Civil Engineer / Architect

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase. Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners. In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners. More information: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en

Task Description

• Lead the planning, design review, and implementation of civil, architectural, and infrastructure construction projects across multiple field locations in Beni, DRC. • Provide technical oversight throughout the full project lifecycle, including feasibility assessments, design validation, procurement documentation, construction supervision, and project close-out. • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and ensure effective allocation of tasks, monitoring technical performance and delivery timelines. • Review engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and tender documentation. • Prepare and review structural calculations and technical specifications for reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, timber and underground structures, ensuring compliance with applicable engineering standards and codes. • Supervise contractors and consultants during project implementation, ensuring adherence to approved designs, contractual requirements. • Establish and monitor quality assurance and quality control procedures, including site inspections. • Conduct preliminary site investigations and surveys, including assessment of soil conditions, drainage systems, existing infrastructure and other technical parameters required for project planning and implementation. • Conduct environmental and engineering risk assessments, including baseline studies. • Prepare material specifications and support inventory planning to ensure adequate availability of construction materials and technical supplies. • Ensure compliance with environmental safeguards and sustainability principles in infrastructure development, including site drainage, building materials standards, structural safety compliance, and construction waste management. • Perform other related duties as required in support of engineering operations and mission objectives. • Support procurement and contract management processes by preparing technical inputs, cost estimates, and evaluation documentation. • Monitor project progress, review contractor submissions, and verify interim payment certificates, variations, and completion documentation. • Maintain comprehensive engineering records including inspection reports, test results, as-built drawings, and technical correspondence. • Contribute to technical reporting, performance monitoring, and results-based management frameworks for infrastructure and environmental programmes. • Provide technical guidance and capacity building to junior engineers, technical staff, and implementing partners. • Brief senior management on engineering progress, operational risks, environmental compliance issues, and recommended corrective actions.

Competencies and values

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialization; ability to apply sound judgement, exercise discretion, and work independently in a politically sensitive environment; strong client orientation and commitment to impartiality and confidentiality. Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. Accountability: takes ownership of responsibilities and delivers outputs in compliance with organizational rules, regulations and ethical standards. Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Commitment to continuous learning: demonstrates initiative and willingness to continuously develop professional knowledge and adapt to changing operational environments. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns, but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa which is now considered a family duty station. Beni is a non-family duty station. In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani). In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.