General
Description of assignment title: Civil Engineer
Assignment country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Expected start date: 07/01/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: MONUSCO
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Bunia
Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). – http://monusco.unmissions.org.
Context
Assignment is non-family (BUNIA)
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Field Engineering Officer / Chief of Unit person the duties of the Civil Engineer will include but are not limited to the following:
- Preparation of construction projects documents including structural details, sketches, bill of quantities, specifications, cost analysis and cost estimations.
- Managing the whole life cycle of the project from design stage up to finalization of the execution with different stakeholders and clients involved.
- Experience in preparing technical documents for procurement solicitations as per Engineering Section requirements.
- Prepare structural calculations and specifications for aboveground and undergrounds structures in reinforced concrete, steel, wood, masonry and stone;
- Analyzes project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and to ensure that project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources;
- Preparation of monitoring reports and reporting tools of the progress of the construction activities on sites.
- Coordinate the above-mentioned tasks with other works and other engineers included in the project such as electrical engineers, water sanitation, environmental engineers.
- Assist other units such as Operations, Infrastructure, etc. when required and liaise frequently with the Building Maintenance Unit Supervisor
- Conducts preliminary site investigations to obtain field data such as soil characteristics, plot dimensions, existing structures drainage and other data required for building site selection;
- Ensure that the works meet the engineering standards in accordance with international codes and regulations and internal SOPs of the sections
- Ensure that the works meet the environmental procedures within the mission;
- Prepare material specifications for the purpose of raising requisitions of materials; ensure that minimum stock levels are maintained at all times;
- Ensure that quality control procedures are in place during implementation of the works on site.
- When working with national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training;
- Perform other related duties as may be required.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in Development, management and implementation of construction projects.
- Experience in preparation of project documents such as bill of quantities, technical specifications, layouts, cost analysis.
- Experience in managing construction project with different stakeholders
- Experience in basic calculation of underground and above grounds structures.
- Very good computer skills especially for sketching layouts;
- Technological awareness: Experience with MS office software and MS Projects, ability to develop and operate common office management database, engineering and spread sheet applications, CAD software for basic layouts.
- Client orientation: Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement;
- A valid vehicle driving license;
- Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development MS Project, AutoCAD, Office package (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook).
Area(s) of expertise
Engineering and construction , Engineering and construction , Development programmes
Driving license
Yes Required
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Construction projects.
Competencies and values
Client Orientation, Communication, Creativity, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Entebbe which are now considered family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.
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.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy