Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Background Information – UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETOH)

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies such as WHO, UNHCR and WFP, and other international organizations. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director decided to establish the UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub, which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, as well as Sudan and Djibouti.

UNOPS ETOH activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects; infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services to partners to facilitate effective procurement, supply and financial management.

Infrastructure Projects Context

Infrastructure developments comprising of four stages; namely: project initiation stage; project design stage; procurement stage and construction stage including the defects notification stage. Each stage will be comprised of various tasks that include feasibility study, need assessment, cost estimates timelines, design developments for simple projects and/or design reviews, preparation of terms of reference, RFQs, RFP and ITBs, contract document preparations, construction supervision and monitoring until the expiry of the defects notification period. Projects will be located at various regions in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti.

The Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of ETOH infrastructure works. The Mechanical Engineer will be expected to fulfil the following responsibilities, within their area of expertise, in line with industry standards and applicable national and international codes and guidelines:

1. General construction
2. Feasibility/needs assessment
3. Design Management
4. Construction supervision
5. Knowledge management

1. General Construction

• Plan and coordinate work activities with the Project Manager or Head of Programme.
• Contribute to development, implementation, monitoring and updating of the Project plans and strategies in order to ensure delivery is to the scope budget and time.
• Provide expertise opinion/advise to the Project Manager on engineering issues related to their area of expertise
• Provide supervision of project work progress and quality of on-time project delivery.

2. Feasibility /needs assessment

• Complete needs assessment and monitor/supervising consultants within their area of expertise.
• Manage the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works.
• Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow up actions within their area of expertise.
• Redact the tender dossier, with a particular focus on the technical documents (drawings, BoQ, technical specification and standards).

3. Design Management

• Applying technical expertise and professional experience, the Mechanical Engineer will support projects by providing guidance in the design development of mechanical works to achieve technical objectives.
• 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 Hub;
• Preparation of mechanical design drawings, specifications and BoQs for projects by UNOPS design team in the field offices and within the Hub.
• Supporting the procurement team with technical guidance in the preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required.

4. Supervision

• Supervise specific construction works 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 of eventual deviations where required.
• Provide regular supervision of the project work progress and quality for on time delivery.
• Ensure respect of Health and Safety procedures on the site and report any irregularity

5. Knowledge management

• Provide training and technology transfer to national personnel and contractor’s personnel and advice on good construction practices, good environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for future development planning and knowledge building.

IMPACT OF RESULTS

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Project Engineer directly impacts on the achievement of the projects and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

A. Education

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s Degree (total 7 years of experience).

B. Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering with strong knowledge of industrial equipment and machinery and heating/cooling systems, particularly in the design and installation of HVAC systems is required
• Understanding of and experience with hospitals, health facilities is highly desired
• Understanding of and experience in development infrastructure sector is desired
• Knowledge of sustainable and resilient approaches to mechanical engineering and green technologies is an asset.
• Knowledge of electromechanical interfaces in waste water treatment plans, etc. is an asset.
• Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.

C. Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

About the Organization

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.