Structural 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 services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The agency is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. UNRWA is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Structural 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 structures meet the agency's needs and comply with local and international design standards and codes. The role requires maintaining existing standard details of structural elements, utilizing relevant software, and reviewing drawings prepared by technical assistants. The engineer will also contribute to the preparation of tender documents, including specifications for special structural design needs, and will be responsible for identifying non-standard items to enhance the quality of implemented works. Additionally, the engineer will analyze material properties for suitability and safety, evaluate geotechnical investigation reports, and provide recommendations for improvements in standards and procedures. The position requires close coordination with construction site teams to address structural design issues during implementation and to update structural design drawings based on as-built conditions. The engineer will also draft terms of reference for consultants related to structural works and supervise their adherence to design criteria and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Structural Engineer include:

• Conducting structural preliminary and detailed design for UNRWA projects, ensuring compliance with agency policies and applicable codes.
• Maintaining and applying existing standard details of structural elements using relevant software.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on drawings prepared by Technical Assistants/CAD.
• Contributing to the preparation of tender documents, including specifications for structural design needs.
• Identifying non-standard items to improve the quality of works and writing relevant descriptions for inclusion in the Bill of Quantities (BoQs).
• Analyzing material properties to ensure their suitability for design and safety.
• Evaluating geotechnical investigation reports and advising on structural design implications.
• Providing technical advice on alteration works of agency premises and writing technical reports on structural aspects.
• Using computer simulations to predict structural reactions under various conditions. 1
• Coordinating with construction site teams on structural design issues during implementation. 1
• Updating structural design drawings based on as-built conditions and relevant technical instructions. 1
• Collaborating with other designers to optimize designs while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness. 1
• Assisting in drafting terms of reference for consultants and supervising their work to ensure compliance with standards. 1
• Providing input for various reports, including weekly and monthly progress reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in structural or civil engineering. Additionally, candidates should have 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 is essential. Knowledge of relevant international codes of practice, standards, and value engineering is desired. Candidates must also declare any current or past affiliations that could impact their neutrality and objectivity in performing their duties for UNRWA.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in structural or civil engineering from an accredited educational institution is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex structural design principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience, with at least two years specifically focused on planning large-scale projects. This experience should include a thorough understanding of foundation works and the assessment of geotechnical reports. Familiarity with structural design software and computer-aided design programs is also a prerequisite, ensuring that candidates can effectively utilize modern tools in their engineering tasks.

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:
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 as part of their duties. The salary for this position is set at Grade 14, with a monthly basic salary of JD 919.8

• Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. Employees are entitled to sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave as specified. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and applicants must reside in Amman and have authorization to work in Jordan at the time of application. UNRWA will not facilitate work permits, and preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who support gender parity. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered.