Civil Engineer (UNOPS internal candidates ONLY)

Phillipsburg

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Phillipsburg
Grade: Junior level - IICA-1, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Engineering
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: 2025-09-01

Job categories Engineering

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5416/30647

Level ICS-9

Department/office LCR, ICMCO, Costa Rica

Duty station Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-1

Duration Ongoing ICA –subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Application period 26-Aug-2025 to 01-Sep-2025

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

Functional Responsibilities

In the project team, the Civil Engineer may supervise a diverse results-oriented technical team. He/she could also provide guidance to other team members ensuring knowledge transfer for capacity building. The Civil Engineer will perform his/her duties at the construction site and will be supervised by the Lead Engineer. The Civil Engineer will support the Lead Engineer in the day-to-day operations of the project in the aspects of planning and document tracking, construction contract management and works supervision, on-site technical follow-up and preparation of project management documents in the field of contract management. The Civil Engineer is expected to contribute to achieving and exceeding the organization's performance and service objectives.

The Civil Engineer will perform his/her duties under the direct supervision of the Lead Engineer. Among his/her main responsibilities are:

1. Management of design adjustments.

Identify omissions, defects, and opportunities for optimization in the project design.
Prepare and review proposals for design adjustments, in coordination with relevant technical resources (e.g., topography, specialist consultants).

2. General construction

Support the Lead Engineer in controlling, managing, and monitoring the approved construction contract.
Maintain a continuous UNOPS presence on site during construction.

3. Construction supervision

Review the UNOPS Construction Stage Quality Management Plan, recommending improvements as needed.
Develop templates, procedures, and cost estimates to implement the Quality Management Plan within budget.

4. Contract management

Ensure that UNOPS contracts based on those of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) are properly managed.
Under the supervision of the Lead Engineer act as a negotiator between stakeholders to manage and propose solutions within the contractual framework to operational and non-performance issues.

5. Knowledge management

Contribute to the project evaluation process, highlight project related challenges and provide constructive feedback in a continuous cycle of improvement.
Provide training and transfer of technological know-how to national and contractor staff, advice on good construction and environmental management practices, and appropriate health and safety standards during construction.

To access the full list of roles and responsibilities, please download the terms of references attached to the announcement.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master's degree) is required, preferably in one of the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and/or related areas.
A university degree (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) will be accepted, preferably in one of the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and/or related areas, provided that a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is accredited.

***Please upload your academic diplomas or academic certifications to your application***

b. Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of experience (or more depending on academic credentials) is required, with a proven track record of fulfilling supervisory roles in construction/supervision management and/or contractual management for vertical infrastructure projects.
Experience in complex technical building construction projects of more than 5,000 m² is desirable.
Experience in FIDIC contract management is desirable.
Experience in the role of The Employer, as indicated in the FIDIC contract, is desirable
Experience working in the Caribbean region is highly desirable.

c. Language Requirements

Fluency in English (written, spoken, and read) is required.
Fluency in another UN official language is desirable.

d. Additional Information

This position requires frequent field trips to inspect infrastructure project progress.
This position requires the use of a computer to prepare reports and analyze data using Google tools.
In this position, you will be required to give presentations via videoconference to report on project progress, as necessary.

e. Cover Letter

While your resume shows your skills, experience and training, we are also eager to learn more about your interests and motivations. Therefore, we invite you to upload a cover letter along with your application for the position. Remember to share in the letter your motivation to join the UNOPS team in the advertised position, your interests and skills. Additionally we would like to know your perspective on the UN Values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity. For more information on the UN Values, see the UN Values and Behaviors Framework document.

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.

Apply