Job description

This position is located in the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Mogadishu, Somalia. The Chief of Section, Engineering is responsible for providing expert technical advice on technical documents and overall policies, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the mission's engineering activities, taking into account quality management, project management processes, risk management best practices. She/he establishes work requirements and priorities, based on the mission's deployment status and mandate. The Chief of Section, Engineering reports directly to the Chief, Service Delivery Pillar.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Chief of Section, Engineering will be responsible for the following duties: Administration: • Works closely with the Chief, Service Delivery in the development of guidance and procedures for Engineering support. • Prepares the communication management plan, and associated means for the transmittal of engineering-related information, for progress reporting, and special reports for quality, cost or schedule variances, etc. • Responds to both internal and external audit observations and interface with auditors for enhancing and improving the overall management of Engineering tasks and activities in the mission. Planning: • Establishes work requirements and priorities, based on the mission's deployment status and mandate. • Plans, develops and implements the construction of complex and secure construction projects throughout the mission area. • Develops short and long-range plans for the design, procurement of goods/services, construction/commissioning, and operation/maintenance of mission facilities and infrastructure, taking into consideration that missions are typically established in areas with a risk-environment of medium to high threat, and in areas with minimal power, communications, transport and service infrastructure. Mission facilities typically include modularized camps for troops and civilian staff, logistics bases and airbases with all required utility infrastructure for electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Design, construction and maintenance of road infrastructure, for the movement of personnel and goods amongst the mission facilities, are also commonly performed. • Develops annual engineering budgets and associated work schedules, based on engineering resource planning, taking into account all required engineering material needs and selected enabling capacities (e.g. military engineering units, commercial contractors, mission support teams, or mission engineering staffing) for most effective and efficient execution of the engineering work plans. Monitor actual costs and schedule performance against the approved budget and baseline schedules. • Prepares the mission's engineering staffing management plan, and acquire, develop and manage all engineering staff members in support of engineering work plans. Implementation: • Provides expert technical advice on technical documents and overall policies, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the mission's engineering activities, taking into account quality management and risk management best practices. • Monitors progress, follows up and reports on key activities such as construction/reconstruction/replacement/maintenance of facilities and infrastructure projects and briefs the DMS and senior mission staff on a regular basis. • Fully supports with limited staffing during the mission start-up and liquidation phases, the site selection/assessment process and asset disposal process, respectively. •Performs other related duties as assigned by the Chief, Service Delivery

.Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

 Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. Building trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear or repercussion. Manages in a deliberate and predictable way. Operates with transparency, has no hidden agenda. Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients. Gives proper credit to others. Follows through on agreed upon actions. Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Skills and qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience with facilities and infrastructure, or similar, in the areas of planning, designing and supervising engineering-related construction/commissioning projects, and managing routine and non-routine maintenance and repairs is required. Seven years of supervisory experience at the international level in project management and contract management for large design/construction projects and facilities maintenance programs is required. Engineering experience working in a United Nations Common System field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping missions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes) or similar international organizations or non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Engineering and facility management experience with any UN supported AU mission, UN-AU hybrid mission or related experience at the international level in a conflict/post conflict is desirable.

How to apply

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/276020?language=en