Mission and objectives

UNAMA was established in 2002 as a Political/ Peacebuilding Mission, exceptionally) directed and supported by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).

Context

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is mandated by Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022) which was extended under UN Security Council Resolution 2818 (2026). UNAMA’s original mandate, laid out in UN Security Council Resolution 1401 (March 2002) was to support the implementation of Bonn Agreement (December 2001). This mandate has changed over time to reflect the needs of the country and was last extended on 16 March 2026, by UN Security Council Resolution 2818 (2026). In view of requests from some Member States to review UNAMA’s mandate, the Council opted for a short three‑month extension to allow sufficient time for further discussions ahead of a decision by 17 June.

Task Description

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Engineering Section, the Civil Engineer (Design) will perform the following duties: • Apply complex principles, practices and precedents for initiating and completing project design, drawings and specifications related to new construction or repair of buildings, prefabricated structures, other infrastructure, including production of Bill of Quantities in the UNAMA mission area; • Produce Concept design, Final Design report, Drawings and Estimates, the candidate must be proficient on Autocad; • Implement the project, including updating maps and plans; • Execute detailed engineering activities for the construction and renovation of the existing structure/facilities including preparation of design drawings, sections and technical details, integrating environmental initiatives and modern technologies with economic and functional value; • Prepare detailed scopes of work of agreed technical options, technical specifications, Bill of Quantities, cost estimates, and bid documents; • Furnish the detailed construction drawings as necessary during continuance of the contract; • Supervise and monitor construction work for achieving the expected outputs of the project; • Record the work measurement and certify the contractor’s interim and final bill of payment; • Assist for resolution of all contractual issues, including examining the contractor’s claims for variations/ extensions, additional compensations, etc., and prepare recommendations for approval by the Client • Assist to prepare technical evaluation of the projects;

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The single unit accommodation in UNOCA and other field locations are fully furnished; this includes, furniture, washing machine dryer, hot plate, iron and iron stand, microwave, plates, cups, spoons, cooking utensils, electric kettle. Bedsheets and pillow covers are also provided. Inside the UNOCA compound are four cafeterias, a restaurant, a Supermarket and 3 small shops which provide a variety of groceries, fresh vegetables, imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is also a social centre and a gym within the same compound. The Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own towel and other personal accessories including toiletries and medicines which they may not find easily within the supermarkets inside the UNOCA Compound. Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex, and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics (when and if needed).