Civil Engineer

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

The project was developed following a series of assessments and consultations conducted since 2022 by the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, KOICA, UNOPS, and relevant national and local stakeholders. These assessments identified significant gaps in waste collection, treatment, and final disposal systems in the Uva and Northern Provinces, particularly in Badulla and Vavuniya districts. Both districts were recognized as high-priority areas due to increasing waste generation, limited infrastructure, operational constraints within local authorities, and continued reliance on open dumping practices. The assessments further emphasized the need for an integrated approach that combines infrastructure development, institutional strengthening, and community participation.

Based on these assessments' findings and recommendations, the Government of Sri Lanka and KOICA agreed to develop a dedicated intervention to establish sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) systems in the selected districts. The collaboration was formalized through a Record of Discussion, and UNOPS was engaged to support implementation, drawing on its extensive experience in delivering ISWM and circular economy initiatives in Sri Lanka.

The initial duty station will be Colombo. Upon commencement of the project, the duty station will be relocated to Badulla, the project implementation location.

The Civil Engineer manages and supervises infrastructure works carried out by implementing partners and contractors. The role is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day design, construction and procurement activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The Civil Engineer embeds best practices in technical design and construction management throughout the project lifecycle from planning to handover, while expected to uphold strict compliance with Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) requirements.

The incumbent also demonstrates strong technical expertise, proactive resource management, and the ability to ensure integrity, transparency and effective stakeholder coordination in all civil engineering activities.

Project Management and Coordination

• Plan, supervise and manage the implementation of civil engineering projects from design to completion, ensuring alignment with project requirements, timelines and budgets.
• Support the Project Manager and technical team in planning, scheduling and implementing rehabilitation, construction, and infrastructure activities.
• Assist in the preparation of project plans, schedules, and progress reports, and support project closure activities.
• Liaise with government authorities, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to secure permits, ensure approvals, and maintain strong working relationships.
• Participate in site meetings, procurement activities, and evaluation committees as needed.

Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance

• Review and provide inputs on design briefs, technical documentation, bills of quantity (BoQs), and cost estimates to ensure compliance with international standards, UNOPS guidelines and client requirements.
• Conduct on-site technical assessments and inspections to ensure construction work adheres to UNOPS quality standards and project specifications.
• Assist in the review of technical submittals, progress reports, and invoices from consultants and contractors, and recommend payment releases.
• Monitor performance tracking systems and identify potential delays or cost overruns.
• Support the valuation of construction work for payment certificates and assessment of claims.
• Supervise and monitor contractors’ and implementing partners’ work to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Conduct site inspections, testing, verification of quantities, and review of technical submittals (shop drawings, materials, as-built documentation).

HSSE Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with UNOPS HSSE policies, environmental safeguards, and PSEAH standards.
• Identify, assess and mitigate risks related to HSSE and community engagement.
• Promote sustainability and green construction practices across all project phases.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of site activities, inspections, incidents and progress, ensuring timely submission of reports (weekly/monthly/quarterly).
• Support project closure through commissioning, handover and archiving of construction documentation.
• Assist in compiling periodic and specific reports, and ensure all project documentation is up-to-date and properly filed.
• Support the Project Manager in overseeing change controls, risk and issue registers, and ensure timely and accurate reporting on project progress.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on civil engineering-related topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience, OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 0 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• A recognized professional certification or membership in a civil engineering association, at the national or international level, is desirable.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in civil engineering, structural works, construction technology, construction supervision and monitoring, or related areas.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

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