Project Engineer, Electrical

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON plays a critical role in providing administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally. The organization is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and sustainable development, and it operates in Kenya, where it is headquartered. UNON is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of the UN's work in Africa and has a diverse workforce that collaborates across multiple sectors and disciplines to achieve its mission. The organization is known for its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Project Engineer, Electrical position is situated within the Design and Construction Section of UNON, where the incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the section. This role is pivotal in overseeing the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of major electrical engineering systems and facilities. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that all electrical systems, including power substations, distribution networks, and building management systems, are designed and implemented to meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to analyze complex engineering challenges. The engineer will also be expected to provide technical guidance and support to project teams, ensuring that all engineering practices align with UNON's operational goals and standards. This role is essential for the successful execution of the UNON Conference Facilities Project (CFP), which aims to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of the UN's facilities in Nairobi.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Engineer, Electrical include:

• Analyzing and advising on the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of major electrical systems and building automation facilities.
• Evaluating, reviewing, and revising project documents, ensuring accuracy and feasibility of design specifications.
• Submitting technical design drawings and specifications for approval, along with detailed reports and cost breakdowns.
• Reviewing and approving project reports from design consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with project standards.
• Recommending solutions to engineering problems and conducting technical studies to develop guidelines for planning and maintenance.
• Providing technical inputs on engineering design issues, considering factors such as power load, safety, and energy efficiency.
• Keeping abreast of engineering trends and advancements to improve methods and equipment.
• Leading teams in addressing critical design or construction problems and making recommendations for resolution.
• Participating in planning missions and serving as a technical adviser in international meetings. 1
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of the Design and Construction Section.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles and practices. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and technical expertise in the field. The ability to analyze complex engineering data and provide sound recommendations is essential. Candidates should also possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences. A commitment to teamwork and client orientation is crucial, as the engineer will work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve project goals. Additionally, candidates should exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and accountability in their work, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of electrical engineering and the specific requirements of large-scale construction projects.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in electrical engineering or a related area is required, particularly in the context of large-scale construction or renovation projects. Candidates should have experience in both construction management and design within the electrical engineering field. Additionally, experience in design review and construction management for Building Management Systems (BMS) is highly desirable, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the position.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, as it is the primary language used within the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the UN. Candidates should demonstrate a strong command of English, particularly in technical communication, to effectively engage with colleagues and stakeholders. The UN Language Framework outlines the minimum required proficiency levels for each language, which candidates should consult for further details.

Additional Notes:
This position is for a fixed duration of 364 days, indicating that it is a temporary role. The level of seniority is not explicitly stated, but the responsibilities and required qualifications suggest that it is a mid to senior-level position. The role is full-time, and candidates may be recruited nationally or internationally, depending on the applicant pool. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting, but candidates can expect to receive a competitive salary and benefits package in line with UN standards.