Associate 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 - East Africa Hub (EAH)

Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the East Africa Hub manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The East Africa sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in South Sudan and a portfolio of engagements managed by the Kenya based East Africa Hub office. This includes primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Somalia, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and several island states.

The Associate Project Engineer (National) will be responsible for the following but not limited to:
Support in Construction Management:

• Check setting out of the works by the contractor’s staff and report any inconsistency to the Procurement and Project Support Officer
• Day-to-day supervision of the works in accordance with the drawings, technical specifications and instructions of the Procurement and Project Support Officer ;
• Monitor and inspect the construction activities performed by the Contractor;
• Collecting material samples and witnessing quality control Study and verify extent of works done ;
• Monitor and report site safety and environmental impacts of construction;
• Assist the discussions with contractor’s staff and workers;
• Assist in taking joint measurement of work done with the contractor’s representative at periodic intervals;
• Assist to keep site records relating to materials, labor and plants and equipment at sites;
• Collect data and photograph from the field as well as generate graphs and charts Coordinate with IDB management and obtain approval to carry out the works
• Coordinate with UNOPS team/ Contractor and hub staff to manage the work
• Certify bills taking actual measurement of works

Support Procurement and Project Support Officer  to conduct Procurement in entire procurement cycle 

• Draft Solicitation documents
• Conduct market surveys
• Manage clarifications
• Coordinate with suppliers
• Facilitate evaluation process
• Manage logistics arrangement including Handing over of goods
• Certify payments

Support to Procurement and Project Support Officer in Stakeholder Management:

• Assist the Procurement and Project Support Officer  to maintain a working relationship with the project neighbours;
• Provide the visitors to the site with project related information as instructed by the Project Engineer;
• Immediately report the any comments and observation by the visitors.

Delivery and Performance:

• With guidance from Procurement and Project Support Officer , implement approved work packages (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the Project Manager;
• Ensure proper construction management, monitor progress of construction activities, quality, materials, and construction schedule;
• monitor the construction to compliance with specifications, contracts, and other regulations;
• interpret and explain plans, contract terms, work plans to contractor’s technical staff;
• Inform any deviations from the plan;
• Maintain diaries and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures;
• Review existing practice by contractors and make recommendations as instructed by the Procurement and Project Support Officer , where remedial action is required, that will increase safety and quality of work (taking budget constraints into account) in all new and reconstruction programs undertaken by UNOPS;
• Perform any other duties deemed necessary by the Procurement and Project Support Officer.

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or other relevant field is required. Technical/Professional Diploma in Civil Engineering or equivalent, with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Bachelors Degree

 A minimum of two years of experience in building construction and site supervision is required. A focus on progress and quality controlling of building construction, monitoring, reporting, development and coordination in either public or private sector organizations is desired.

Experience in contract management  is an advantage.

Excellent written and oral command of English is required. Knowledge of Luganda language is highly desirable.

• 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.

Skills:

• Supervising construction activities (2 years)
• Experience in Construction (optional)
• Coordination (optional)
• Managing construction activity (optional)
• Communications and contract management (optional)
• Quality control (optional)