Associate Civil Engineer-Retainer at UNOPS

Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. 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 primarily transactional projects in partnership with the Nairobi based UN Agencies, UN-Habitat and UNEP, and multiple ‘operational’ projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and several island states.
KEMC has its own Technical and Design Services Unit (TSU) which comprises a core group of technical staff supplemented by experts employed on a retainer basis.  The group conducts feasibility studies and assessments and engages in design and monitoring work.  The core group’s skills include Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Architects, Design Associates and Quantity Surveyors.  Retainers provide additional capacity in core disciplines as well as GIS and sector specific expertise (roads, healthcare, heritage etc).

Under the overall supervision of the TSU Manager and Civil engineers, the Associate Civil Engineer will give his/her technical expertise as required to support the activities of the unit in water-related civil infrastructure, with a particular focus on dams.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following substantive tasks. The tasks would involve the following but not limited to:

1. General construction, Feasibility study/needs Assessment and Design Management

• Support the infrastructure team in conducting needs assessment of the buildings, structures and civil works that are to be reconstructed and provide comprehensive needs assessment reports.
• Provide administrative support to the TSU team in designing, checking and revising designs, that are to be built/renovated in compliance with national legislation, various building codes as well as UNOPS’ Design Planning Manual;
• Extensive preparation of design documentation using software;
• Support the engineering team in monitoring of performance of quality, quantity and timeliness of design works;
• Assist the project team in checking quality of work done and contents of  all necessary documentations;

2. Reporting and Administrative Support

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress of designs.
• Support the project team in inspection of the quality of the construction materials and documentation.
• Support the engineering team in ensuring that design documentation is kept according to the agreed TSU format.
• Maintain the cooperation with the  project team and  contractors,
• Participate in site coordination meetings with the contractors, project teams and other stakeholders as necessary

3. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Assist with projects evaluation process; highlight challenges associated with a project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.
• Contribute to training and knowledge transfer to national/contractor personnel including advice on good construction and engineering practices, 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.
• Participate in the relevant Communities of Practice, actively interact with other Engineers and the Engineering community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge System

• A Higher Diploma in Civil & Structural Engineering from an accredited institution is required


• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering from an accredited university will be an added advantage and will be accepted in lieu of the respective years of experience.

• Four years of relevant working experience is required in Civil & Structural Engineering Design is required.


• Experience and skill in using AutoCAD is required.

• Excellent written and spoken English language is required.

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.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time


• 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.


• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.


• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types


• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.


• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post


• 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.

Contract type: Local  ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement) Contract level: LICA 6

Contract duration: 12 months renewable subject to performance and the availability of funds

This position is based on a family duty station

  This is a local position, therefore it is open to the Zambia national applicants who have a valid residency work permit to work in Zambia.