Structural Engineer

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. The MCO addresses development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services, working closely with national governments, UN agencies, and donors to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations aimed at improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

Job Overview:
The Structural Engineer position offers a unique opportunity to apply fundamental structural engineering concepts within a humanitarian and development context, contributing to critical infrastructure projects in Syria. The role involves gathering and analyzing data, supporting project specialists, and ensuring high-quality construction standards, which directly impacts resilience and sustainable recovery efforts. The incumbent will be responsible for applying structural engineering principles to assess, design, review, and implement construction projects, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and requirements. This position is crucial for supporting the Nexus Response Mechanism's objectives in Syria, particularly in the rehabilitation of potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure, which are essential for sustainable recovery and livelihood restoration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Structural Design and Analysis Support: Contribute to the design of structural components and services of projects, including systemic drawings, calculations, reports, and scope of works. Provide structural assessment, design review, and technical support for structures associated with potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure, including pumping station buildings, water storage facilities, foundations, reinforced concrete, and steel structures. Prepare and review design briefs and reports that address specific client and stakeholder requirements. Review design documentation, calculations, specifications, and other project documents to ensure quality and detailing. Conduct research to identify appropriate technologies and techniques for project designs. Perform rudimentary analysis of project parameters related to structural integrity and performance.
• Project Implementation and Quality Assurance: Monitor the implementation phase by following up on relevant tasks, including testing and details of structural deliverables. Conduct structural site inspections and assessments, preparing reports as required. Assist in developing specifications, procedures, and quality assurance protocols. Support the project team in monitoring the delivery of structural design documents and identifying potential delays. Coordinate works and submissions with other disciplines, including Architectural, Design Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors. Prepare inputs for reports and documents for supervisor review, ensuring adherence to UNOPS standards.
• Technical Coordination and Administrative Support: Collaborate with Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, Draftspersons, and Quantity Surveyors in project planning and scheduling. Liaise with national and international clients to address requirements. Assist in managing structural design and engineering-related material archiving. Perform other tasks relevant to the Infrastructure and Engineering Unit as required. Ensure high project design and construction quality, observing local and UN standards and health and safety procedures.

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Civil/Structural Engineering is required, along with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Desired qualifications include Project Management Certificates. Candidates should possess strong technical skills in structural engineering and design, as well as proficiency in relevant software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools. Membership in a recognized professional engineering association is desirable, as is experience working with UN or other humanitarian/development agencies. Previous experience in the Syrian context and targeted areas will be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Civil/Structural Engineering. Additional qualifications such as Project Management Certificates are desired but not mandatory. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, design methodologies, and relevant technical skills necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of practical civil engineering and related experience. Desired experience includes working with UN or other humanitarian/development agencies, as well as familiarity with structural assessment, rehabilitation, design, or supervision of infrastructure projects related to potable water supply and irrigation. Experience using structural analysis and engineering design software is essential, and previous work within the Syrian context is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at an intermediate level is required, while fluency in Arabic is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and project teams in the region.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer, with a contract level of LICA

• The position is classified at the Associate seniority level, and the duration of the contract is one year, comprising 180 working days for the entire period. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on all final candidates to ensure a safe and respectful workplace. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.