Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Job Description

Dutystation: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Functional responsibilities

UNOPS-HAMCO undertakes a number of infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti. The purpose of this role would be to provide advice where these projects require specialist geotechnical input.

The Lead Geotechnical Engineer- Retainer will be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries under HAMCO as required and as UNDSS permits. The incumbent shall be responsible for accuracy, interpretation, analysis of all data received and for reporting on conclusions and recommendations reached. The scope of work to be carried by the incumbent shall broadly include but not limited to the functions detailed below:

• Analyze data from site investigations (boreholes, test pits, lab results).
• Design soil protection systems, temporary and permanent shoring, retaining walls, and ground improvement methods.
• Prepare and review geotechnical reports (factual and interpretive).
• Perform geotechnical modeling and calculations using specialized software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, SAFE).
• Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for various scopes of site geotechnical investigations, including preliminary and detailed investigation phases.
• Coordinate with structural, civil, and environmental teams to integrate geotechnical recommendations.
• Prepare technical specifications, BOQs, and inputs for tender documents.
• Review and comment on contractor submittals related to geotechnical aspects.

• Plan and execute geotechnical investigations to assess the suitability of materials and subsurface conditions for various civil and structural projects.
• Guide geotechnical investigation contractors both on site and in laboratory settings to ensure proper methodologies and adherence to quality standards.
• Supervise and monitor geotechnical field investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing activities.
• Review and interpret field and laboratory test results to inform technical recommendations for the design of civil and structural works.
• Analyze raw geotechnical data using specialized software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio) to perform engineering analyses including slope stability, bearing capacity, and settlement assessments.
• Provide technical recommendations on soil stabilization, earth retention systems, shoring, dewatering, and ground improvement techniques.
• Inspect and verify the implementation of excavation works, dewatering systems, and slope stabilization measures.
• Prepare site inspection and supervision reports
• Identify and report unforeseen or adverse ground conditions and recommend mitigation measures.
• Provide technical support, training, and capacity building to project teams on geotechnical issues as required.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, including lessons learned and best practices in geotechnical engineering for future development and planning.

• Optimized geotechnical engineering of civil and structural works.
• High quality reporting.
• Improved staff capacity

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar discipline, is required
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) in any of the above disciplines with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of the educational requirement outlined above.
• Practicing professional geotechnical engineer licence (PPGE) is required

• Strong computer skills and advanced working knowledge of google forms are considered an asset.
• Proficiency in specialized geotechnical softwares such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, and SAFE is highly desirable.

• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar technical disciplines is required.
• At least 3 (three) years of specific experience in Geotechnical engineering, or Materials Science or Materials Engineering field is required
• Experience of working in UN is an asset.

• Fluency in oral, reading and written English is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered an asset.

About the Organization

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.

We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.