Lead Quantity Surveyor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of projects and initiatives that contribute to sustainable development, UNOPS operates in over 40 countries and manages more than 250 projects. The organization focuses on fragile and conflict-affected settings, providing strategic leadership and operational support in areas such as health, infrastructure, and climate action. With a workforce of over 1,000 personnel across multiple offices in Africa, UNOPS is dedicated to improving lives through effective project delivery and resource management.

Job Overview:
The Lead Quantity Surveyor position is a mid-level role that involves managing comprehensive quantity surveying and cost management processes for civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will provide authoritative advice and adapt established methodologies to ensure accurate cost estimation, procurement support, and financial control. This role is critical for the successful and efficient delivery of infrastructure initiatives, ensuring integrity, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness. The Lead Quantity Surveyor will work within a dynamic international environment, contributing to high-impact infrastructure projects that aim to improve lives across the Horn of Africa. The position offers a unique opportunity to apply expert knowledge in cost management and quantity surveying to sustainable development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Site Assessment and Data Review: Undertake complex/multi-site technical assessments and establish methodologies. Provide senior technical advice on interpreting drawings, surveys, specifications, and geotechnical information to inform project design and cost decisions. Identify and address technical, constructability, and cost risks, recommending mitigation measures. Participate in multidisciplinary technical coordination and resolve complex technical issues.
• Engineering Estimates and Cost Planning and Analysis: Lead and validate complex, high-value estimates and provide authoritative cost advice. Develop cost breakdowns using current market prices, labor rates, and material costs. Review and challenge estimates prepared by project teams or consultants to ensure technical integrity and value for money.
• Bills of Quantities (BoQ) Preparation: Establish standardized measurement methodologies and ensure consistency between drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. Provide technical leadership in resolving discrepancies between design documentation and cost estimates.
• Procurement Support: Provide technical advice to tender documents, including BoQs and specifications. Advise on responses to bidder queries and review proposed contractual rates and commercial assumptions.
• Site Measurement and As-Built Quantification: Advise on cost variation analysis and contractors’ claims analysis. Review and validate proposed new rates and cost adjustments, ensuring consistency with contractual provisions.
• Documentation and Reporting: Establish technical quality-control mechanisms for engineering estimates and related documentation. Develop and maintain technical standards and prepare high-level cost analysis and management reports. Promote knowledge sharing and provide technical guidance to project teams.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology and Management, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields combined with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience may be accepted. Additional professional qualifications or certifications in quantity surveying, cost estimation, or construction management are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology and Management, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields may be accepted if combined with sufficient relevant experience. Additional certifications in quantity surveying or related areas are considered a plus.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, quantity surveying, cost estimation, and/or construction project support is required. This includes experience in preparing engineering cost estimates, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and site measurement. A valid practicing professional Construction Management license is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Amharic are mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a duration of one year initially, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability. The position is classified at the ICS Level 10, indicating a mid-level seniority. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates.