who is also adaptable and able to find solutions.

How does this tie into FIDIC contracts?

Many who are familiar with the FIDIC contracts are aware that they are commonly used for international projects as they are renowned for their fairness and transparency.

These contracts, depending on whether modifications are made to them, can sometimes be complex to fully grasp. The roles assigned to the parties will also have an impact on how the construction project is run. By ensuring that there is a qualified expert who understands the contract terms or specificities and one who can efficiently oversee the project from its inception to completion, the success of the project is better assured.

As part of the commitment to the developing capacity, FIDIC offers those who either wish to broaden their knowledge or have their skillsets validated the opportunity to gain either FIDIC training or certification.

Through the FIDIC Academy and other training services provider, professionals can brush up on their existing knowledge or learn about FIDIC contracts and how they are used via the various courses, modules and training sessions.

For those who are confident of their existing knowledge and practical skills, they can get these skillsets validated by taking part in one of the certification programme exams run by FIDIC Credentialing Ltd. (FCL), FIDIC’s professional certification body. Since 2021, FCL has been providing certifications to more than individuals working in the infrastructure and consulting engineering sectors.

What is the FIDIC Certified Contract Manager programme?

In this particular context, the FIDIC Certified Contract Manager programme is one of the premier programmes which FCL currently offers to enhance the capacity-building of industry experts.

A FIDIC Contract Manager is considered as an experienced industry professional who is entrusted with the management of contracts based on the FIDIC suite of documents. Their primary responsibility is to oversee the implementation and administration of the contract throughout the entire project’s lifecycle. This ensures that all involved parties, including contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and the client, adhere to their contractual obligations and as a result, that the project stands the best chance of being effectively managed and realized. Furthermore, the FIDIC Certified Contract Manager should be able to handle any modifications or adjustments to the project’s scope of work and efficiently resolves the potential disputes which may arise during the project.

To date, 87 individuals have been certified as FIDIC Certified Contract Managers. This is more than just a qualification. Those certified can boldly attest that their skillsets have been validated by FIDIC, the international pioneer in the infrastructure industry. In addition, with this qualification, those certified will continue to support the industry’s standards by consistently assuring high standards and sharing their best expertise, while also significantly contributing to improving their own professional development. This will in turn open doors to new opportunities.

It is FCL’s aim to continue to foster capacity-building opportunities for those working in the industry, especially in countries where contract management is scarcer or where diversity has an impact on shaping the way business is done in this sector.

With our diverse alumni of industry experts, FCL offers candidates the opportunity to network with an alumnus which come from varied backgrounds and generally have a wealth of international experience to share.

To qualify to participate in this certification programme, candidates must meet the programme prerequisites, such as having a minimum of 5 years professional experience of managing projects using FIDIC contracts?

If you are ready to invest in yourself and take the next step in your career, you should become a FIDIC Certified Contract Manager.

Currently, applications are open for this programme until15 September 2023. You can find out information about this programme, the fees and assessment requirements by clicking on the link provided below. Those who feel ready can study the examination syllabus and prepare for the exam on their own. Then they can apply online and submit the relevant documents which will need to be reviewed and approved before they can take part in the exam.

It is worth noting that in Q3 of 2023, the multiple-choice exam will take place on 28 September 2023.

You can sign up today by clicking on this link: Certified Contract Manager – FCL Fidic.

In addition, FIDIC will host its annual International Global Infrastructure (GIC) in Singapore in September 2023, during this flagship conference, a Contract Manager’s Forum will be held. The Forum offers the opportunity to address a diverse array of essential and emerging issues within the global contract management and project delivery arena. The forum will include discussions on the key risks, obstacles and best practices encountered during the contract’s lifecycle, as well as considerations relating to health and safety on site and effective communication with key stakeholders.

To find out more about the FIDIC GIC and about how you can participate in the Contract management forum, click on the link: https://events.fidic.org/fidicgic23.

This year also marks FIDIC’s 110^th anniversary. The conference will be attended by hundreds of highly experienced specialists, some of whom who will deliver keynote speeches and share best practices with an international audience of engineers, contractors, lawyers and infrastructure experts. As it is an unmissable event that take place once in a year, participation at this event also offers an invaluable opportunity to network and build new connections with like-minded people as well as offering the chance to discuss with experts and discover how best to find new solutions to challenges faced by those working in the infrastructure industry.