Senior Design-Build Contracts Specialist (FIDIC / Infrastructure / Engineering) - Panama

GateSource HR is supporting the recruitment of a Senior Design-Build Contracts Specialist for a major water infrastructure project in Panama. The appointed professional will provide contractual advice throughout project delivery, with particular responsibility for Design-Build contract administration, claims, variations, contractual risk, and dispute resolution.

Key responsibilities

Administer Design-Build contracts during the construction phase. Advise project leadership on contractual rights, obligations, notices, and risk. Analyse and manage contractor claims and extension-of-time submissions. Evaluate contractual variations and their cost and schedule implications. Support dispute avoidance, negotiation, and formal dispute-resolution processes.

Maintain accurate contractual correspondence, records, and supporting documentation. Work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, legal, and project-control teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; alternatively, a law degree with a specialisation in Construction Law. At least 15 years of relevant professional experience. Proven expertise in Design-Build contract administration. Strong experience in claims analysis, variations, construction-phase advice, and dispute resolution.

Experience in this position on at least one comparable infrastructure project valued at US$100 million or more. Experience with FIDIC contracts or equivalent internationally recognised standard forms. Relevant background in dams, hydraulic structures, tunnels, water infrastructure, or other complex heavy civil projects.

Highly preferred profile Experience on at least two comparable projects exceeding US$400 million each. Extensive knowledge of FIDIC-based Design-Build contracts. FIDIC Certified Contract Manager certification or an equivalent professional credential. Experience working with international employers, consultants, and contractors.

Professional working proficiency in English; Spanish is an advantage.

Benefits

Compensation, mobilisation, rotation, and assignment conditions will be discussed with shortlisted candidates after technical qualification. Looking to hire in Panama? Learn more about GateSource HR’s Panama recruitment and executive search services.