Lead Construction Management Engineer

Multiple locations

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Engineering
    • Architecture, Building and Property Management
    • Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: 2025-09-23

Job categories Engineering
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5416/30705
Level ICS-10
Department/office LCR, ICMCO, Costa Rica
Duty station Multiple
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-2
Duration Ongoing ICA –subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Application period 09-Sep-2025 to 23-Sep-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Lead Construction Management Engineer will provide technical services in all infrastructure activities.

1. Technical Support
  • Facilitate the planning and implementation of infrastructure activities

  • Assist the project manager with site investigations including following up topographic survey, geotechnical investigation, site assessments, reviewing the reports of the site investigation  well as all work conducted by project contractors and consultants

2. General Construction
  • Provide technical assistant to the Senior Project Manager to monitor UNOPS implementation plan including quality, Health, Safety, Social and Environment

  • Supervise contractors and consultants to manage plan and coordinate daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly activities including monitoring site safety and construction quality

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
  • Understand the scope of work and specification of each contractor

  • Support the Senior Project Manager in the implementation of quality plans for the project to ensure specified quality of work is achieved

  • Administer the contracts and supervise project activities to ensure all works conform with the approved design documents, specifications, and implementation schedules.

4. Reporting
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of  site progress, work conditions, challenges encountered, and corrective actions taken, in coordination with relevant site personnel and contractors.

  • Prepare and submit to the Senior Project Manager reports of contractor activities, quality control issues, resourcing and scheduling issues, and any other pertinent information as required

5. Knowledge Sharing
  • Participate in project evaluation process, highlighting challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle

  • Provide training and knowledge transfer to national &/ or contractor personnel including advice on good construction practices, environmental management practices and appropriate health and safety standards and contribute to documentation of lessons learned.


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 
  • A Master’s degree preferable in civil engineering, construction management, project management, or related field 
  • A Bachelor’s degree preferable in civil engineering, construction management, or related field in combination with relevant years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.
  • Project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMI) would be an asset
***Please upload your academic diplomas or academic certifications to your application***

b. Work Experience 
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience (or more based on academic merits) in construction management or engineering of complex infrastructure projects is required. 
  • Experience with infrastructure design and project management is required.
  • Experience with infrastructure bidding processes is required.
  • Experience with healthcare facilities and/or prison projects is an asset.
  • Experience in developing countries or post-conflict environments is an asset.
  • Experience in small island developing states (SIDS) is an asset.
  • Experience working on infrastructure projects within the Caribbean region is an asset.
  • Knowledge of FIDIC contracts is an asset.
  • Autocad or other technical proficiency is an asset.
c. Language Requirements 

  • Full knowledge of the English language is required.
  • Fluency in Spanish is an asset.
  • Fluency in French is an asset.
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.
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