Civil-Structural Design 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. 

In August 2015 Tropical Storm Erika passed about 140km to the North of Dominica at its nearest, producing intense rainfall across the island. The Canefield Airport near the capital of Roseau recorded 30cm of rain in a 12-hour period. This resulted in severe flooding and landslides and wide spread damage across the island.

Tropical Storm Erika left 80 percent of the island without electricity and water. Hundreds of homes, bridges and roads have been destroyed, trees and light poles were strewn across streets, and 31 persons were reported dead and dozens missing. 

According to the Rapid Damage and Impact Assessment (RDIA) undertaken by the Government of Dominica and the World Bank, TS Erika resulted in an estimated total damages and losses of US$465 million, equivalent to 87% of Dominica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The majority of damages were sustained in the transport sector, followed by the housing sector and the agriculture sector

In this context, UNOPS, with technical support of the World Bank and funding from the Government of Italy through the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), is proposing a Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Public Works and Ports (MoPWP) in the reconstruction efforts.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of UNOPS Infrastructure Specialist, as well as the direct supervision from the MoPWP Management, the Civil/Structural Design Engineer will be embedded within the MoPWP to provide technical support to design and supervise the construction of infrastructure projects (culverts, small bridges, drainage, retaining walls, etc.), ensuring high quality, and efficiency of work. The Civil/Structural Design Engineer promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations.  He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

S/he must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities:

1.              General Construction Support

• Plan and coordinate work activities with the MoPWP Management.
• Take timely action to prevent potential delays and/or cost overruns that can be avoided.
• Report and recommend remedial actions regarding potential delays and/or cost overruns to the MoPWP Management.
• Provide supervision of project work progress and quality for on-time project delivery.
• Provide guidance for the management of final hand over and acceptance report based on technical specifications against the approved project.
• Provide data and information about projects work to the MoPWP Management for reporting purposes.
• Ensure proper liaison, coordination and exchange of information with the MoPWP Management and technical staff.
• Accompany site visits by any Authority and Donor representatives as required.
• Assist the procurement team with technical assistance in preparation of tender documentation, bid analysis and contract negotiation where required.
• Provide a monthly report to the MoPWP Management detailing all project matters including quality, health and safety, environmental and financial, as well as any issues relating to possible delays, cost overruns, variations and any other matter as agreed with the MoPWP Management.  

2.              Feasibility/Needs Assessment

• Support the completion of needs assessment, organize preliminary studies and monitor/supervising consultants.
• Support the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works.
• Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow up actions.
• Assist the MoPWP Management and technical staff in redacting the tender dossier, with particular focus to the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards).

3.              Design Management

• Produce design for simple infrastructure such as roads, culverts, small bridges, retaining walls, concrete drains, etc.
• Recommend process to out-source design when required
• Outline design requirements (e.g. timeline) to procure design services, including concept, preliminary and final stages where applicable.
• Manage the design plan ensuring deliverables are available on time, and to the required quality.
• Review designs produces internally and out-sourced.
• Review and approve BoQs.
• Assist the procurement team with technical assistance in preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required.

4.              Construction Supervision

• Supervise construction works and administer works execution as per the contractual provisions and the design specifications.
• Ensure quantity/quality control and time schedule consistency.
• Support in the production of quality control tools and standardization of quality control processes as required.
• Verify that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly of eventual deviations.
• Ensure constructions works are completed on time, within budget and to quality standards.
• Provide regular supervision of the project work progress and quality for on time delivery.

5.              Knowledge Management

• Provide training and technology transfer to national personnel and contractor’s personnel and advice on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

Core competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNOPS.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional competencies:

• Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and commitment to continuous learning.
• Demonstrates results orientation and focus on solutions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with clients, donors and other stakeholders.
• Ability to plan work in a collaborative manner and to manage priorities
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the goals of the project and in accordance with UNOPS shared goals
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Contextual Skills

International organisations experience

Project Management Skills

Capacity Building

Quality Control

Procurement Administration

Project Management

Client Management

Infrastructure

Transportation – Bridges (Minimum 5 years)

Transportation – Roads (Minimum 5 years)

Disaster Risk Reduction / Disaster Risk Management - Reconstruction/Rehabilitation

Construction- Supervision (Minimum 5 years)

A Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or related field is required.

A combination of Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or related field 
with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

AutoCAD certification is desirable.

Five years (or more based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in project design and technical assistance, with focus on transport related construction projects (road, bridges, culverts, retaining walls, drainage, etc.) in either public or private sector organizations.