Civil Engineer

Mission and objectivesUnder Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes: (a) Protection of civilians (b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance (c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process (d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers. Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.

ContextThe Engineering Section provides mission-wide operational support in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Reports directly to the Chief of the Engineering Operation Unit, Engineering HQ in Tomping, where the incumbent will oversee all civil engineering related activities.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Chief, Engineering Operations Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Applying of commonly used engineering calculations, practices and precedents in completing portions of larger projects related to the design, construction, or repair of buildings, roads, bridges, airfields, helipads, railways, docks, waste disposal systems, and other related structures and activities in the field. • Planning and designs specifications for projects. • Preparing BOQ, cost estimates, drawings, Statement of Works (SOW), technical specifications and bidding documents for both in-house/outsourced Mission engineering project. • Undertaking frequent site visits to monitor the project activities and advise on technical matters. • Conducting Technical Evaluations of Bids and preparing Technical Evaluation Reports for projects. • Developing technical data regarding materials, sizes, dimensions, and quantities and costs to be incorporated in formal specifications. • Preparing cost estimates of repairs of damaged buildings, facilities and systems to determine feasibility of repairs or replacement. • Liaise with other engineers and Mission specialists responsible for related specialized phases to arrive at mutually satisfactory approaches to problems by exchanging and comparing data. • Conducting investigations to develop improved designs and construction techniques. • Preparing and producing cost data and estimates on engineering-related requirements of current and planned field missions. • Analyzing project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and that project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources. • Identifying all routine engineering operational requirements within Engineering Section; preparing; implementing; and controlling appropriate methods to cater for them, ensuring optimal utilization of available resources in order to provide engineering project management support to Mission clients and Field Locations. • Monitoring, reviewing and coordinating project design and construction in Engineering Operations and work with Field Engineers in Project Management and reporting of all on-going Mission Priority Projects within the Mission. • Maintaining accurate project records and files. • Traveling to various locations in the area of operations to plan and monitor road work maintenance and repairs. • Drafting engineering drawings using AutoCAD and conducting structural analysis and designing using engineering software such as ETABS, SAFE, or similar applications. • Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as instructed by the line manager when and as required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and actively participating in UNV activities (for instance, events marking International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action they undertake, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote capacity development activities and transfer of skills to national personnel during the assignment; • Promote or advise local groups in online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible. • Can perform the UN protocol on environmental health and safety in the workplace and camp.

Competencies and values• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply sound judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept broad responsibilities and 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. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to comply with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • 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 operate effectively across organizational boundaries; 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 the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; 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 the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary. • Genuine commitment towards voluntary engagement principles, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, self-reliance, and dedication towards the UN's core values.

Living conditions and remarksLiving conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict. Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.