Mechanic (Vehicle Technician)

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Since 2005, UNOPS has supported South Sudan’s development through critical infrastructure projects that improve access to essential services and livelihoods, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Efforts focus on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of roads, airstrips, ports, and bridges to enhance connectivity and promote economic activity. UNOPS also builds schools, health facilities, and government offices to strengthen basic service delivery and institutional capacity. In addition to infrastructure, UNOPS provides procurement and operational support to the Government and development partners, enabling efficient and transparent implementation of key initiatives. All efforts are geared toward improving socio-economic conditions, fostering resilience, and supporting long-term development across South Sudan.

The UNMISS Transport Section, under Service Delivery, plays a vital role in ensuring the Mission meets its mandate through facilitating staff movement across and staff access to the mission’s various operational bases by providing vehicles, passenger buses and specialized equipment which are in optimal condition. UNMISS engages UNOPS to provide services specific to dispatch and shuttle services and repair, maintenance and recovery services including onsite repairs and maintenance of UNMISS heavy-duty vehicles, passenger buses and specialized equipment within its heavy workshop. There is significant value added for UNMISS to outsource this vehicle repair services segment to UNOPS, given the synergies between the two organizations, including shared UN values.

UNOPS has “the potential for value-adding contributions that [it] can make in providing efficient, cost-effective services to partners in the areas of project management, human resources, financial management and common/shared services”. UNOPS has the mandate, core expertise and experience in peacekeeping and post-conflict contexts, project management, procurement, and sourcing, in the most challenging environments around the world, and well-established operational resources in South Sudan, Kenya and nearby countries. Moreover, UNOPS shares the same UN Values and is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and national capacity building for a peaceful and positive future for South Sudan.

The Vehicle Technician performs routine and specialized maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of motor vehicles and equipment, following standard procedures and safety guidelines. This role ensures the optimal functioning of the fleet, directly supporting the operational needs of the mission and contributing to efficient service delivery.

• Perform routine vehicle scheduled maintenance as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Identify, diagnose and rectify various faults including mechanical and hydraulic systems of all makes and models.
• Overhaul and reconditioning work on engines, gearboxes and transmission drive axles, steering and braking systems of motor vehicles when necessary.
• Diagnose and rectify various motor vehicle faults and failures including electrical components such as alternators, air conditioning system, lighting system and starter motors.
• Ensure all relevant safety procedures have been followed when repairing and fitting replacement parts.
• Perform various other duties as directed by the workshop Supervisor.

• High school diploma or secondary school certificate is required.

• Valid driving license is required.

• 4 years of relevant experience in lieu of Secondary School certificate

• At least two (2) years of relevant experience with secondary school certificate is required;

• Knowledge of motor vehicles functioning systems, such as steering, suspension and braking system is an asset;

• Familiarity with the guidelines and procedures relative to the safe operation of workshop equipment such as vehicle lifts, engine hoist and various other electrical, pneumatics and hydraulic equipment is an added advantage;

• Experience with other UN agencies is an added 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.