Senior Structural Engineer at UNOPS

Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5302/29700

Purpose and Scope of the Project

• In this assignment, UNOPS is providing support to the Government of Nigeria to see that the NEWMAP-EIB project is implemented in line with EIB requirements and standards. 
• UNOPS will provide the Promoter, notably the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and Project Implementation Units (PIUs) at the State level, with project advice on project and subproject preparation and implementation support, to ensure that the components financed by the EIB are implemented in line with the EIB standards. 
• UNOPS support is structured around the following four areas of assistance:
  • Review of project documents (that are submitted by the Promoter for the purpose of either requesting clearance or required under its Financing Agreement with the EIB) to support compliance with EIB procurement and Environmental and Social Standards and Infrastructure lifecycle management alignment with international good practices.
  • Monitoring of Project Sites/ Schemes/ Subprojects funded through the EIB loan to monitor the progress of the implementation, verify works on ground against approved plans, identify areas of concern (if any) and report accordingly (approximately  60 site visits)
  • Undertake half-yearly Implementation Support Missions (ISM), jointly with EIB as necessary (approximately 12 site visits). 
  • Provide Capacity Strengthening  to the Promoter where necessary and feasible, including in areas like finance and project management
• The existing FPMU and SPIU Infrastructure/Engineering structure is set up to provide quality control and assurance throughout the infrastructure life cycle. SPIUs develop the project designs supported by suitably procured Design Consultants. 
• This design is then subject to Quality Assurance (QA) at the FPMU level supported by Federal Quality Control Design Engineering consultants. 
• This QA service extends to the Construction stage as well through Construction Supervision Consultant who provide updates through monthly progress reports. FPMU then deploys a number of tools including templates and checklists to monitor the effectiveness of this process. 
• UNOPS therefore in an advisory capacity will provide guidance on international good practice  in Infrastructure lifecycle management (as per bullet points below), while the overall responsibility for quality management remains with FPMU.  
• UNOPS in its advisory capacity will provide guidance on international good practices for ToRs for the procurement of the Engineering services; and tools including templates for monitoring the Infrastructure lifecycle from Design to Construction and handover  for FPMUs consideration 
• UNOPS will monitor progress through scheduled quarterly, interim support missions and adhoc site visits as required.  
• Provide capacity strengthening  based on the outcome of the needs assessment.

The Position

• The Senior Structural Engineer  is considered a valuable asset to the UNOPS team in Nigeria with regards to the Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) which aims at addressing the menace of gully erosion and other forms of land degradation in targeted watersheds in Nigeria. The objective is to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds. The World Bank has been funding NEWMAP since September 2013 and worked on putting in place the necessary structure to ensure implementation and sustainability. Funding from the World Bank has ended and the project has been closed since 30th June, 2022. The EIB loan, under the project name “Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion & Watershed project” represents a scale-up phase. 
• The Senior Structural Engineer is part of the Infrastructure/ Engineering Team, reporting to the Senior Project Manager in Nigeria. The Senior Structural Engineer engages in the day-to-day operations of the project and holds relevant functional technical engagements.  The Senior Structural Engineer is required to have extensive and varied design and construction experience. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organization's performance and delivery goals.
• The Senior Structural Engineer will give his/her technical expertise to advise on Structural Engineering design and construction approaches that align with international good practice. He/She will also participate in site monitoring and implementation support missions to provide opinions and suggestions for consideration by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and EIB. Adopting a delivery approach that is evidence-based, embeds sustainability,  and mainstreams gender, to ensure people are connected and are able to access basic services. The Senior Structural Engineer will also be required to respond to other related tasks that will be assigned in response to the Project needs
• She/He will be requested to work from their duty station and be prepared to travel to any site in or around Nigeria as required and as United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) permits.

Functional Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Program for the West Africa Multy-Coutry Office (WAMCO) the Senior Structural Engineer will be responsible for the following substantive tasks involving the following but not limited to:

• Advise on alignment with international good practice 
• Site Monitoring and implementation support missions
• Capacity Strengthening 
• Reporting
• Knowledge sharing.

Advise on alignment with international good practice:

• Working closely with the UNOPS Senior Project Manager to provide Engineering advise on the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing an integrated project design
• Advise on  good practice in structural design development and review procedures in accordance with UNOPS, local and international standards
• Advise on adopting context appropriate technology/techniques and how to  embed sustainable solutions as well as whole life-costing in the design development process
• Advise on the use of Structural Engineering software solutions in design development 
• Advise on completeness of Technical structural engineering documents for procurement 
• Advise on highest standards of archiving project Engineering products including all design documentation, memos and instructions in correct format and in line with approved archiving procedures.

Site Monitoring and implementation support missions:

• Advise on site monitoring methodologies and participate in site monitoring visits in order to check progress on approved plans and on adherence to Quality Management Plans and Health, Safety, Social and Environmental requirements.
• Advise on approaches for testing and commissioning prior to handover and acceptance of deliverable to Client.
• Advise on completeness of  handover documentation, including  as-built drawings 
• Input into the Site  Monitoring Methodology including checklists, questionnaire, reporting format, etc. and include in the PIM
• Input into a semi-annual / annual Site Monitoring missions Plan in consultation with the respective SPIUs, FPMU, and the EIB
• Conduct site  monitoring as per the plan, prepare report with observations and suggestions and submit
• Follow-on on the effectiveness of the implemented suggestions, learn and improve accordingly. 
• Identify the need for improving the  methodology or plan, and adjust accordingly.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Provide training and knowledge transfer to the Engineering personnel as per needs assessment 
• Continually identify the need for capacity strengthening  (if any) during implementation and plan and agree accordingly with the Senior Project Manager and all stakeholders.

Reporting:

• Timely delivery of the expected output and identification of risk of delay and development of mitigation measures
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of implementation plan progress 
• Advise on report, summarizing progress of task, risk, issues and any other pertinent facts as required
• Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Senior Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.

Knowledge sharing:

• Contribute to the project evaluation process; highlight challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

Impact of Results: 

• The hub has consistent messaging across multiple platforms regarding our projects and operations.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in Civil / Structural Engineering or a related field is required.
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Civil/Structural Engineering or a related field in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree requirement.                              

Work Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years relevant experience in Infrastructure development with a focus on structural design and construction of similar projects is required
• The minimum required years of experience must include at least two (2) years past experience in Capacity strengthening. 
• Past experience working with Government institutions and/or donor-funded projects is desirable
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage
• Experience in Design development and  Management, Construction implementation, Construction Supervision, and Contract Administration is desirable.
• Experience in Quality Management, Health and Safety Management, Environmental and Social Management is desirable.
• Multi-disciplinary planning experience is desirable.
• Work experience in Subsaharan Africa is a great asset.

Certifications:

• Professional certification with a Recognized Engineering Professional  Body with a valid license to practice is desirable.

Language requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Working knowledge of French is desirable.

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. (Applicable only for levels ICS-10 and above)
• 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.