Position: Lead Structural Engineer - Retainer

Application Deadline: September, 12/2023

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO) exciting career opportunity UNOPS-ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Lead Structural Engineer (Retainer), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Qualified women and candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. 

The Ethiopia Multi-country office (ETMCO), which covers Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti, was created in 2014. Since its creation, ETMCO has been an active member of the United Nations Country Team, working closely with other UN organizations to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ETMCO designs projects to reinforce and bolster the development priorities of the host governments and other partners in sustainable procurement, project management and infrastructure through direct implementation, advisory and transactional services. ETMCO is committed to promoting the principles of sustainability and national capacity development through meaningful contributions and serving people in need. In 2022, UNOPS ETMCO delivered more than $187.5 million in services.  

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, The Lead Structural Engineer will perform duties including, but not limited to: 

• To liaise with other designers, including architects during the preparation of safe designs that fit with the standard concepts of construction;

• To plan, design and develop building structures and facilities, including relevant structural calculations, models, charts and graphs; 

• To prepare construction drawings and design specifications including use of computers and computer-aided design (CAD) technology for simulation purposes;

• To analyze configurations of the basic structural components of buildings and civil structures; 

• To calculate the loads, pressures, stresses and strains for each component considering the strength of various materials, e.g. timber, concrete, steel and brick used for structural designs;

• To monitor and inspect off-site and on-site work for compliance to applicable codes, accepted engineering practices and Ethiopian standards;

• To provide a high level of technical sufficiency within UNOPS ETMCO, including the identification and promotion of innovative and practical design solutions;

• To assume technical responsibility for the preparation of technical assessments, quality plans, scheme programmes and design work, estimates, bills of quantities and review of bid documentation & assessments;

• To promote the development of UNOPS design and production standards when working with technical teams of the relevant Ministries and other design professionals when an interpretation or exception to building codes is required;

• To assess the requirements of new/potential projects, breaking them into tasks and working with the Proposal Owner to determine scope of work, budget and staffing including writing the scope of work for design based on preliminary review and meetings with the potential partners and/or donors;

• To provide required technical advice, input and documentation for internal, organizational, partner and stakeholder reports;

• To review and update technical standards, office procedures, construction techniques, and use of materials to ensure that specifications and schemes prepared by UNOPS ETMCO reflect best practices with continuous improvement including training to UNOPS engineers;

• To assist the Project Manager in the planning, organization and monitoring of site investigations, surveys and analyses of existing buildings, feasibility studies, structural inspections and assessments, and preparation of assessment for associated reports;

• To examine structures at risk of collapse and advise on how to improve their structural integrity, such as recommending removal or repair of defective parts or rebuilding the entire structure; 

• To oversee third parties undertaking investigations for UNOPS ETMCO and work with geotechnical engineers to investigate ground conditions and analyze results of soil samples and in-site tests;

• To support the implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental measures at the project sites;

• To perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Senior Programme Manager or Head of Infrastructure.

Impact of results

• Improved efficiency in the delivery of structural design in infrastructure projects.

• High-quality structural design drawings and reporting. 

• Improved staff capacity.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) is required, preferably in Civil, Structural or Infrastructural Engineering.

• A first level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree) in Civil, Structural or Infrastructural Engineering and relevant discipline combined with two (2) additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree.

• A Professional Registration License (Professional Structural/Civil Engineer) is required (please attach it when submitting the application).

b. Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience with an advanced University Degree (Master's Degree) OR Seven (7) years relevant experience with first level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree) as a practicing structural engineer is required.

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience working using AutoCAD software is required.

c. Skills

• Project management knowledge & skills is an asset. 

• Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially Google Forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

• Experience working in engineering and/or construction management is an added advantage.

• Knowledge of software technical analysis is an advantage.

d. Language

• Fluency in spoken, reading and written English is required.

• Knowledge of additional UN Official language is an asset.

Competencies

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, and 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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

• 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 a 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 Contractual Agreement (LICA)

Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS10) - Retainer

Contract duration: One year, with the possibility of extension.

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 

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

Additional Information

• 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 that 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.

How to Apply

• Register using THIS LINK