FIDIC Suite of Contracts
Red Book 2017 Engineer’s Obligations
Learn the duties and neutrality obligations of the Engineer, including supervision, certification, and dispute-prevention responsibilities.
- Intermediate
- English
- 4 weeks
- 6 lessons
What you will learn?
Understand supervisory and certifying roles of the Engineer
Maintain neutrality in contract administration
Oversee compliance with contract terms
Manage technical and procedural responsibilities
Who this course is for
Site engineers involved in FIDIC-based projects
Consultants acting as project certifiers
Project managers responsible for supervision
Contract administrators engaged in compliance with international standards.
Prerequisites
Background in construction management or civil engineering
Familiarity with FIDIC contract principles is helpful
Ability to interpret contractual provisions
Willingness to apply dispute avoidance practices.
Why this course
Clarifies the Engineer’s supervisory and certifying functions, Explains neutrality obligations under the FIDIC Red Book, Provides guidance on managing variations and instructions, Helps prevent conflicts of interest, Strengthens dispute avoidance skills, Enhances professional credibility in project administration.
Course content
Objective
Gain an overview of the Engineer’s functions and obligations under the FIDIC Red Book 2017 framework.
Key topics
Explain the dual role of the Engineer as supervisor and certifier
Understand the Engineer’s independence and neutrality requirements
Identify key updates in the 2017 edition
Analyse the implications of improper conduct
Recognise the Engineer’s influence on project risk management
Align responsibilities with FIDIC contractual provisions.
Week 1
Lesson 1
Preview available
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Take a short quiz and write a 5-bullet summary of Explain the dual role of the Engineer as supervisor and certifier.
Objective
Learn the supervisory responsibilities of Engineers and their impact on project delivery and compliance.
Key topics
Monitor contractor performance in accordance with contract requirements
Ensure adherence to technical specifications and quality standards
Issue site instructions in compliance with procedural rules
Record and report progress accurately
Apply best practices in managing safety obligations
Prevent delays through proactive supervision.
Week 2
Lesson 2
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Produce a practical checklist and a sample clause set aligned with the lesson objective.
Objective
Understand how to certify works and determine claims while maintaining contractual compliance and neutrality.
Key topics
Issue interim and final payment certificates correctly
Apply impartiality when certifying work completion
Prepare valuation reports for variations
Manage certification timelines as per contract
Document decisions to ensure transparency
Avoid conflicts of interest during determinations.
Week 3
Lesson 3
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Produce a practical checklist and a sample clause set aligned with the lesson objective.
Objective
Develop skills to manage instructions and variations without compromising neutrality or project timelines.
Key topics
Communicate instructions to contractors clearly
Draft variation notices in compliance with FIDIC rules
Coordinate variation approval processes effectively
Ensure documentation of all modifications
Mitigate disputes arising from unclear instructions
Apply variation management strategies aligned with contractual provisions.
Week 3
Lesson 4
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Draft/redline a clause based on the lesson focus and explain your drafting choices.
Objective
Learn techniques to preserve neutrality and credibility as an Engineer in FIDIC-governed projects.
Key topics
Maintain impartiality in all decisions
Identify risks of perceived bias in contract administration
Apply strategies to prevent conflicts of interest
Handle Employer and Contractor pressure ethically
Document decisions to defend impartiality
Uphold professional standards under challenging circumstances.
Week 4
Lesson 5
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Analyze an ethics scenario and write a short “what would you do” response with reasons.
Objective
Build strategies to minimise disputes and maintain compliance with FIDIC requirements through effective Engineer practices.
Key topics
Implement FIDIC-compliant dispute avoidance practices
Facilitate proactive resolution of claims before escalation
Manage communication to reduce adversarial positions
Support Dispute Adjudication Boards through proper documentation
Apply lessons from case studies on Engineer roles
Prepare compliance checklists for project governance.
Week 4
Lesson 6
Online
Video Lectures
60 min
Activity
Complete a short case study worksheet and summarize your decision/recommendation.
Description
The Engineer plays a pivotal role in the FIDIC Red Book 2017 contract framework, acting as both supervisor and certifier while maintaining neutrality between the Employer and Contractor. Misunderstanding or mismanaging this dual role can result in project delays, disputes, or allegations of bias.
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Engineer’s obligations under the Red Book 2017. Participants will explore key duties, including supervising works, issuing instructions, certifying payments, managing variations, and acting impartially when determining contractual claims. The course also addresses practical challenges in balancing contractual duties with professional ethics, avoiding conflicts of interest, and complying with dispute avoidance procedures.
Through real-world scenarios, case studies, and structured guidance, learners will acquire skills to fulfil their role effectively while safeguarding neutrality and maintaining compliance with FIDIC standards.
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Engineer’s obligations under the Red Book 2017. Participants will explore key duties, including supervising works, issuing instructions, certifying payments, managing variations, and acting impartially when determining contractual claims. The course also addresses practical challenges in balancing contractual duties with professional ethics, avoiding conflicts of interest, and complying with dispute avoidance procedures.
Through real-world scenarios, case studies, and structured guidance, learners will acquire skills to fulfil their role effectively while safeguarding neutrality and maintaining compliance with FIDIC standards.
Instructor
Mian Sheraz Javaid
FIDIC Suite of Contracts
Sheraz draws from his rare dual expertise as an engineer and barrister to offer elite training in contract drafting. These programs are crafted for professionals who draft or review complex contracts and seek to enhance clarity, enforceability, and risk control across jurisdictions and sectors.
