Quantity Surveyor Intern

Sri Lanka

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects. 

UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS is conducting about $5 million pharmaceutical procurement to strengthen the  Sri Lanka health system and support the people in need. 

UNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP (South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank (WB)--funded Plastic Free Rivers & Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project in South Asia. Following the Agreement, UNOPS should provide implementation support and advice to SACEP in implementing the (PLEASE). In particular, UNOPS is expected to assist the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in implementing a Regional Competitive Block Grant (RBG) under Component 1 of PLEASE. 

The Engineer Intern, operating within the implementation team, holds a direct reporting line to the Infrastructure Project Manager and collaborates extensively with the Project Engineer and other team members. This role is primarily dedicated to General Construction Supervision and Management, Reporting & Administrative Support and Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing, focusing efforts on elevating health and safety at construction sites in strict compliance with prevailing regulations. The Senior Assistant supports the process of a comprehensive approach to health, safety, social, and environmental considerations within the project's operational landscape.

a. Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying is required. (If you have not yet received your degree certificate, a confirmation of completion letter from the university will suffice).

• The intern should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

b. Work Experience 

• While no professional experience is required for an internship, experience in the construction industry will be an added advantage.

• Experience working in a Quantity Surveying project or team will be an added advantage.

• Multi-tasking, flexibility and attention to details while maintaining a high service level is preferable.

• Ability to draft various types of documentation in English is required.

• Knowledge and use of drafting skills with AutoCAD software is essential.

• Work Experience with an international Organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset.

• High proficiency with computers, and other software/ platforms related to the position of expertise and good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is desired.

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable.

• Contract type: Internship
• Contract level: Intern
• Contract duration: Initially 6 months;extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding

• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

• This position is open to Sri Lankan Nationals ONLY.

• 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.