ANALYSIS OF THE CONSULTANT ENGINEER’S ROLE IN THE FIDIC CONTRACTUAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN THE PARADIGM OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article examines the role of the consulting engineer under the FIDIC contract model through the lens of sustainable development. It is emphasized that, in the context of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, the role of the consulting engineer is expanding significantly, as this professional serves as an independent institutional actor responsible for coordinating project participants, managing risks, ensuring quality control, and maintaining process transparency. Based on an analysis of regulatory documents, international reports, and scholarly sources, the study identifies the essence of engineering consultancy and outlines the functional duties of the consulting engineer under FIDIC contracts. The article reveals the nature of sustainable development in the infrastructure sector and identifies its three key pillars: economic, environmental, and social. It is demonstrated that the professional functions of the consulting engineer inherently correspond to each of these components. Economic sustainability is supported through cost and resource management; environmental sustainability through the implementation of climate-resilient and nature-based solutions; and social sustainability through stakeholder engagement, adherence to safety requirements, and maintenance of institutional integrity. It is established that the consulting engineer can serve as a key facilitator and ambassador of sustainable development principles in infrastructure projects, ensuring the durability, efficiency, and safety of investments. The conducted research provides a comprehensive overview of the consulting engineer’s profession and defines their central role in ensuring the sustainable development of infrastructure projects within the FIDIC contract framework. The study finds that the consulting engineer acts as an independent administrative entity combining technical expertise, managerial functions, and stakeholder coordination, thereby ensuring decision coherence and process transparency. The integration of economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability throughout all stages of the infrastructure project life cycle positions the consulting engineer as a pivotal element in shaping long-term resilient transport infrastructure. The findings may be used to improve infrastructure project management systems, harmonize national legislation with international standards, and strengthen the professional competencies of consulting engineers.


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