Structural Design Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA's funding is primarily derived from voluntary contributions, making it reliant on the support of UN member states, regional bodies, and individual donors. The organization provides a wide range of services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvements, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it actively seeks individuals who share this vision to join its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Structural Design Engineer position at UNRWA involves carrying out both preliminary and detailed structural designs for various projects, including schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, water tanks, and warehouses. The incumbent will ensure that all designs meet the agency's needs, policies, and applicable local and international codes of practice. The role requires the engineer to maintain and apply existing standard details of structural elements using relevant software and to review drawings prepared by Technical Assistants or CAD operators. The engineer will also contribute to the preparation of tender documents, including specifications for special structural design needs, and will identify non-standard items to enhance the quality of implemented works. A critical aspect of the job is to analyze the properties of materials for suitability and safety, evaluate geotechnical investigation reports, and provide recommendations for improvements in standards and procedures. The engineer will coordinate with construction site teams on structural design issues during implementation and update structural design drawings based on as-built conditions. This position requires collaboration with other designers to optimize designs while ensuring structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, taking into account architectural, mechanical, and electrical requirements. Additionally, the engineer will assist in drafting terms of reference for consultants related to structural works and supervise their adherence to design criteria and standards. The role also involves writing technical reports on structural aspects and building system inspections, including remediation requirements, and providing substantive input for progress reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct structural preliminary and detailed design for UNRWA projects, ensuring compliance with agency policies and applicable codes.
• Maintain and apply existing standard details of structural elements using relevant software.
• Review and assess drawings prepared by Technical Assistants/CAD.
• Prepare tender documents, including specifications for special structural design needs.
• Identify non-standard items to improve the quality of works and write relevant descriptions for inclusion in the Bill of Quantities (BoQs).
• Analyze properties of materials for design suitability and safety.
• Evaluate geotechnical investigation reports and provide recommendations for structural designs.
• Provide technical advice on alteration works of agency premises.
• Write technical reports on structural aspects and building system inspections. 1
• Use computer simulations to predict structural reactions under various conditions. 1
• Coordinate with construction site teams on structural design issues during implementation. 1
• Update structural design drawings based on as-built conditions. 1
• Collaborate with other designers to optimize designs while maintaining structural integrity. 1
• Assist in drafting terms of reference for consultants and supervise their work. 1
• Provide input for weekly and monthly progress reports and ad-hoc reports.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in structural or civil engineering.
• At least four years of relevant work experience, including two years in planning large projects with a focus on foundation works and geotechnical report assessments.
• Proficiency in structural design software and computer-aided design programs.
• Knowledge of relevant international codes of practice, standards, and value engineering is desired.
• Ability to provide accurate and complete information regarding outside activities, including employment and volunteer work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in structural or civil engineering from an accredited educational institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the principles of structural design and engineering practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in structural engineering, with at least two years specifically focused on planning large-scale projects. This experience should include a thorough understanding of foundation works and the ability to assess geotechnical reports. Familiarity with structural design software and computer-aided design programs is also essential for this role.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The incumbent may be required to travel within the Area of Operations for duty. The position is graded at Grade 14, with a monthly basic salary of JD 919.80, plus a 60% special occupation allowance. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and various types of leave for maternity and paternity. The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, with preference given to registered Palestine refugees and those who can assist in achieving gender parity. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.