Lead Structural 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.

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as the fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country. In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards the elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure, and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including international development partners, other UN agencies and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

The UNOPS Myanmar 3PI Team is dedicated to building essential infrastructure, including WASH facilities, shelters, education and health facilities in remote and hard-to-reach areas. These interventions also encompass renewable energy and sustainable solutions and aim to address gender and protection issues for marginalized populations across Myanmar. The 3PI Team also supports rapid onset emergencies, such as typhoons and earthquakes and has procured and distributed medical supplies, essential non-food items (NFIs), hygiene kits, to remote, hard-to-reach regions following these emergencies. The 3PI Team is also implementing projects to support communities to recover following the April 2025 Mandalay earthquake. These projects support community based reconstruction of key infrastructure assets such as roads, water supply systems, local schools and rural health clinics.

Under the supervision of the home-based Senior Programme Manager (SPM) or its delegate, the Lead Structural Engineer will be responsible for the provision of engineering services. The scope of these services and tasks shall be defined in a Task Note and completed in a punctual, professional manner. Such tasks shall support Infrastructure related activities across the Humanitarian and Development Nexus within the Myanmar context, with a particular focus on post-earthquake recovery and may include technical review, design, and guidance for infrastructure designs, including designs of high complexity.

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **

Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract under which the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable on short notice within a specified period. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad hoc requests from UNOPS project teams, and the number of requests will vary depending on current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA.

This is a local position. Only nationals of Myanmar or persons in Myanmar with a residence and work permit are eligible.

The Lead Structural Engineer will provide engineering advisory services, including technical review, design, and guidance for infrastructure designs, with a focus on post-earthquake recovery efforts in Myanmar. The role ensures the safety, functionality, and fitness of infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context.

Required

• A professional or technical diploma in Civil Engineering (CEng, PE, P. Eng.), Architecture, Construction Management or relevant discipline with 11 years of relevant experience OR

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or relevant discipline with 9 years of relevant experience OR

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or relevant discipline with 7 years of relevant experience.

Desired

• Project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMI, PEng, CEng, etc) is desired.

Required

• Relevant experience is experience in engineering, design, infrastructure and works or any other related field.

Desired

• Experience in Project and Programme Management and Operations support is a distinct advantage.

• Experience working in conflict-affected areas and with relevant stakeholders is a distinct asset.

• Previous experience in a similar position with the UN, NGO, civil society organizations or private sector is an asset.

• 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.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.