Construction Management Associate Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, established in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. With a workforce of more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in North, West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, the office aims to advance national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The office promotes excellence in project delivery, fosters knowledge sharing, and drives continuous improvement to contribute to sustainable infrastructure and better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Associate Construction Management Engineer plays a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of infrastructure projects. This position is essential for ensuring that construction activities are executed in accordance with design specifications, quality standards, timelines, and safety requirements. The incumbent will provide on-site technical oversight, manage contractors, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure effective reporting and documentation that complies with UNOPS and donor/partner standards. The role is pivotal in driving impactful infrastructure projects that enhance community resilience and promote sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Construction Management Engineer include providing technical assistance and construction oversight by contributing inputs on project work plans, drawings, and specifications during the design and procurement stages. The engineer will monitor on-site construction activities to ensure compliance with design standards, technical specifications, and contractual obligations. Conducting quality inspections, verifying material compliance, and monitoring safety and environmental standards in line with UNOPS health, safety, social, and environmental (HSSE) requirements are also key responsibilities. The engineer will support the resolution of technical and operational issues in coordination with contractors and the project manager, verify contractor progress, prepare and review Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), and ensure accurate documentation for disbursement. Additionally, the engineer will review variation orders and cost claims, support the timely delivery of site progress reports, and maintain regular coordination with end-users, contractors, consultants, and local authorities to ensure smooth project implementation. The role also involves monitoring progress, reporting deviations against approved schedules, assisting in preparing technical and progress reports, and supporting project administration, procurement, and logistics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related disciplines with 2 years of relevant experience. A recognized professional certification or membership in a civil, structural, or construction engineering association at the national or international level is desirable. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools such as MS Office and G-Suite is required, along with experience in quality control, monitoring, and reporting within construction projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a secondary school diploma with extensive relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Candidates with additional certifications or memberships in relevant professional associations are preferred, as these qualifications enhance the candidate's profile and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

Experience:
Relevant experience for this position includes work in building construction, site supervision, or infrastructure project management. Candidates should have experience in quality control, monitoring, and reporting within construction projects. Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, as is experience in development or humanitarian contexts. Familiarity with project documentation, report writing, and technical communication is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required, while proficiency in English at an intermediate level is desirable. This language requirement ensures effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners, facilitating smoother project execution and collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate seniority level (ICS 06) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract duration is ongoing, and applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards.