Field Engineer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Field Engineer
Location: Bangui
Country: Central African Republic
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Established in April 2014, MINUSCA was authorized by the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council to address the security, humanitarian, human rights, and political crises in the Central African Republic. The mission's primary objective is the protection of civilians, alongside supporting the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promoting and protecting human rights, and supporting justice and the rule of law. The mission has a significant presence with approximately 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, all working towards creating political, security, and institutional conditions that sustainably reduce the threat posed by armed groups. The mission also integrates the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Field Engineer will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Engineer or the Engineering Regional Support Office. This role involves a variety of engineering tasks, including the structural and building design of medium-sized structures such as offices, warehouses, and retaining walls. The engineer will be responsible for identifying requirements at the prefecture level in collaboration with local authorities, particularly in support of local elections. The position requires interaction with draftsmen to prepare clear sketches for AUTOCAD drawings, as well as the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and Gantt Charts using Microsoft Project. The engineer will draft specifications for civil engineering works and manage on-site contractors, ensuring compliance with procurement and asset management protocols. The role also includes tracking project costs, preparing reports, supervising ongoing projects, and implementing quality control measures. The engineer will be expected to provide engineering solutions on-site for any arising problems and prepare necessary documentation for project handovers. This position emphasizes the importance of capacity development, particularly when working with national staff or local counterparts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Engineer include:

• Structural and building design for medium-sized structures, including offices and warehouses.
• Identifying operational requirements in collaboration with local authorities.
• Preparing clear sketches for AUTOCAD drawings.
• Drafting Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and Gantt Charts.
• Drafting specifications for civil engineering works.
• Managing on-site contractors and ensuring compliance with procurement and asset management.
• Tracking project costs and preparing financial reports.
• Preparing weekly and monthly project reports.
• Supervising ongoing projects from inception to completion. 1
• Providing engineering solutions for on-site problems. 1
• Preparing site reports and verifying quantities of work performed. 1
• Implementing quality control and assurance measures. 1
• Liaising with various units within the Engineering section and Integrated Support Services. 1
• Raising requisitions through proper channels. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the Chief Engineer or delegated authority. 1
• Engaging in training, coaching, and mentoring of national staff and counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Field Engineer position include a strong background in civil engineering, with demonstrated expertise in structural design and project management. Candidates should possess a thorough understanding of construction contracts and contract administration. Proficiency in AUTOCAD and Microsoft Project is essential, along with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports. Candidates must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability, with effective organizational and problem-solving skills. The ability to work independently in a politically sensitive environment while maintaining discretion and impartiality is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Field Engineer position should have a degree in civil engineering or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in project management or construction management are advantageous. A solid understanding of engineering principles and practices, as well as familiarity with UN rules and regulations, is preferred.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in civil engineering, particularly in project management and construction supervision. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN operations and procedures is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French is highly desirable. Additional languages relevant to the region may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a renewable assignment on an annual basis, with a maximum duration of 4 years, contingent upon mission mandate, budget availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The duty station may change based on operational needs, and UN Volunteers may be required to work in remote locations. The Central African Republic is classified as a non-family duty station with a challenging security environment, and personnel must comply with strict security instructions. Living conditions are difficult, with high costs of living and limited access to basic goods and services. Accommodation options are available but can be expensive, and sharing is recommended. A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme is in place, providing periodic breaks for personnel.