Civil & Structural Engineer – Retainer
JOB DETAIL
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
Background Information – Kenya Multi Country Office (KEMC)
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi, Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and South Africa. This includes transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.
Background Information – Job-specific
The Technical Services Unit (TSU) engages in multidisciplinary design and design review, assessments and advisory work for infrastructure related UNOPS projects. The team currently comprises 18 permanent and 60+ retainer (consultant) personnel including architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, GIS and specialist infrastructure practitioners (for dams, ICT, safeguards, biomedical works inter alia) and CAD technicians in addition to support personnel. Current / recent projects are based in Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Madagascar. These projects comprise a range of types of horizontal and vertical infrastructure.
The Unit is based in Nairobi, but works extensively in other locations, via travel and by using the network of retainer (consultant) personnel based elsewhere in Africa and beyond. The team has been increasingly tasked with peer reviewing the designs for infrastructure for implementation by UNOPS.
The TSU is a business unit for the Multi-Country Office and comes under the leadership/guidance of the Director for East and Southern Africa.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the overall supervision of the Civil & Structural Engineer in Nairobi, Kenya, the Civil & Structural Engineer (Retainer) will give his/her technical expertise as required to deliver any analysis and or designs assigned, conduct assessments and or monitor site works, and provide high quality related documentation. He or she will be responsible for on-time delivery. The projects may be based in international locations.
The role entails:
- Collate feedback and prepare consultation/assessment reports.
- Perform and coordinate civil or structural design works and submissions.
- The consultant (retainer) will be required to work from home and be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries under KEMCO as required and as UNDSS permits.
- An agreed scope, deliverables and the maximum time duration will be agreed upon by UNOPS-KEMCO and the Civil & Structural Engineer prior to commencement of each assignment.
Technical tasks:
- Assist in preparing design briefs and design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder requirements and specifications as and when necessary.
- Assist in preparing comprehensive design documentation, specifications, bar bending schedules and other project documents to meet the required quality and detailing.
- Work closely with Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing an integrated design.
- Assist in ensuring the documents prepared meet the quality standard requirements.
- Responsible for timely delivery of the expected outputs for review by the Civil & Structural Engineer.
- Carry out civil and structural design of services for projects according to the client’s design requirement and as per applicable International Standards, Codes of Practices.
- Able to produce civil and structural bills of quantities of the projects proposed.
- Notify the Supervisor in advance if any obstacle arises to timeous delivery
- Carry out civil and structural site inspections and assessments as required.
- Assist in the development of specifications, procedures and QA/QC protocols when required.
- Liaise with international clients and address requirements when required.
- Assist in coordinating the works and submissions with all other disciplines; Architectural and Services design Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and other specialists.
- Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated in the project design.
- Assist in carrying out technical design reviews as appropriate.
- Assist in reviewing and certifying civil and structural design documentation as a third party independent individual when required.
- Assist in coordinating the team effort to complete any task as appropriate
Final Output/Deliverables:
- Assist in ensuring project design and construction quality is high, observing all local/international and UN standards applicable and all relevant health and safety procedures are adhered to.
| 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. |
| 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. |
Education
- Bachelor Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering from an accredited university is required.
- Advanced Degree in Structural Engineering from an accredited university is an added advantage.
- Registered professional engineer with a recognized Institution will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in Civil & Structural Engineering Design and implementation required.
- Candidates with experience working on international/local projects in conflict/disaster prone areas will be preferred.
Language Requirements
- Full working knowledge of English is required.
- Fluency in French is an added advantage.
Contract level: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA 9) / ICSC-9.
Contract duration: One (1) year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- 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 home based retainer position. It will be the responsibility of the selected candidate to make arrangements, to a standard deemed acceptable by UNOPS, for secure internet connections, laptop and/or equipment necessary for work (as defined by UNOPS).
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.
