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Senior Electrical Engineer

Addis Ababa

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Addis Ababa
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Background information - IPMG

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services.  A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments. To achieve this goal, UNOPS has established the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG).

Within UNOPS, it is IPMG’s objective to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best-practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programmes and projects around the world.

To achieve its objectives, IPMG has established three interrelated and interdependant work streams: Strategic Positioning; Standards; and Implementation Support.

  • Strategic Positioning provides leadership and support across UNOPS to frame how infrastructure and project management contributes to improved development outcomes.
  • Standards work stream aims to reduce organizational risks, improve project performance, and promote excellence across UNOPS projects by having fit for purpose infrastructure and project management standards framework in place The Standards work stream has two sub-work streams, namely Design Review and Infrastructure and Project Management Standards.
  • Implementation Support work stream supports the country offices with the adequate design, planning, implementation, monitoring and closure of projects, thereby contributing towards successful delivery and increased partner satisfaction.

The Electrical Engineer will work in support of Standards and Implementation Support streams, and may also work directly on behalf of projects.

Functional Responsibilities

To assist projects from conceptual through detailed design and project implementation, the home-based Electrical Engineer will be responsible for the provision of electrical engineering services to IPMG work streams, country offices, and project teams. The scope of these services will be defined with each request for services and may include technical review, design, and guidance.

Functional responsibilities:

The Electrical Engineer will play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of UNOPS infrastructure works.  On a request basis from IPMG and country offices, the Electrical Engineer will be expected to fulfil the following responsibilities in line with industry standards and applicable national and international codes and guidelines:

1.              Technical review of design documentation

Review electrical design drawings, technical specifications, and BOQs in terms of accuracy and suitability to overall design requirements, identifying aspects where designs do not comply with minimum codes and standards and IPMG policies, and providing practical guidance for design improvement

2.              Support to design development

Applying technical expertise and professional experience, the Electrical Engineer will support projects by providing guidance in the design development of electrical works to achieve technical objectives

3.              Application of professional judgment

To ensure the safety, functionality and fitness of infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context, the Electrical Engineer will be required to apply professional judgment in the application of relevant codes, standards, and IPMG policies

4.              Independence, integrity, and objectivity

In the performance of professional services, the Electrical Engineer will act as an independent technical expert, free of conflicts of interests, and must be able to maintain the integrity of his/her technical opinion

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a.              Education requirements:    

  • Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university, professional certification in electrical engineering, or equivalent.  

  • A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with two additional years of relevant experience  may be accepted in lieu of advanced Master’s Degree (total 9 years of experience) 

b.             Work Experience:  

  • At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in electrical engineering with strong knowledge of design, installation, operation and monitoring of electrical power supply and distribution systems, especially building wiring installations, is required

  • Understanding of and experience with renewable energy solutions, including solar and wind, as well as stand-alone power systems and microgrids, is highly desired

  • Understanding of and experience with electrical works for hospitals, health clinics, and waste water treatment plants is desired

  • Understanding of and experience in development infrastructure sector is desired

  • Knowledge of sustainable and resilient approaches to electrical engineering and green technologies is an asset 

c.              Key Competencies:     

  • Technical expertise in infrastructure engineering design and review practices

  • Knowledge of industry and international standards in electrical engineering

  • Knowledge of power generation, transmission, and distribution, including low voltage systems, distribution boards and switchgear

  • Knowledge of loads, cable sizing calculations and cable schedules

  • Ability to assess and verify suitability of technical specifications of electrical products, services, and associated materials

  • Facility drawing and evaluating single-line diagrams

  • Knowledge of natural and artificial lighting; security and alarm systems; communication lines, telephones, and it networks; and lightning protection

  • Time management, ability to manage competing priorities

  • Excellent analytical ability

  • Report writing

  • Professionalism

  • Integrity

  • Results focused with ability to deliver 

d.             Languages:     

  • Fluency in English required.

  • Knowledge of French, Spanish  and/or lesser known languages is highly desired.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA, home based retainer
Contract level: IICA3 / ICS 11
Contract duration: one year

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is now closed.
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