Associate Electrical Engineer

The purpose of the REACT project is to promote the mainstreaming of environmental sustainability in the UN system, focusing in particular on peacekeeping operations, by supporting them and the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS) in their efforts to manage and improve their environmental footprint. Peacekeeping operations are international missions mandated by the UN Security Council to operate in specific countries and parts of countries for specific periods. The operations usually take place in locations with a fragile environment and a serious lack of infrastructure. The environmental footprint of UN Peacekeeping Operations is considered to have significant room for improvement in a large number of critical areas. 

To support Peacekeeping Operations in reducing their environmental impacts and risks, REACT acts in the role of an in-house technical assistance (TA) team and provides expertise to support in planning, designing and implementing a range of actions that will cumulatively result in a substantial improvement in environmental performance.  

The technical assistance team will primarily provide expertise directly to Peacekeeping Operations but also strategic support to DOS Environment and Engineering teams in New York and the Global Support Centre based in Brindisi, Italy. Activities will be closely coordinated amongst these respective entities via existing work planning and request for deployment processes, principally under the guidance of the GSC Environmental Technical Support Unit.   

Under the direct supervision of the REACT Environment Management System - Project Specialist, and in line with the established United Nations Rules and Procedures, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Environment Strategy for Peace Operations – Energy Pillar and activities pertaining to technical assistance. In fulfilling some of the duties and responsibilities, the incumbent may be required to travel to remote locations in field missions for site assessments. 

Within delegated authority, the Associate Electrical Engineer  will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the  coordination of the  activities concerning planning and scheduling of projects for construction, repair, and installation of energy infrastructure, premises, and groundworks.

• Support activities concerning projects for energy installations, systems, and equipment.

• Assist in project activities supporting  construction and alteration works to ensure that the quality of contractors' services is in accordance with set terms and conditions, codes, and standards as well as health and safety rules and regulations and environmental standards.

• Perform activities related to commissioning of engineering works, including periodical and final inspection.

• Participate in the meetings with project stakeholders and contribute to the ideas to reach mutually satisfactory approaches to problems.

• Update Supervisors/Managers periodically on project status. 

Planning and design: of all minor and major projects:

• Applies commonly used engineering calculations, practices and precedents for projects related to design, construction, upgrade, or repair of energy infrastructure.

• Participate in site visits and technical assessments and prototype inspections.

• Participate in the analysis of project proposals to assess technical feasibility and resources estimation.

• Support the preparation of  technical specifications, construction drawings, bills of quantity and cost estimates for bidding packages.

Data collection and cost analysis:

• Provide support in carrying out technical assessments of existing energy infrastructure.

• Assist the supervisor in preparing draft proposals for construction and alteration work including preparation of construction drawings, technical specifications, bills of quantity and cost estimates.

• Participate in technical review of offers submitted and studies drawings and sketches for review and discussion to determine extent of work required; presents alternatives as solution of problems. Accompanies all contractors to job locations, clarifies drawings and specifications after contract has been awarded to a successful contractor.

Process and Standardization:

•  Support the reviews and evaluation of technical offers and coordinates with the procurement unit.

• Participate in the preparation of cost estimates for biennial budget and acquisition plan related to the Unit/Section accounts with focus on energy.

• Support the colleagues  to institute control and methods to improve energy infrastructure and services to reduce cost and environmental footprint for the United Nations.

• Perform other duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Ensure project deliverables are compliant with specification requirements as indicated in the project scope, and that milestones are delivered within specified time, at the agreed cost and within the referenced quality standards in the specifications. 

The energy assistant will also monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle; ensuring service and product suppliers have a good track of issues, need for changes, forceable delays, need for rework or replacement, etc.

The Chief of section or the designated supervisor may request from the Associate Electrical Engineer weekly progress reports of assigned tasks/projects, or compile similar information from contractors and vendors.

• High school diploma required.

• A Bachelor's or Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering or other relevant discipline or technical diploma obtained from technical college or trade school will compensate for some years of experience.

• Project Management certification such as Prince2, or equivalent is desirable.

Experience 

• A minimum of 6 years with high school diploma; or 4 years with technical diploma or 2 years with bachelor’s degree of  professional experience in Electrical Engineering, facilities management, building management or related areas is required

• Experience in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point) and MS Project is required.

• A minimum of one year working experience in energy infrastructure planning and support is desirable.

• Experience in using methodologies for project planning, execution, and evaluation of energy standards and proven ability in analytical work is desirable.

• Experience in the management of a portfolio of energy projects involving strong coordination skills are desirable.

• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of the local language is an asset. 

• 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
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION FOR WHICH ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS WHO HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN ITALY WILL BE CONSIDERED   

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.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.