Road Design 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. 

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law. UNOPS in Afghanistan is responsible for implementing a number of projects on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the aid donor community. The Afghanistan Operational Center (AFOC) has been set up as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the Implementing Agency/Consultant.
Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) is financing rural road construction and rehabilitation in Northern provinces of Afghanistan under the Rural Access Improvement Project (RAIP).

The overall responsibility of the design engineer shall be (but not be limited) as follows;

• Design of Road vertical and horizontal geometry
• Analysis of Engineering Survey, Hydrology Survey, Environmental Survey and Geotechnical Survey, and translating them into the design of roads and relevant structures.
• In collaboration with the Surveyor, the PM and other Technical Team Members, advice on the alignment of roads and the location of structures.
• Compilation of full package of (Geomantic design, structures design, pavement design, Bill of quantity, design report and technical specification).
•  Responsible for the accuracy of calculations, designs and any other relevant data / information, and be available to respond to the queries of UNOPS Infrastructure Management Group (IMPG) design review team.
• Use AASHTO standards in the design or any other internationally recognized standards for the design of roads and relevant structures.
• The designs shall also be compatible with the MoPW standards and any non-compatibility must be brought to the notice of PM without any delay.
• Should be fully aware of the available construction materials, and machinery in region and designs must be adapted accordingly.
• He / She should design most durable, easily maintainable and cost-effect and economical roads & relevant structures. This includes Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) for the roads and structures.
• Explain the designs and relevant information, including assumptions, etc. to the PM and Project Technical Team members.
• Assist the Project Manager with output of Road Designs.
• Design of rigid and flexible pavements by AASHTO method
• Review technical specifications to ensure adherence to AASHTO and MoPW/MRRD standards
• Ensuring that all designs are completed to the highest standards, based on initial survey data provided by Surveyor and environmental and social inclusion specialists.
• Preparation of BoQs and technical documentation in accordance with UNOPS and SIDA standards.
• Preparation of technical specification and design reports
• Provide advice and coordination of the construction of the roads in conjunction with the Road Construction Engineers and the Contractor.
• Assist the project manager and senior road engineer with reviewing the existing practice of local contractors and conventional methodology of road construction; make recommendations that will increase safety (taking budget constraints into account) in the construction of roads undertaken by ARAP/MPW.
• Coordinate on design changes that are processed by the construction engineers.
• Building the capacity of UNOPS-SIDA Counterpart Engineers in road design and construction techniques including good practices and troubleshooting methods.
• Provide technical advice and assistance to contractors to ensure that economical and quality materials are purchased.
• Monitor the implementation of the works by conducting site visits and provide guidance for improvement and good results.
• Perform any other duty in line with these ToR’s as directed by the Project Manager
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Project Manager.

• Master’s degree in Road construction, Civil Engineering or a relevant field from a recognized university. Professional Certificate in a relevant field.
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in the field of paved road construction and designs in Afghanistan.
• Additional 2 years of work experience in relevant field with Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience of project implementation in close collaboration with the Government authorities and community organizations.
• Previous work experience with the UNOPS is preferred.
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is a distinct advantage.
• Fluency in oral and written Dari or Pashto, and English is required

• 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.