Design Engineer, Central African Republic-Job Ref. CAR/MINUSCA/2705/2508

Mission and objectives

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized in April 2014 the deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation, MINUSCA, with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority. Its other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. The newly established mission subsumed the UN Integrated Peace building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA). MINUSCA current uniformed personnel levels stand at 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, and are tasked with the strategic objective of creating the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to sustainably reducing the presence of — and threat posed by — armed groups. See http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.

Context

The assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July – 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the mission including in remote locations.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer, Chief Resource Management Unit and Chief of Planning and Design Unit the UN Volunteer Engineer is responsible for the following duties: o Preparation of plans, layouts, cross sections and detail design drawings under the guidance of the Chief of the Planning and Design Unit using AUTOCAD Software.

o Development or assisting in developing Structural & Building design of foundations of low-rise buildings, such as single or double story buildings, offices, warehouses.

o Possession of sound knowledge in infrastructure such as culverts, bridges etc. and the ability to review the drawings of said structures.

o Preparation of Bill of Quantities (BoQs) for projects,

o Preparation of Gantt Charts using Microsoft Project.

o Good knowledge of civil engineering specifications and the ability to draft specifications for civil engineering works.

o Knowledge of different types of construction contracts and contract administration.

o On-site management and administration of contractors, including interacting with Procurement, Asset Management, and other units and sections as required.

o The ability to track project costs and prepare reports accordingly.

o The preparation of weekly and monthly reports.

o Supervise on-going projects and site management from the onset of a project till completion and prepare all required handing over documents and data.

o The ability to provide engineering solutions on site engineering problems.

o Preparation of site reports and materials take off quantities, as well as verification on site for the quantity of work already performed, whether by its own staff or contractors.

o Implementation of Quality control and assurance during implementation of the daily work with emphasis on safety at the working sites.

o Perform any other duties related to the above as assigned by the Chief Engineer of any delegated responsible,

Results/Expected Outputs: o Preparation of high-quality AutoCAD Drawings, layouts, plans

o Provision of designs and calculations in accordance with specified international standards

o Preparation of BOQs, Estimates, Project Reports, Weekly and Monthly Reports of projects on a timely basis

o Assisting in project planning and preparation of specifications for outsourcing of projects.

o Carrying out necessary site visits within mission area to produce Site reports, take off quantities of materials and measure the quantity of work already performed, by in-house sources or contractors.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

5 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering from a recognized university.

Competencies and values

•  Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.
•  Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
•  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender
•  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
•  Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary.
•  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

Skills and experience

5 years of experience in planning and design work after the completion of the degree that involves skills in structural design, drafting and detailing of drawings. The candidate should also have good experience in the preparation of BOQ, contract documentation and technical specifications.

The incumbent shall also be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports MINUSCA with professionalism, dedication and client orientation and have good PC-based computer skills, including Microsoft applications (in particular Word, Excel, MS Projects, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software packages; knowledge and practicing In Auto-CAD is an advantage; scheduling software, mapping, and other engineering design software; knowledge of UMOJA Inventory Management System is also an advantage and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft reports in a concise manner.

Area(s) of expertise

Engineering and construction , Logistics and Inventory

Driving license

4×4 Required

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is between 3 and 5, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 6 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of very bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having all variety of food and appliances are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA Guest House in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 500 USD for a small apartment with no furniture, no power generator and no running water, to 2,000 USD with all commodities.

A UN Dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well. Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

How to apply

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