Background Information - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka UNOPS in Sri Lanka is based in Colombo and is responsible for helping the Government of Sri Lanka and partner organizations deliver social and economic rehabilitation in areas affected by the 2004 tsunami and decades of armed conflict. UNOPS in Sri Lanka helps partners achieve their project goals in sectors including physical infrastructure, the environment and poverty mitigation.
UNOPS has supported Sri Lankaโs development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organizationโs mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability, and accountability of Projects.
UNOPS Sri Lanka facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Currently, UNOPS is conducting about $5 million pharmaceutical procurement to strengthen the Sri Lanka health system and support the people in need.
Background Information - Job-specificUNOPS has signed an MOU with an intergovernmental organization called SACEP (South Asia Cooperative Environment Program). SACEP is implementing the World Bank (WB)--funded Plastic Free Rivers & Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project in South Asia. Following the Agreement, UNOPS should provide implementation support and advice to SACEP in implementing the (PLEASE). In particular, UNOPS is expected to assist the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in implementing a Regional Competitive Block Grant (RBG) under Component 1 of PLEASE.
The Engineer Intern, operating within the implementation team, holds a direct reporting line to the Infrastructure Project Manager and collaborates extensively with the Project Engineer and other team members. This role is primarily dedicated to General Construction Supervision and Management, Reporting & Administrative Support and Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing, focusing efforts on elevating health and safety at construction sites in strict compliance with prevailing regulations. The Senior Assistant supports the process of a comprehensive approach to health, safety, social, and environmental considerations within the project's operational landscape.
Functional ResponsibilitiesFunctional Responsibilities
The Engineer Intern will report directly to the Project Manager and work in full coordination with the Project Engineer and other Project team members. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with all construction management tasks required to ensure timely, cost-effective, safe, and quality delivery of the project. He/she may be required to assist in the following tasks:
General construction Supervision and Management
Assist the Project Engineer in the supervision of the Contractorโs construction activities.
Assist in the preparation of site progress reports including images and videos as required.
Assist in following up project progress versus planned schedule and raise any deviation with supervisors.
Assist the project team in checking the contents of all necessary documentations.
Reporting and Administrative Support
Support to Ensure accurate and timely reporting of progress of works.
Assist in witnessing and recording quality control checks (such as concrete slump test, sampling of cubes, crushing of cubes, spacing/number/size and cover of reinforcement, etc., vibrating of concrete, etc.).
Support the project team in ensuring that works documentation is kept according to the stipulated format.
Support the Project Manager to ensure solid coordination and complementarity between the project team and contractor.
Participate in site coordination meetings with the contractor, project team and other stakeholders as necessary.
Training components and learning elements
a. Education
Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering is required. (If you have not yet received your degree certificate, a confirmation of completion letter from the university will suffice).
The intern should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.b. Work Experience
While no professional experience is required for an internship, experience in the construction industry will be an added advantage.
Multi-tasking, flexibility and attention to details while maintaining a high service level is preferable.
Ability to draft various types of documentation in English is required.
Knowledge and use of drafting skills with AutoCAD software is essential.
Work Experience with an international Organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset.
High proficiency with computers, and other software/ platforms related to the position of expertise and good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is desired.
c. Language
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
Contract type: Internship Contract level: Intern Contract duration: Initially 6 months ;extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx
Additional Information
Female candidates are encouraged to apply. This position is open to Sri Lankan Nationals ONLY.
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.
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. 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.