Position: Lead Mechanical Engineer - Retainer

Application Deadline: September, 14/2023

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO) exciting career opportunity. UNOPS-ETMCO is recruiting for this position: Lead Mechanical 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 direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the following duties:

1. General construction activities

2. Feasibility/needs assessment

3. Design development

4. Construction supervision

5. Knowledge management

General construction activities

• Plan and coordinate work activities with the Project Manager and Senior Programme Manager.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the Project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery is to the scope budget and time.

• Provide expert opinion/advice to the Project Manager on all engineering issues and in particular mechanical works that include identification and preparation of specifications for industrial and medical equipment, pumping systems, Ventilation and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, sanitation systems, etc. 

• Provide supervision of project work progress and quality for on-time project delivery.

• Prepare weekly & monthly progress reports, In coordination with UNOPS Infrastructure team: progress of works based on the established schedules and plans, encountered problems, solutions, planning of activities for the following week, etc.

• Assist in the preparation of regular progress reports on construction activities to donors. 

Feasibility /needs assessment

• Complete needs assessment and monitor/supervise consultants within their area of expertise.

• Manage the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works specific to mechanical items related to power, water supply and sanitation systems;

• Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow-up actions within the relevant area of expertise

• Prepare the necessary documents for the tender dossier, with a particular focus on the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards of equipment, pumping systems, generators, plumbing systems, etc.)

Design management

• Applying technical expertise and professional experience, the Lead Mechanical Engineer will support projects by providing guidance in the design development of mechanical works to achieve technical objectives. The mechanical works will include pumping systems, generators, industrial and medical equipment, gas systems, plumbing systems and sanitation, and ventilation and air conditioning systems. 

• Review mechanical design drawings, technical specifications, and BOQs in terms of accuracy and suitability to overall design requirements, identifying aspects where designs do not comply with minimum codes and standards, and providing practical guidance for design improvement.

• Outline design requirements (e.g. timeline) to procure design services, including concept, preliminary and final stages where applicable.

• Prepare mechanical design calculations for projects to be developed by the UNOPS design team in the field offices and within the MCO.

• Preparation of mechanical design drawings, specifications and BoQs for projects by the UNOPS design team in the field offices and within the MCO.

• Supporting the procurement team with technical guidance in the preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required.

Supervision

• Supervise specific mechanical works during construction and/or installation as per the contractual provisions and the design specifications.

• Ensure quantity/quality control and time schedule consistency.

• Verify that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and inform promptly on eventual deviations where required.

• Provide regular supervision for the project work progress and quality for timely delivery.

• Support the implementation of Health, Safety, Social and Environmental measures at the project sites and report any irregularity.

Knowledge management 

• Provide training and technology transfer to UNOPS personnel and contractor’s personnel and advice on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during the design development and implementation stage.

• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development 

• Planning and knowledge building.

Impacts of results

• Improved efficiency in the delivery of mechanical design in infrastructure projects

• High-quality mechanical design drawings and reporting 

• Improved staff capacity

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s Degree is required preferably in Mechanical Engineering or related fields.

• A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or related fields with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree requirement.

• License/Board Certification in Mechanical Engineering is required, please attach when submitting an application.

Experience 

• At least five (5) years with a Master's Degree or seven (7) years with a Bachelor's Degree with progressive experience in Mechanical Engineering for design and construction of infrastructure projects is required.

• At least three (3) years of experience working using AutoCAD is required. 

• Knowledge of industrial equipment and machinery and heating/cooling systems, particularly in the design and installation of Heating & Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems is an advantage.

• Experience working in development and green infrastructure, and hospital infrastructure is an asset.

• Experience with the UN is an asset.

• Experience/knowledge of Google Suite products, especially Google Forms, Sheets, and Docs is an asset.

Language 

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

• Knowledge of another 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 Contractor Agreement (LICA)

Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS10)

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