Lead Geotechnical Engineer, Multiple positions
Addis Ababa
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: Addis Ababa
- Grade: Mid level - LICA-10, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Engineering
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: 2025-07-02
Job categories Engineering
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5333/30346
Department/office AFR, HAMCO, Horn of Africa MCO
Duty station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract type Local ICA Specialist
Contract level LICA Specialist-10
Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'
Application period 24-Jun-2025 to 02-Jul-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Functional Responsibilities
UNOPS-HAMCO undertakes a number of infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti. The purpose of this role would be to provide advice where these projects require specialist geotechnical input.
The Lead Geotechnical Engineer- Retainer will be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries under HAMCO as required and as UNDSS permits. The incumbent shall be responsible for accuracy, interpretation, analysis of all data received and for reporting on conclusions and recommendations reached. The scope of work to be carried by the incumbent shall broadly include but not limited to the functions detailed below:
Technical tasks: (a) Desk Study
- Analyze data from site investigations (boreholes, test pits, lab results).
- Design soil protection systems, temporary and permanent shoring, retaining walls, and ground improvement methods.
- Prepare and review geotechnical reports (factual and interpretive).
- Perform geotechnical modeling and calculations using specialized software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, SAFE).
- Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for various scopes of site geotechnical investigations, including preliminary and detailed investigation phases.
- Coordinate with structural, civil, and environmental teams to integrate geotechnical recommendations.
- Prepare technical specifications, BOQs, and inputs for tender documents.
- Review and comment on contractor submittals related to geotechnical aspects.
- Plan and execute geotechnical investigations to assess the suitability of materials and subsurface conditions for various civil and structural projects.
- Guide geotechnical investigation contractors both on site and in laboratory settings to ensure proper methodologies and adherence to quality standards.
- Supervise and monitor geotechnical field investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing activities.
- Review and interpret field and laboratory test results to inform technical recommendations for the design of civil and structural works.
- Analyze raw geotechnical data using specialized software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio) to perform engineering analyses including slope stability, bearing capacity, and settlement assessments.
- Provide technical recommendations on soil stabilization, earth retention systems, shoring, dewatering, and ground improvement techniques.
- Inspect and verify the implementation of excavation works, dewatering systems, and slope stabilization measures.
- Prepare site inspection and supervision reports
- Identify and report unforeseen or adverse ground conditions and recommend mitigation measures.
- Provide technical support, training, and capacity building to project teams on geotechnical issues as required.
- Contribute to knowledge sharing, including lessons learned and best practices in geotechnical engineering for future development and planning.
Impact of Results
- Optimized geotechnical engineering of civil and structural works.
- High quality reporting.
- Improved staff capacity
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Certification:
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar discipline, is required
- University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) in any of the above disciplines with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of the educational requirement outlined above.
- Practicing professional geotechnical engineer licence (PPGE) is required
Certification:
- Strong computer skills and advanced working knowledge of google forms are considered an asset.
- Proficiency in specialized geotechnical softwares such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, and SAFE is highly desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 (five) years of experience in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar technical disciplines is required.
- At least 3 (three) years of specific experience in Geotechnical engineering, or Materials Science or Materials Engineering field is required
- Experience of working in UN is an asset.
- Fluency in oral, reading and written English is required.
- Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered 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.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.