Electrical Engineer (Retainer) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Electrical Engineer (Retainer)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/29798
Department/office	AFR, ETMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Port Sudan with travel to project sites, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-9
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-Electrical Engineer  (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 Electrical Engineer, in collaboration with the Infrastructure Project Manager, is responsible for conducting site assessments, preparing design briefs, developing electrical design concepts, creating electrical drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities, and coordinating with other disciplines. Additionally, they will compile design documents for IPMG reviews, make necessary corrections based on review comments, and ensure a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and roles of all partners and stakeholders. This is to ensure that the project outputs meet the business cases for both UNOPS and its partners. The success of the project, and therefore the Electrical Engineer’s success, will be based on the defined Success Criteria.

The purpose of this assignment is to design electrical systems for infrastructure facilities, including lighting, power, PV solar, ICT, security, earthing, and pumping systems. These designs must align with UNOPS guidelines, the National Building Code, relevant government standards, and international best practices for buildings and other infrastructure projects, ensuring quality throughout their implementation.

 Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Infrastructure Team Lead, the Electrical Engineer will be responsible for the following tasks:

Feasibility/Need Assessment

• Plan and coordinate work activities with the Project Manager or Infrastructure Team Lead.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and updating of the project plans and strategies to ensure delivery is within scope, budget, and time.
• Support needs assessments that include data collection, meetings with stakeholders, preliminary assessment of infrastructure facilities, and preparation of assessment reports.
• Manage the review of requests for new construction and rehabilitation works specific to electrical items related to power, lighting systems, earthing systems, data systems, PV solar systems, and safety requirements.
• Carry out assessments and prepare reports with recommendations for follow-up actions within their area of expertise.
• In coordination with other local construction supervisors, assess the electrical system of existing facilities, identify electricity-related problems, and suggest appropriate solutions in consultation with the designated Project Engineer.

Design Management

• Prepare the electrical design for infrastructure facilities, including lighting systems, power socket systems, ICT systems, CCTV, pumping systems, firefighting systems, and fire alarm systems in accordance with UNOPS standards, local and international codes.
• Develop electrical design drawings using AutoCAD software as per UNOPS standards.
• Assist in the implementation of Environmental and Health & Safety measures at project sites and ensure ESMP recommendations are considered in the electrical design documentation.
• Assist in the preparation of Scopes of Work for tender evaluations, selection, and supervision of building contractors for specified project work.

Security Compliance

• The incumbent is responsible for abiding by security policies, administrative instructions, plans, and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Construction/Rehabilitation Stage

• Assist in the oversight of the implementation of works for specific projects and monitor the progress of mechanical, electrical, and electricity-related works according to contract schedules, specifications, and project plans.
• Support the Infrastructure Team by reviewing the documentation related to the contractor’s workforce, weather conditions, progress of work, and any other relevant information that links directly to the electricity network works.
• Support the Infrastructure Team by reviewing the measurements of electrical site works in support of contractor payment requests.
• Prepare progress reports on construction activities and submit them on a weekly basis to the supervisor.
• Support the Infrastructure Team by ensuring the strict implementation of quality control standards and procedures on the sites, and report regularly to the supervisor.
• Support the Project Team in monitoring and recording appropriate field data to validate contractors’ compliance with cross-cutting issues (gender, environment, sustainability, health and safety on site, etc.) as stipulated in the contract and detailed in the construction work programme.

Knowledge Management

• Support training and technology transfer to national personnel and contractors’ personnel, and advise 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 Electrical Engineer directly contributes to the success of the projects, enhancing the visibility and reputation of UNOPS as a reliable service provider in project management. This achievement leads to improved efficiency in the delivery of infrastructure projects, with high-quality design drawings and reports produced in alignment with project goals and standards, and strengthened staff capacity.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An Advanced University (Master’s) Degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant field, combined with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• License/Board Certification in Engineering is desirable.

Work Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience in electrical engineering, with a focus on MEP systems for various types of projects, is required, particularly in conducting project feasibility studies and assessments related to the power and electrical aspects of projects. Additional experience may be considered based on academic credentials.
• Experience in project monitoring, reporting, and coordination, particularly with successful working relationships with governments and developing partners, is an asset.
• Proficiency with computers, particularly AutoCAD and other related software relevant to the position’s field of expertise, is desirable.

Language

• Fluency in spoken and written 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

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
2. Contract level: LICA-9 (ICS9)
3. 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.