Topographical Surveyor (Homebased Retainer), Multiple positions

Remote | Home Based - May require travel

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Remote | Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Junior level - LICA-8, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Meteorology, Geology and Geography
- Architecture, Building and Property Management
- Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
- Documentation and Information Management
Closing Date: 2025-07-01

Job categories Engineering

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5303/30306

Department/office AFR, ESAMCO, East and Southern Africa MCO

Duty station Home based

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-8

Duration One year renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Application period 17-Jun-2025 to 01-Jul-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

The Topographical Surveyor will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Survey Planning and Reconnaissance:

Review background documentation, existing maps, and satellite imagery before mobilization.
Coordinate with Project Managers and Technical Teams to define survey objectives, priorities, and technical requirements.
Prepare and submit a fieldwork plan outlining methods, schedule and risk controls.
Work with Project Managers to secure necessary permits or access permissions.
Conduct initial site inspections to assess terrain features, access constraints, and health and safety risks.

2. Data Acquisition:

Use suitable methods and calibrated equipment to collect accurate data, including:

- Elevation data via Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Total Station, Real-Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS), or equivalent tools
- Horizontal control points for accurate georeferencing
- Legal boundaries, property demarcations, and cadastral features
- Existing structures, infrastructure, and visible or known utilities
- Natural features, vegetation, and watercourses.

Comply with all site safety protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Identify and manage hazards related to terrain, weather, traffic, and utilities

3. Data Processing and Analysis:

Process field data using approved software tools to generate:

- Contour maps at appropriate intervals.
- Horizontal layout plans.
- Longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles.
- Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and 3D terrain visualizations.

Ensure internal quality control and data integrity checks are applied

4. Reporting and Interpretation:

Prepare clear and comprehensive reports including:

- Description of methods, equipment used, and coordinate systems.
- Summary of data accuracy, limitations, and confidence levels.
- Interpretation of findings with design and construction implications.
- Recommendations for follow-up or clarification where needed
- Supporting annexes: photographs, contour maps, layouts, cross-sections, DTMs, 3D models, and any as-built overlays.

5. Data Management and Delivery:

Submit all data and deliverables in accordance with project timelines and formats.
Ensure compatibility with Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms used by the design team.
Maintain an organized archive of raw data, processed files, and field notes.

6. Additional Technical Support:

Provide as-built surveys to verify construction against original designs.
Support construction layout and setting-out tasks when requested.
Assist in cut-and-fill or volume calculations for earthworks when requested.
Contribute to design reviews by providing insights on site-specific topography constraints.

Impact of Results:

The Topographical Surveyor will be expected to provide:

Topo-survey maps, with appropriate scales, projections, and formats.
Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), submitted in the required format and resolution.
Comprehensive survey reports, detailing methodology, findings, and analysis.
As-built Drawings, documenting completed works against surveyed data.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Topographical / Land Surveying or a related field is required.

Experience:

Minimum two (2) years of experience in topographical surveying is required.
Proven experience in using modern surveying equipment and software is required.
The ability to produce clean, digital data information fast and accurately is required.
Detailed knowledge of relevant standards and regulations in Africa is required.

Language:

Fluency in written and oral English is required.
Fluency in French will be an asset.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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