Surveyor Officer (Retainer) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Surveyor Officer (Retainer)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/29807
Department/office	AFR, HAMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Port Sudan with travel to project sites, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-8
Duration	One year, not more than 180 days
Application period	26-Feb-2025 to 02-Mar-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position through a Desk Review process- Surveyor- (Retainer) based in Port Sudan, Sudan with with travel to project sites

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

The Surveyor Officer, in collaboration with the Infrastructure Project Manager, is responsible for conducting topographic surveys, developing topographic maps, and creating land profiles. This includes determining the coordinates of facilities, establishing benchmarks, and defining alignments and references. The Surveyor Officer will also coordinate with other disciplines to ensure the smooth execution of the project. A thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and roles of all involved stakeholders is essential to ensure that the project’s outcomes align with the business objectives of both UNOPS and its partners. The success of the project—and the Surveyor Officer’s role—will be measured according to the defined Success Criteria.

 Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Infrastructure Team Leader, the Surveyor Officer shall perform duties including, but not limited to:

• Contribute to gathering existing topographical data, including levels, dimensions, access roads, drainage structures, buildings, fences, and any other features within the premises of the infrastructure projects.
• Prepare the site boundary layout plan, indicating at least two benchmarks. The name, ID number, and location of the reference benchmark should be provided in the survey report.
• Develop a topographic map that shows contours at 0.25-meter intervals, considering a 5-meter grid, the exact area of the surveyed site, and the actual length of each side of the plot.
• Check and ensure quality control of topographic survey work based on the specifications and requirements outlined in the surveying services scope of work.
• Perform visual inspections on the site to note and mark features, including existing buildings and other structures within the project site.
• Assist in capturing topographic features in the study area, which must include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • All existing buildings and other structures, with proper shape, number of floors, and height.
  • Location and diameter of significant trees.
  • Electric poles, tube wells, and utilities such as water, drainage, and sewage disposal within the site.
  • Adjacent roads, with their width, alignment, and elevations.
• Provide assistance to the UNOPS technical team, particularly regarding site data and information for design/works, architectural designs, and selection of materials, equipment, and manpower requirements.
• Attend coordination meetings when required.
• Actively engage in knowledge sharing and work on improving professional skills.

Technical Tasks:

• Produce a topographic map with contours at 0.25-meter intervals, considering a 5-meter grid, benchmarks, references, existing physical features and structures, fences, access roads, and boundaries. Provide a soft copy of the coordinates of points on which the contour map is based.
• Review the accuracy of the topographic survey and site information, ensuring it meets the specifications and international standards for the proposed projects.
• Ensure that the topographic map and site information are completed according to instructions, project design briefs, and technical specifications as per the contractual agreement.

Impacts of results

The successful achievement of results will improve efficiency in the delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring high-quality design drawings and reporting. Additionally, it will enhance staff capacity, contributing to overall project success.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying, Surveying or a related field is required.
• Alternatively, a Technical Diploma in Land Surveying, Surveying or a related field, combined with four (4) years of relevant experience, may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in preparing topographic maps using Theodolites, total station, and leveling instruments is required.
• Candidates may be required to submit land survey results using AutoCAD (current version).
• Submission of topographic maps for two different sites conducted within the past three years may be requested by UNOPS.
• At least 1 year of experience in quality control for topographic survey work is required.
• At least 1 year of experience and working knowledge in AutoCAD is required.

Language

• Fluency in both spoken and written English is required.
• Knowledge of an additional 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-8 (ICS8)
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.