Structural Engineer (Retainer) (Kassala) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Structural Engineer (Retainer)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/30781
Department/office	AFR, HAMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Kassala , Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Support
Contract level	LICA Specialist-9
Duration	One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability’
Application period	23-Sep-2025 to 29-Sep-2025

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position –  Structural Engineer (Retainer) based in Kassala, Sudan

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.  

Background Information –  UNOPS HAMCO

Established in 2009, Horn of Africa Multi-Country office (HAMCO) sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4)  Horn of Africa countries  (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others.  

Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through  delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa.

 Project Information:

Kassala Health Citadel is a newly designated tertiary healthcare hub established to provide holistic healthcare services for a population of nearly three million people in Kassala and nearby districts, as well as serving the currently internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees camps in the area. The project is part and parcel of the Agency for Italian Development cooperation (AICS) initiative.

The project is at the fifth phase which is aimed to improve the uptake and quality of health care services as well as to provide a safe environment for patients living with disabilities by improving access to quality health care services as well as for those who are working in the healthcare facilities of the Kassala Health Citadel.

 Functional Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Project Manager of Kassala Health Citadel, the Structural Engineer will undertake, but not limited to, the following tasks/duties:

• Prepare the required structural designs, structural shop drawings, and assess the existing designs and provide the necessary advice of its validity
• Liaison with the design team to ensure the design is made according to the required standards and the planned timeline.
• Liaison with the public agencies – Government, Municipality, etc.. – to obtain the needed approvals and permits for the project development.
• Provide expert opinion/advice to the Project Manager on all structural engineering issues.
• Review the technical quality and completeness of the structural / civil design documentation.
• Provide the required support to the design team to obtain the UNOPS Design Review Certificate(s).
• Assist the Project team in preparation of the bidding documentation for the construction works.
• provide the required guidance, advice, and supervision, if needed, when any design issue arises on site. .
• Prepare quality templates and ensure the monitoring of the quality of the works as per UNOPS Quality Management System. Ensure the materials quality and support/ attend the required inspections before arriving of materials to the site.
• Ensure respect of Health and Safety procedures on the site and report any irregularity
• Provide assistance in the procurement of the relevant required materials by approving the materials before shipping.
• Inspections of the works on site and missing required approvals when needed.
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the above scope of services.

 Impact of Results 

The Structural Engineer directly impacts on achievement of project results by adhering to project management methods and strategies, reducing risks, cutting costs and improving success rates.  This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of  UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:	A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related fields is required. A Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related fields is preferred and may substitute for some of the years of experience.
Experience:	At least four (4) years with BSc or two (2) years with MSc of relevant work experience in civil engineering design is required. Proficiency in design software such as SAFE, E-TABS, STAAD, AutoCAD, and other structural design software is an asset Proven knowledge of large-scale reinforced concrete structural components and relevant constructability issues on construction sites is an advantage.
Language:	Fluency in written, spoken, and reading English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

 Competencies

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 Contract Agreement (LICA) 
Contract level: LICA 9- Specialist (Retainer)
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability’

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. 
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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 is hence 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.