Field Office Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Office in Kharkiv. UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Field Office Engineer position is crucial for overseeing the UNHCR's Emergency Shelter and Housing activities in the Kharkiv region, which includes the Sumska and Kharkivska oblasts. The successful candidate will join a team of engineers and architects responsible for managing a range of projects, including emergency shelter repairs, renovation of war-damaged houses, and the improvement of social infrastructure. This role requires a strong technical understanding of construction processes and project management, although it does not involve detailed design work. Instead, the engineer will focus on monitoring and ensuring that construction projects are executed safely, accurately, and in compliance with UNHCR standards. Building strong relationships with local authorities and stakeholders is essential for the success of the projects, and the engineer will be expected to travel regularly within the oblasts, including overnight stays in remote locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Office Engineer include: coordinating with government and local authorities to identify and assess construction projects in line with UNHCR's strategic objectives; estimating project costs for repairs and rehabilitation; coordinating with contractors, design service providers, and housing teams; monitoring and reporting on the activities and outputs of contractors and partners; assisting with the procurement of services, including providing inputs for design solutions and coordinating with the Supply Unit; supervising construction and renovation works, evaluating progress, and reviewing technical documentation; ensuring compliance with technical requirements and recommending corrective actions when necessary; writing regular reports on project aspects, including financial and technical compliance; participating in duty travel teams for project implementation; and performing other assigned duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The essential minimum qualifications for this position include a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience. The desired profile includes good technical knowledge of construction in Ukraine, excellent communication skills, proficiency in MS Office applications, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment. Knowledge of English and Ukrainian languages is required, while experience in the humanitarian sector is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the field of civil engineering, architecture, or construction engineering. This experience should ideally include work related to construction project management, oversight, and coordination, particularly in a humanitarian or emergency context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of six months and is a full-time role, with official working hours from Monday to Friday, totaling 40 hours per week. The position is not remote and requires regular travel within the Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, including overnight stays in remote locations. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they may be required to complete a written test as part of the selection process, followed by a mandatory competency-based interview.