Lead Civil Engineer (Retainer)

Job categories Engineering

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5333/29861

Department/office AFR, HAMCO, Horn of Africa MCO

Duty station Multiple duty stations in Tigray, Ethiopia

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-10

Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

Application period 07-Mar-2025 to 11-Mar-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Lead Civil Engineer (Retainer) based in Multiple Duty stations in Tigray.

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.

Established in 2009, Horn Of Africa Multi-country office (HAMCO) sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4) Horn of Africa countries (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others.

Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa. Building on our global experience successfully delivering projects in complex operating environments, UNOPS has recently initiated several infrastructure projects with our priority partners.

Reporting to the Portfolio Senior Manager with a functional line of direction from the HAMCO Infrastructure Team Leader, the Lead Civil Engineer is responsible for supporting the Portfolio Senior Manager to deliver the Infrastructure / Technical Work Packages within the programme. This includes providing technical assistance and expertise with reference to the construction work as well as field coordination, ensuring high quality and consistency of work, for the a/m construction work. The incumbent will promote a collaborative, client focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Project Team.

The Lead Civil Engineer will be based in an office in the Tigray Region and with regular missions to the project sites. The Lead Civil Engineer will report regularly to the Portfolio Senior Manager and under him/her direction, will ensure the coordination of the technical resources for the full implementation of the Infrastructure Project Cycle, from Technical Assessments/Feasibility Studies through Design Management, to Construction Management and DNP stages, ensuring the UNOPS Health Safety Social and Environmental (HSSE) requirements; the compliance with national building codes and standards, current laws regarding environmental protection and any other specific requirement by the Donor. The Lead Civil Engineer will also liaise with other teams such as Community Mobilization, Safeguards, Procurement teams, among others to ensure the safe, smooth and holistic implementation of the project requirements.

Functional Responsibilities

The Lead Civil Engineer will be responsible for the below listed responsibilitie...

The Lead Civil Engineer will be responsible for the below listed responsibilities.

1. Work package Performance, Delivery and Reporting:

Support the Portfolio Senior Manager to develop and monitor Work Package implementation plans including:
- Overall Infrastructure Work and plant system delivery plans, stage plans within tolerances set by the project board and in line with overall Project Plan
- Quality Management Plans
- Health & Safety and Social & Environment (HSSE) plans

Support the Portfolio Senior Manager to manage the Project implementation and use of resources, and propose corrective actions as needed
Actively support the Portfolio Senior Manager to ensure accurate and timely reporting of work package progress as well as conditions on site through daily/weekly site records.
Prepare and submit to the Portfolio Senior Manager reports (weekly/monthly or as requested) detailing progress of work-package activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent facts as required.
Support the Portfolio Senior Manager to ensure stakeholders are aware of work package activities, progress, exceptions as required
Identify and escalate issues and risks affecting work-package implementation and proactively contribute to mitigation and turn around planning as needed
Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Portfolio Senior Manager in a professional and accurate manner.
Contribute to monthly reports and quarterly assurance reports.
Liaise with any external suppliers or other managers.

2. Feasibility study/needs assessment

Support the Portfolio Senior Manager:

To Carry out Technical Assessments of infrastructure needs with recommendations for viable interventions
to prepare presentations and reports on the findings of the conducted Technical Assessments
To Manage technical studies required to support detailed design development (Geotechnical, Topographical, Hydrological etc.) and manage the performance of the retainers hired to prepare the design packages.

3. Design and Procurement Management

Assist the Portfolio Senior Manager:

to outline design requirements (e.g. timeline) in full compliance with the Design Management Manual, including but not limited to engaging design services advising on requirements for design briefs, preparing design risk assessments, developing concept, and detailed designs as well as design review stages.
to monitor and manage the design plan ensuring deliverables are available on time, and to the required quality.
To review and verify the proposed design changes submitted by the design team
To coordinate market research to inform the development of BoQ.
To liaise with Environmental and Social Safeguards specialists to ensure mitigation plans are mainstreamed into detailed designs and tender packages where possible;
To prepare tender documents, with particular focus on the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards).
to develop a procurement strategy for works procurement, and coordinate the implementation of the procurement plan on the PM’s behalf

4. Construction Management and Supervision

Monitor contractors’ and suppliers set out and works, including compliance with contracts specifications and ensures that contractors and suppliers comply with their work plans to complete work with specified scope of work, time frame, and budget;
Attend daily the project site(s) in order to monitor and supervise the progress of works in the targeted facilities, identify any existing problems, and provide technical appropriate solutions through application of sound engineering standards in consultation with the Portfolio Senior Manager;
Responsible for preparation of progress reports on rehabilitation and infrastructure activities, according to the agreed timeframe of works and submission of such on a weekly basis to the Portfolio Senior Manager;
Implement quality controls (QC) procedures, to ensure all infrastructure -activitiesare correctly initiated, managed, monitored, reported and closed in accordance with UNOPS policies and procedures;
Assess and report on the project closing plans, archiving of cost and progress report and hand over all related reports to the Portfolio Senior Manager;
Evaluate and assess works schedules and programmes, including the comparison with the schedule baselines and reports to the Portfolio Senior Manager accordingly;
Where required, assist the Contractors to plan and coordinate monthly, weekly and daily construction activities including monitoring site safety and construction quality.
Regularly review/ track construction progress, attend to contract breaches, interpret and communicate contract terms
Review and facilitate processing of payment certificates, claims and or changes submitted by suppliers and contractors.
Monitor and reinforce contractors compliance with the applicable Codes of Conduct through the construction period.
Facilitate agreed communication protocols between contractors/suppliers and UNOPS are adhered to by all parties
Prepare mission reports, technical recommendations and guidance to the PM and contractor to ensure cost effective works.
Maintain tools for rapid updates and progress reports as required by UNOPS standard procedures.
Ensure the full implementation of UNOPS Health, Safety Social and Environmental (HSSE) policies during the construction stag, assess the risks and establish appropriate measures
Review and periodically update quality management plan and associated documents.

Knowledge Management:

Ensure highest standards of document management practices ensuring quality and complete archiving of project Infrastructure products
Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in design of building infrastructure.
Support the Portfolio Senior Manager in facilitating routine and effective capacity building activities aimed at building long-term and sustainable capacity for technical staff.
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Lead Civil Engineer directly affects the overall efficiency of the individual team’s provision of construction activities, impacting the team’s capacity to efficiently & effectively service the operational needs of the project. Timely and accountable delivery of services, ensures client satisfaction & promotes the image and credibility of the project team & office as an effective service provider in project services and management. This enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education An advanced unive...

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field is required.
A Bachelor’s degree (first level) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field, combined with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner) is desirable.

Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in infrastructure projects is required.
Experience working in civil infrastructure and project management is an asset.
Experience in designing civil infrastructure is an asset.
Experience in Health and Safety, Social and Environmental management and protection is desired.
Experience in Social & Environmental assessment and planning is desired.
Experience in the supervision of construction activities and/or system plants is an asset.
Work experience in post-conflict/fragile environments and hardship is desirable.
Competence in the use of all commonly used computer software spreadsheets, scheduling tools, MS Project, Google Suite, AutoCAD, and other computer programs is an added advantage.
Some experience in UN system organizations and/or in a developing country is desirable.

Language

Fluency in written, reading, and oral English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: ...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.
This is a local position and is open to Ethiopian nationals only.

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

This vacancy is closed.

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