Lead Mechanical Engineer

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Established in 2005, UNOPS Sudan is a key partner in advancing community well-being through infrastructure, procurement, and project management services that support humanitarian, recovery, and sustainable development efforts. UNOPS contributes to improved access to clean water, supports peacekeeping operations, and assists in implementing the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement by helping operationalize the Permanent Ceasefire Committee for Darfur in collaboration with UNITAMS. Ongoing initiatives focus on enhancing access to water and strengthening health services across the country, with particular efforts in Kassala state to expand diagnostic capacity and upgrade healthcare infrastructure. Through these projects, UNOPS supports stability, resilience, and improved living conditions for communities across Sudan.

This position will be based in Kassala, Sudan, and will be responsible for providing technical leadership and expertise in mechanical engineering for infrastructure projects focused on enhancing access to water and strengthening health services. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring the successful planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of mechanical systems within these projects, contributing to improved living conditions and resilience for communities across Sudan.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will manage projects or programs independently within existing frameworks, guidelines, and rules. Provide authoritative advice on the application of established policies and procedures. Adapt existing policies, approaches, and models to meet emerging client or project needs. Supervise a team of support staff and/or junior professional personnel. Solve complex problems by navigating and applying existing rules. Manage a specific portfolio of work (e.g., mechanical system design, equipment procurement). Interacting with clients to maintain relationships and ensure reliable service delivery.

Technical Leadership and Project Management

• Manage mechanical engineering aspects of infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.
• Provide authoritative advice on the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems, including water pumps, HVAC systems, and medical equipment.
• Adapt existing engineering policies and approaches to meet the specific needs of projects in Sudan, considering local conditions and resource constraints.
• Supervise a team of mechanical engineers and technicians, providing guidance and mentorship to ensure high-quality work.
• Solve complex technical problems related to mechanical systems, applying existing rules and engineering principles.
• Manage a portfolio of mechanical engineering activities, including equipment procurement, system design, and maintenance planning.
• Interact with clients and stakeholders to maintain strong relationships and ensure reliable service delivery.

Design and Implementation

• Lead the design and specification of mechanical systems for water and health infrastructure projects, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of mechanical equipment, ensuring compliance with project requirements and safety standards.
• Develop and implement maintenance plans for mechanical systems, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.
• Conduct site assessments and technical evaluations to identify mechanical engineering needs and develop appropriate solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, drawings, and specifications for mechanical systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure that all mechanical engineering activities comply with relevant international standards, codes, and regulations.
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure the integrity and reliability of mechanical systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of mechanical systems to identify and address potential issues.
• Provide technical support and guidance to project teams on mechanical engineering matters.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all mechanical engineering activities.

Required

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering

• Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering

Desired

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

• Professional certifications in mechanical engineering (e.g., P.Eng)

Required

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on infrastructure projects.

• Proven experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

• Experience in project management and team leadership.

Desired

• Experience working in international development or humanitarian settings.

• Experience in water and health infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with UNOPS policies and procedures.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.