Civil Engineer-Retainer at UNOPS

Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMCO 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. Senior Civil Engineer-Retainer will provide additional capacity in core disciplines as well as bulk earthworks and design of dams.

Under the overall supervision of the TSU Manager, the Civil Engineer-Retainer will give his/her technical expertise as required to develop designs for new and rehabilitation works including the calculation of quantities. Travel will be expected to remote sites.

Functional Responsibilities

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

• • Review and analyse existing documents
  • Review and analyse investigation reports
  • Prepare assessments, designs, reports
  • Calculate quantities
  • Liaise with technical, procurement colleagues and client and funding representatives as required
  • Co-ordinate the timely issue of drawings, specifications and quantities and respond to queries as required.

Technical Tasks

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  • Prepare design briefs and design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder requirements and specifications as and when necessary.
  
  
  • Prepare comprehensive design documentation, specifications, bar bending schedules and other project documents to meet the required quality and detailing.
  
  
  • Work closely with other technical professionals in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing an integrated design.
  
  
  • Ensure the documents prepared meet the quality standard requirements.
  
  
  • Responsible for timely delivery of the expected outputs for review by senior staff.
  
  
  • Carry out civil and structural design services for projects according to the client’s design requirement and as per applicable international standards and codes of practices.
  
  
  • Strong ability in producing civil and structural bill of quantities.
  
  
  • Monitor delivery of services design documents. Highlight possible non or late delivery prior to the event.
  
  
  • Carry out site inspections and assessments as required.
  
  
  • Develop specifications, procedures and QA/QC protocols when required.
  
  
  • Proactively assist senior staff in managing the design projects, ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by UNOPS, while delivering the program within its time and budget contraints.
  
  
  • Liaise with clients and address requirements when required.
  
  
  • Co-ordinate the works and submissions with all other disciplines.
  
  
  • Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated in the project design.
  
  
  • Carry out technical reviews as appropriate.
  
  
  
  

The Civil Engineer- Retainer will be required to travel to any site in or around the countries under KEMC

and as UNDSS permits.

Final Product

Assist in ensuring high project design and construction quality, observing all local/international and UN standards applicable; and all relevant health and safety procedures..

Education

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  • Advanced University Degree in Civil & Structural Engineering or other relevant discipline is desired.
  
  
  • University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 5 additional years of relevant professional experience in Civil & Structural Engineering or other relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree
  
  
  
  

Experience

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  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in Civil & Structural Engineering Design and implementation is required.
  
  
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in construction activities such as managing bulk earthworks is required.
  
  
  • Experience working on projects in conflict/disaster prone areas is an asset
  
  
  • Experience working in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands is an asset
  
  
  • Experience working in civil works especially on dams is an asset
  
  
  
  

Languages

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  • Fluency in written and oral English language required.
  
  
  
  

Competencies

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.

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