Senior Project Engineer

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 – UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETOH)

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director decided to establish the UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub, which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, as well as Sudan and Djibouti.

UNOPS ETOH activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply and financial management.

Infrastructure Projects Context

Infrastructure developments comprising of four stages; namely: project initiation stage;  project design stage; procurement stage and construction stage including the defects notification stage. Each stage will be comprised of various tasks that include feasibility study, need assessment, cost estimates timelines, design developments for simple projects and/or design reviews, preparation of terms of reference, RFQs, RFP and ITBs, contract document preparations, construction supervision and monitoring until the expiry of the defects notification period. Projects will be located at various regions in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti.

The Senior Project Engineer provides technical assistance and expertise with reference to the feasibility/design/procurement/construction requirements as well as field coordination, ensuring high quality and consistency of work. The Senior Project Engineer supervising a diverse technical team promotes a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team. He/She will also provide mentorship to junior team members ensuring knowledge transfer for capacity development.

A.            Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Civil Engineering/Structural Engineering or related field is required.
• A combination of a Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with 10 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
• Professional Structural Engineer Certification (for example Practicing Professional Structural Engineer /PPST/ from recognized registration body ) or Project Management Certification (for example PRINCE2® Foundation) is desirable

B.            Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience, related to the project requirements, in civil engineering construction management is required.
• A minimum of 5 years in design of building structural design in the capacity of professional structural engineer is an asset;
• A minimum of 5 years involvement in the design review of building design drawings, specifications and bill of quantities is an asset;
• Demonstrated International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) contract knowledge is desirable.
• Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.
• Experience in supervision of civil engineering construction activities is required.
• Experience in proposal development will be an advantage.

C.            Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Functional competencies:

• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.
• Demonstrates results orientation and focus on solutions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with clients, donors and other            stakeholders.
• Ability to plan work in a collaborative manner and to manage priorities
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the goals of the project and in accordance with         UNOPS shared goals
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Technical  competencies:

• Produce structural design concepts based on a design brief by UNOPS and conduct presentations to partners as necessary with UNOPD Design Team;
• Prepare a design brief after a site reconnaissance and meetings with Partners outlining the design program, timeframe and budget estimates;
• Produce structural design drawings that include plans, sections, elevations and details of working drawings using the latest version of AutoCAD sofware and with the assistance of CAD Technician;
• Review the design drawings  for the projects from the field in term of accuracy and suitability to overall design and construction requirements, including Identifying improvements in the designs and be able to propose practical solutions;
• Review the accuracy of the bill of quantities of the projects proposed matching the international standards;
• Ensures the drawings are done according to instructions, schematic drawings and technical specifications as per contractual agreement ;
• Check and approve material and equipment incorporated in the works;
• Ensure as-built drawings and maintenance manuals for the finished materials used in the works;
• The tender document preparations, RFQs and RFPs of infrastructure projects with the UNOPS procurement team;
• Bid evaluations of contractors and design consultants as required with the procurement team of UNOPS;
• Construction supervision, monitoring and evaluations of construction works;
• Construction work programme preparations and reviews;
• Monthly and quarterly work progress report preparations;
• Payment certificates, evaluation of claims and variations;
• Contract administration in accordance with the FIDIC Conditions of contract

The Senior Project Engineer is responsible for keeping abreast of new developments in engineering.

• 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.