Engineering Project Associate

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. 

About EAH

The UNOPS East Africa Operations Hub is located in Nairobi and oversees the organizations operations in Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi. The Hub covers a large geographic spread, including Eritrea, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros, in addition to those mentioned above. UNOPS in Kenya implements a large portfolio of projects in partnership with other UN agencies and various donors on the ground, ranging from physical infrastructure to transactional projects.

The Engineering Project Associate shall be responsible for the design, coordination, supervision and the contracts administration of the civil works, ensuring successful delivery of projects under respective Project Teams.  He or She is responsible for ensuring high quality documentation is carried out on time and on or under budget. Projects may be in national and or international locations with the documentation being carried out in Nairobi, Kenya.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the UNOPS Project Manager- Infrastructure, the Engineering Project Associate will give his/her technical expertise as required to design, supervise and manage the Construction works for the project that he/she has been assigned and make sure the works are being implemented as per the laid down contract terms and conditions.

Specifically the incumbent will be responsible for the following substantive tasks; this list is not representative of all the duties required but indicates typical duties and responsibilities:

1. Undertake, collate feedback and prepare consultation/assessment reports for the assigned infrastructure projects for review by the PM.
2. Assist in coordination of the structural design works and submissions with UNOPS Design Services Unit (DSU).
3. Assist in project site supervision
4. In liaison with the PM, provide support, and assist in resolving site problems, as necessary.
5. Maintain attendance on a daily basis on the project sites in order to identify the existing problems and provide appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the Project Manager.
6. Update the list of unit prices for construction materials and labor costs and also prepare a database for the available materials and suppliers of the construction industry in the local market for review by the PM
7. Responsible for preparation of progress reports on construction activities and submission of such on a weekly basis to the Project Manager.
8. Assist in the identification, evaluation, selection and supervision of building contractors for specified project work.
9. Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated in the infrastructure projects monitoring systems for review by the PM.
10. In liaison with the PM, monitors the Quality Register of all Quality Assurance and Quality Control documentation emanating from the Field Engineers.
11. Carry out site inspections and assessments as required and prepare reports for review by the PM.
12. Actively engage in knowledge sharing and also improve one’s professional skills
13. Prepare Stage Plans and End Stage Reports for review by the PM.
14. In consultation with the PM, create and maintain, issue and risk register for the implementation phase of infrastructure projects
15. Travel to any site in or out of Kenya as required and as UN Department of Safety & Security permits.
16. Perform any other duties as may be requested by the Project Manager.

• Monthly project progress reports
• Assignment/design reports
• Mission reports 

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Creativity and innovation
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Accountability
• Planning and organization skills
• Results orientation
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Client orientation
• Technological awareness

• Ability to work to meet tight schedules under stressful environment and varied cultural context.
• Flexibility and ability to quickly grasp complex structures.
• Good team player attitude.
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands.
• Ability to work accurately, control quality and multitask.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Familiarity and advanced user level with software’s such as Structural Analysis Software's, AutoCAD, MS project, MS Office and other relevant software’s

• Communication skills 
• Report writing
• International organizations experience 
• Field experience
• Experience in infrastructure 

• Secondary School Certificate is required.
• A Bachelor of Science in Civil & Structural Engineering Degree from a reputable institution would be an asset.
• Registration at a Professional Engineering Body would be an asset.

• 6 years of relevant experience in project management support roles or related are required. A bachelor's degree or master's degree in related fields may substitute for some or all the required years of experience respectively. 
• Experience in  developing countries and knowledge in the country context related field  is a significant asset.
• Experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies is an asset.
• Experience working on International/local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas is an asset.
• Experience in construction environment is an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• 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.