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Senior Civil Engineer-Retainer

Home Based - May require travel

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Home Based - May require travel
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
    • Documentation and Information Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.

KEMC has its own Technical and Design Services Unit (TSU) which comprises a core group of technical staff supplemented by experts employed on a retainer basis.  The group conducts feasibility studies and assessments and engages in design and monitoring work.  The core group’s skills include Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Architects, Design Associates and Quantity Surveyors.  Senior Civil Engineer-Retainer will provide additional capacity in core disciplines as well as GIS and sector specific expertise (roads, healthcare, heritage etc).

Under the overall supervision of the TSU Manager, the Senior Civil Engineer-Retainer will give his/her technical expertise as required to support the activities of the unit in water-related civil infrastructure, with a particular focus on dams.


Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment
  • Review, analyse and advise on existing dam infrastructure;
  • Review, analyse and comment on existing designs;
  • Assess and review risks;
  • Develop approaches to new design and or rehabilitation of dams and associated infrastructure;
  • Contribute technical expertise to feasibility studies;
  • Prepare designs and costs of infrastructure;
  • Advise on life cycles and maintenance requirements;
  • Participate in meetings with various parties including stakeholders;
Technical tasks:
  • Prepare design briefs and design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder requirements and specifications as and when necessary
  • Prepare comprehensive design documentation.
  • Work closely with other professionals in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing integrated designs and or reports.
  • Ensure the documents prepared meet the quality standard requirements.
  • Responsible for timely delivery of the expected outputs for review by TSU Manager.
  • Carry out design services for projects according to the client’s design requirement and as per applicable international standards and codes of practices.
  • Strong ability in producing relevant bill of quantities of the projects proposed.
  • Carry out site inspections and assessments as required.
  • Develop specifications, procedures and QA/QC protocols when required.
  • Proactively assist the Technical Unit Manager in managing the design projects, ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by UNOPS, while delivering the program within its time and budget constraints.
  • Liaise with international clients and address requirements when required.
  • Co-ordinate the works and submissions with all other disciplines.
  • Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated in the project design.
  • Carry out technical reviews as appropriate.
  • Review and certify design documentation as a third party independent reviewer when required.

The Senior Civil Engineer- Retainer will predominantly work from home with frequent travels (i.e. one-third of his/her time) within Countries under the KEMC  as required and as UNDSS permits.

An agreed scope, deliverables and the maximum time duration will be agreed upon by UNOPS-KEMC and the Senior Civil Engineer -Retainer prior to commencement of each assignment.


Education

  • Advanced University Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering or other relevant discipline is required. 
  • University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 2 additional years of relevant professional experience  in Civil & Structural Engineering or other relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree

Experience

  • Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in civil structural work is required
  • Experience in civil works especially on dams is required
  • Experience in infrastructure in developing country context is an asset
  • Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction / Management is an asset
  • Experience in Southern Africa region is an asset
  • Experience working on international/local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas is an asset.

Languages

  • Fluency in written and oral English required.  
  • Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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 Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: IICA 3 (ICS 11)
Contract duration: 1 year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds


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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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.

Background information - AFR

Africa Region

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources.

AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.

Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.



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