Engineering Project Associate, Multiple positions

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. 

The European Union and UNOPS have signed a contribution agreement for implementation of a project entitled Zonal Efforts for Agricultural Transformation – Bahr el-Ghazal Agricultural Development (ZEAT BEAD) “Feeder Road Construction in support of Trade and Market development in South Sudan”. The project focuses on the construction and maintenance of approximately 120km of feeder roads in Lakes, Warrap, Northern and Western Bahr el-Ghazal States of the Republic of South Sudan. The project will also incorporate the implementation of a maintenance and capacity building program with the State Ministries of Physical Infrastructure and local contractors, as well as community engagement and labour intensive support activities. The project is in the first of its four years, with an anticipated end date in 2018. The objective of the project is to improve rural livelihoods by providing sustainable access to agricultural markets using appropriately engineered infrastructural approaches.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Engineer and overall supervision of the Project Manager , the Engineering Project Associate   is required to perform the following  duties and responsibilities for UNOPS implemented projects:

·        Participate in the bid evaluation process through the analysis of the bids and detailed assessment of the bidders’ capacity;

·        Supervise the day to day construction works of the feeder roads and other associated civil works to ensure the design specifications and quality standards are followed;

·        Inspect all construction materials prior to be used and ensure they are to the required specifications and file non-conformance reports where they do not meet the required specifications

·        Prepare site instructions, variations and other design changes for the Project Engineer’s review and approval;

·        Monitor and document progress of feeder road construction and other civil works on a day to day basis to ensure that contractors comply with approved plans and specifications;

·        Attend site meetings and flag issues that require contractor(s) attention and prepare minutes of all site meetings and share with the project team

·        Liaise with the Project Engineer and Project Manager to share possible challenges to ongoing works in order to find the best solutions;

·        Provide update/ highlights on progress reports for works on weekly basis;

·        Ensure availability of adequate and competent labor force, visitors register books and instruction note books are provided on site by contractors;

·        Prepare interim payment certificates of all construction works

·        Prepare daily, weekly and monthly progress reports.

·        Perform other duties as requested by the Project Engineer.

·        Professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands;

·        Respect Confidentiality; disclosure of information on the need to know basis;

·        Care for self and staff health and safety/security;

·        Respect and adherence to UN Core Values;

·        Strong analytical skills;

·        Accountability;

·        Good planning and organizational skills

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

·        Team player;

·         Ability to work long hours in fast-paced, often stressful environment;

·         Highly motivated with a positive attitude and problem-solving approach;

·         Ability to work in demanding cultural context with transitional government partners, under challenging physical conditions and poor national infrastructure;

·         Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and Engineering Software such as Auto CAD will be an added advantage

·         Computer skills in the preparation of engineering plans/drawings using AutoCAD or similar;

Education

·         Secondary education is required;

·         Specialization certification in Civil engineering, building or related structural engineering field will be considered a strong asset;

·         University Degree in Civil Engineering or related field is highly desirable.

 Work Experience

• 6 years of experience in supervision of transport infrastructure specifically roads is required in combination with a high school degree;
• A BA or a MA degree in relevant discipline may subsitute for some or all the required years of experience respectively;
• Experience in engineering drafting software packages will be an added advantage;
• Previous work experience on feeder roads construction will be an advantage.
• Any relevant experience on community or labour-based road construction will be an added advantage

Language requirement

• The candidate must be thoroughly proficient in written and spoken English;
• Knowledge of Arabic language desirable.

• 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.
• 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.