Structural Design Engineer

Org. Setting and ReportingUNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA's services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The incumbent reports to the Structural Design Lead Engineer. ResponsibilitiesCarries out structural preliminary and detailed design for all UNRWA projects including schools, hospitals, clinics, shelters, rehousing, water tanks, structures for pumping stations and warehouses in accordance with Agency’s needs, policies, design criteria, standards and applicable local and international codes of practice; ensures that structures withstand calculated loads at optimal cost; maintains and applies existing standard details of structural elements utilising relevant software and reviews drawings prepared by Technical Assistants/CAD. Contributes to the tender documents preparation, including specifications to cover special structural design needs; identifies non-standard items, to improve the quality of implemented works, and writes relevant description to be included in the Bill of Quantities (BoQs). Searches and checks properties of materials ensuring their suitability for the design and fitness for purpose and safety; analyses suitable configurations of the basic structural components of a building or other structures; checks and evaluates the geotechnical investigation reports and advises on contents and conclusions related to structural designs; makes recommendation for improvement of relevant standards and procedures. Provides technical advice with regard to the alteration works of the Agency's premises; writes technical reports, particularly on structural aspects and building system inspections, including remediation requirements; uses computer simulations to predict how structures will react under different conditions. Coordinates and liaises with Construction site/Field teams on structural design issues arising during the implementation period; updates all structural designs drawings to incorporate changes included in the as-built drawings as received from the Fields to reflect on ground conditions and involvement; maintain these drawings based on the relevant Technical Instructions and Standards. Discusses and liaises with other designers, to optimise designs in response to structural needs and maintaining structural soundness and integrity at minimum cost, taking into consideration architectural, mechanical, and electrical design requirements with particular attention to constructability. Assists in drafting terms of references for consultants related to structural works and supervising their work to ensure adherence with design criteria, standards, and procedures; provide substantive input on various types of reports including weekly and monthly progress reports and ad-hoc reports. CompetenciesCore Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. i. Creating and Innovating ii. Applying Technical Expertise iii. Relating and Networking iv. Learning and Researching EducationA Bachelor degree from an accredited educational institution in structural or civil engineering. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least four years of relevant work experience is required. At least two years of relevant work experience in planning big projects, with due consideration to foundation works, and assessment of geotechnical reports is required. Experience with structural design software and computer-aided design programmes is required. Candidates are required to make a declaration as to whether they have any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, political organizations, military, or have/are engaged in activities or have made any public statements, that could be seen to impact their neutrality, objectivity or independence in the performance of their duties for the UN / UNRWA. Any declaration will not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration for this post. Knowledge of relevant international codes of practice, standards, and value engineering is desired. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).