Head of Design Team (Internal Applicants Only)

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency.  At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services. 

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Following the political turnaround in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse  has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis putting over 24 million people in immediate need of  aid. To provide immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in  rural and urban areas, UNOPS is aspiring to implement a community resilience program to be funded  through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) and administered by the World Bank (WB). 

It is estimated that 1.1 million households, or 7.5 million Afghans, will receive livelihoods and income  support through this project. In addition, 9 million Afghans in some 6,200 rural communities and 8 cities  will benefit from improved access to essential social services through strengthening the capacity of  community institutions in inclusive service delivery.  

Job-Specific Information

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, The Head of Design is responsible for the development and implementation of strategic and effective Infrastructure Design Management services reflecting international best practices, compliance with UNOPS policies, rules, regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate risk management and obtaining the best value for money for the Infrastructure Design services delivered by the design team, the Design Review processes on UNOPS levels, and the contracting of works, in a timely manner.

Head of design will be responsible for the functioning of the Design Unit under Component II-CRLP and be held accountable for all design needs of the CRLP that includes the design of LiW projects and any technical design instructed by the supervisor. The design and technical specifications shall comply with defined design standards. Additionally, the Head of design who will head the Design Unit shall be responsible for providing capacity building and mentoring to his fellows.

Summary of Key Functions  

1. Technical advice regarding infrastructure design production

• Support the urban component team lead and deputy in implementation of component 2 work plan and achieve setout targets for the design works.

• Lead the design team and instruct/support them in their day to day activities for further improvements. 

• Supervise design engineers’ inputs and outputs considering the pre-outlined work schedule and project requirements/targets.

• Prepare the work plans considering the project requirements and target with the consultation of the urban lead and his deputy.

• Instruct and assist the design team in designing of LIWs projects considering the site and project design requirements.

• Assist the design engineer (if required) in preparation of design calculation and drawings of assigned project activities.

• Perform other related duties as required by the Urban Component Team Lead and his Deputy. 

• Receive work progress reports from the team on a weekly basis and compile them for the component 2 lead reporting. 

2. Technical analysis of design documentation  

• Generate and improve required templates for the survey and scoping of LIWs projects inline with the project (CRLP, etc.) nature and design. 

• Prepare and improve the LIWs construction and technical specification with the consideration of project requirements and implementing areas climatic and environmental requirements. 

• Prepare and improve the bill of quantities template with the consultation of the estimation engineers and project requirements.

• Assure that all design works are inline with the UNOPS and local design manuals considering the project nature requirements.

• Assure that all design works meet the minimum HSSE and ESMP requirements.  

• Review the design calculation/drawings and assure that all works are complied with the project requirements. 

• Upkeep of the design data and documents safely for easy retrievable

• Do required coordination with the IPMG for design certification/recertification according to the pre-outlined work schedule. Prepare the design package and send it to IPMG for certification and then send it to the procurement team for RFQ announcement. 

• Upkeep of the design data and documents safely for easy retrievable

3. Technical guidance and review of pre-engagement infrastructure 

• Simplify the construction technology to be well responsible for the LIWs and CFW projects especially to achieve the required percentage of laborers contribution (at least 50% of total cost) in the construction activities.

• Coordinate with the Contract and Procurement Management teams on all contractual matters in the completion of the respective Contracts.

• Coordinate on design changes and modifications with the project management and implementation team. 

• Review the design calculation/drawings and assure that all works are complied with the project requirements.

• The Head of Design will play a key role in assuring the safety and quality of designs for UNOPS infrastructure. Applying his/her technical expertise and professional experience, the head will liaise with the UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG), UNOPS Peer Reviewers as well as third party reviewers regarding Design Review and approval for the designs of low, medium and high risk works.

4. Application of professional judgment

• Ensure that all designs are completed to the highest standards, based on initial survey data  provided to the Design Team by the Construction Management Engineers, and environmental  and social inclusion (ESMF) Specialists/officers.

• Assist the other engineers 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 LiW projects undertaken by UNOPS

a. Education 

A first level university degree (e.g. bachelor) in Civil Engineering is required (a master degree in a relevant field is an asset).

b. Work Experience 

• A minimum of 7 years of general experience with a Bachelor degree (or 5 years experience with a Masters degree), including and 5 years of relevant experience in Engineering Design is required.

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in managing design engineers or a design team is required.

• Experience with Civil 3D AutoCAD particularly for drafting of road/other design output is required. 

• Previous work experience in liaising with UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG) is an asset.

• Previous work experience in review of project specification is an asset. 

• Previous work experience in the design of LiW projects is an asset. 

• Experience as peer reviewer for low risk project is an asset 

• Previous experience working in a UNOPS project is an advantage. 

c. Languages 

Proficiency in English, Dari and Pashto languages are required. 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.