Mechanical Engineer Technician – Specialist (Retainer) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS
Job Description
| Organization | United Nations Office for Project Services |
| Job Title | Mechanical Engineer Technician – Specialist (Retainer) |
| Vacancy code | VA/2025/B5312/29797 |
| Department/office | AFR, ETMCO, Sudan |
| Duty station | Port Sudan with travel to project sites, Sudan |
| Contract type | Local ICA Specialist |
| Contract level | LICA Specialist-10 |
| Duration | One year, not more than 180 days |
| Application period | 25-Feb-2025 to 02-Mar-2025 |
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position through a Desk Review process- Mechanical Engineer Technician – Specialist (Retainer) based in Port Sudan, Sudan with with travel to project sitesQualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.
The Mechanical Engineer, together with the Infrastructure Project Manager are responsible for conducting site assessment, preparation of design brief, support projects by providing guidance in the design development of electro-mechanical works to achieve technical objectives. The mechanical works will include community water supply systems and sanitation, pumping systems, generators, plumbing systems and ventilation and air conditioning systems, development of mechanical drawings, specifications and bill of quantities, coordination of other disciplines, compile design documents for IPMG reviews, make corrections of the design documents based review comments after having a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders, to ensure the project(s) outputs are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the partner(s). Success of the project(s) and hence of the Mechanical Engineer will be based on the defined Success Criteria.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Mechanical Engineer Technician – Specialist is responsible for the following duties:
- General Construction
- Feasibility/Needs Assessment
- Design Development
- Construction Supervision
- Knowledge Management
1. General Construction
- Plan and coordinate work activities with the Project Manager or Infrastructure Team Lead.
- Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and updating of project plans and strategies to ensure delivery within scope, budget, and time.
- Provide expert opinion/advice to the Project Manager on all engineering issues, particularly mechanical works, including the design of water supply systems, pumping systems, ventilation and air conditioning systems, plumbing systems, sanitation systems, etc.
- Supervise project work progress and quality to ensure on-time project delivery.
2. Feasibility/Needs Assessment
- Complete needs assessments and manage the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works specific to mechanical items related to power, air conditioning systems, water supply, and sanitation systems.
- Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow-up actions within the area of expertise.
- Draft the tender dossier, with particular focus on technical documents (drawings, BoQs, technical specifications, and standards for electromechanical systems, water supply and sanitation, pumping systems, generators, plumbing systems, etc.).
3. Design Management
- Applying technical expertise and professional experience, the Mechanical Engineer will support projects by providing guidance in the design development of electro-mechanical works to achieve technical objectives. The mechanical works will include community water supply systems, sanitation, pumping systems, generators, plumbing systems, and ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Review mechanical design drawings, technical specifications, and BoQs in terms of accuracy and suitability to overall design requirements. Identify areas where designs do not comply with minimum codes and standards, and provide practical guidance for improvement.
- Outline design requirements (e.g., timeline) to procure design services, including concept, preliminary, and final stages where applicable.
- Prepare mechanical design calculations for projects to be developed by the UNOPS design team in the field offices and within the Hub.
- Prepare mechanical design drawings, specifications, and BoQs for projects by the UNOPS design team in the field offices and within the Hub.
- Support the procurement team with technical guidance in the preparation of tender documentation and bid analysis where required.
4. Supervision
- Provide input on specific mechanical works during construction and/or installation, as per the contractual provisions and design specifications.
- Ensure quantity/quality control and consistency with the time schedule.
- Verify that works are consistent with the project technical specifications and promptly inform of any deviations where required.
- Monitor project work progress and quality to ensure on-time delivery.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety procedures on site and report any irregularities.
5. Knowledge Management
- Provide training and technology transfer to national personnel and contractor personnel, advising on good construction practices, environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during the design development and implementation stages.
- Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.
Impacts of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Mechanical Engineer Technician – Specialist directly impacts the success of the projects, reinforcing the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management. This also strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
| Education | A Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree. |
| Certification | Professional certification in Mechanical Engineering is an asset. |
| Experience | A minimum of five (5) years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with a Master’s Degree, or seven (7) years of relevant mechanical engineering experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is required. Knowledge of community water supply systems, including pumping systems, and heating/cooling systems and experience in the design and installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems is an asset. SkillsCommunity Water Supply System – (Optional)Infrastructure – Health – Hospital – (Optional)Engineering – Development infrastructure sector (Optional)Environment – Green Infrastructure (Optional)Contextual Skills – UN experience (Optional)Engineering – HVAC (Optional) |
| Language | Fluency in written and oral English is requiredKnowledge of another official UN language is an asset. |
Competencies
 | Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. |
 | Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. |
 | Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. |
 | Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). |
 | Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. |
 | Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
 | Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. |
 | Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. |
Contract type, level and duration
- Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
- Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS10)
- Contract duration: One Year (not more than 180 days)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **
Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period of time, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office. Read more about the ICA retainer modality here.
Additional Information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
- This is a local position and hence is open to Sudanese nationals only.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
