Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. WFP's vision for its workforce is one of skilled, diverse, and high-performing teams that operate in a healthy and inclusive work environment, embodying the organization's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Engineer position is part of the Engineering Team at the WFP Syria Country Office (SYCO), which is currently engaged in a variety of engineering and infrastructure projects aimed at supporting livelihood and resilience-focused interventions. The role involves overseeing the refurbishment of buildings for mills, silos, and bakeries, as well as the construction of irrigation canals and pumping stations. The Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the safe and timely completion of these projects, particularly the urgent refurbishment of accommodation buildings for WFP staff in Damascus and Aleppo. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, including design review, tender document preparation, and assessment reports for various projects. The Engineer will work closely with contractors and cooperating partners to facilitate construction activities and provide technical support to other WFP programs and operations in Syria. This role is critical in ensuring that WFP's engineering projects are executed effectively and efficiently, contributing to the overall mission of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Engineer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: conducting field visits and analyzing project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with project objectives; preparing accurate and timely reports to support decision-making; supervising construction works and coordinating activities between the Engineering Team and contractors; preparing and reviewing designs, drawings, and construction contract documentation; maintaining detailed records of site correspondence, inspection data, and financial records; liaising with local authorities to secure necessary project authorizations; providing recommendations for certifying payments and addressing financial obligations; assisting in contractual matters such as performance bonds and claims; preparing variation orders to address site issues; and performing any other duties as assigned by the Head of the Engineering Unit. The Engineer will play a pivotal role in managing engineering projects and ensuring that they meet WFP's standards and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a related engineering discipline. Alternatively, a first university degree in Engineering with additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Candidates should hold or be eligible for accreditation as a 'Professional Engineer' or 'Chartered Engineer' by a recognized national or international regulatory authority. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate strong communication and coordination skills, knowledge of engineering design, and experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government entities and partners. Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D and the Office suite is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Engineering or Architecture, or a first university degree in Engineering accompanied by additional relevant work experience. Candidates should also be eligible for professional accreditation as a 'Professional Engineer' or 'Chartered Engineer' by an appropriate regulatory authority, which underscores the importance of formal qualifications in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of post-graduate professional experience in civil engineering or a related field if they hold a master's degree, or five years of experience if they possess a bachelor's degree. Experience working within the humanitarian community is considered an asset, as is experience managing or contributing to the management of small to medium-scale engineering construction projects, where the candidate has taken responsibility for engineering decision-making.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in these two languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and ensure clear reporting and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) with a duration of 9 months. The duty station is located in Damascus, and the organization is seeking to fill two positions. WFP emphasizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes, and candidates are advised to be cautious when submitting personal information online. WFP is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and all selected candidates will undergo thorough reference and background checks.