Civil Engineer

Civil Engineer

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

September 20, 2026October 21, 2026DamascusSyria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. Established to position UNOPS as a key development partner in the region, MR engages with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organizations. The organization focuses on fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence to support country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges. The UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO), established in 2004, provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries, addressing development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. The MCO collaborates closely with national governments, UN agencies, and donors to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on large-scale operations that improve essential services, strengthen national systems, and enhance resilience in complex and fragile settings.

Job Overview:
The engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Civil Engineer position is critical for managing and supervising infrastructure works carried out by implementing partners and contractors. The role involves coordinating day-to-day design, construction, and procurement activities, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The Civil Engineer is expected to embed best practices in technical design and construction management throughout the project lifecycle, from planning to handover. This includes upholding strict compliance with Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) requirements. The incumbent must demonstrate strong technical expertise, proactive resource management, and the ability to ensure integrity, transparency, and effective stakeholder coordination in all civil engineering activities. The position also requires the Civil Engineer to drive high-quality infrastructure delivery by providing technical expertise, supervising works, and ensuring compliance with design and safety standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Civil Engineer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:
  • Project Management and Coordination: Planning, supervising, and managing the implementation of civil engineering projects from design to completion, ensuring alignment with project requirements, timelines, and budgets. Supporting the Project Manager and technical team in planning, scheduling, and implementing rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities. Assisting in the preparation of project plans, schedules, and progress reports, and supporting project closure activities. Liaising with government authorities, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to secure permits, ensure approvals, and maintain strong working relationships. Participating in site meetings, procurement activities, and evaluation committees as needed.
  • Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance: Reviewing and providing inputs on design briefs, technical documentation, bills of quantity (BoQs), and cost estimates to ensure compliance with international standards, UNOPS guidelines, and client requirements. Conducting on-site technical assessments and inspections to ensure construction work adheres to UNOPS quality standards and project specifications. Assisting in the review of technical submittals, progress reports, and invoices from consultants and contractors, and recommending payment releases. Monitoring performance tracking systems and identifying potential delays or cost overruns. Supporting the valuation of construction work for payment certificates and assessment of claims. Supervising and monitoring contractors’ and implementing partners’ work to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. Conducting site inspections, testing, verification of quantities, and review of technical submittals (shop drawings, materials, as-built documentation).
  • HSSE Compliance: Ensuring full compliance with UNOPS HSSE policies, environmental safeguards, and PSEAH standards. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to HSSE and community engagement. Promoting sustainability and green construction practices across all project phases.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of site activities, inspections, incidents, and progress, ensuring timely submission of reports (weekly/monthly/quarterly). Supporting project closure through commissioning, handover, and archiving of construction documentation. Assisting in compiling periodic and specific reports, and ensuring all project documentation is up-to-date and properly filed. Supporting the Project Manager in overseeing change controls, risk and issue registers, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting on project progress.
  • Knowledge Building and Sharing: Supporting the organization, facilitation, and delivery of training and learning sessions on civil engineering-related topics. Participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering, or related fields with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with no prior experience is acceptable. A recognized professional certification or membership in a civil engineering association, at the national or international level, is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of civil engineering principles and practices, as well as familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering, or related fields. A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the aforementioned fields is acceptable if the candidate has no prior experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in civil engineering principles, construction management, and relevant technical skills necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in civil engineering, structural works, construction technology, construction supervision, and monitoring, or related areas. Candidates with experience working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations in a developing country are preferred. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is also desired, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of the role and the environment in which UNOPS operates.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at an intermediate level is required, while fluency in Arabic is also mandatory. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders, project teams, and local communities, ensuring that all parties are aligned and informed throughout the project lifecycle. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Associate level role (ICS 08) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) as a Specialist on a retainer basis. The contract duration is for one year, encompassing 180 working days for the entire period. UNOPS emphasizes a commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from a wide range of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with these standards. Candidates should be aware that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and that applications must be submitted before the specified deadline to be considered.
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