Senior Geotechnical Engineer at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Geotechnical Engineer 

Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5302/30541
Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Full-time

Functional Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Program for the West Africa Multy-Coutry Office (WAMCO) the Senior Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for the following substantive tasks involving the following but not limited to:

• Advise on alignment with international good practice
• Site Monitoring and implementation support missions
• Capacity Strengthening
• Reporting
• Knowledge sharing.

Advise on alignment with international good practice:

• Working closely with the UNOPS Senior Project Manager to provide Engineering advise on the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing an integrated project design
• Advise on good practice in Geotechnical Engineering investigation, analysis and reporting in accordance with UNOPS, local and international standards
• Advise on adopting context appropriate technology/techniques and how to embed sustainable solutions as well as whole life-costing in the design development process
• Advise on the use of Geotechnical Engineering software solutions in testing, analysis and reporting
• Advise on completeness of Technical Geotechnical Engineering documents for procurement
• Advise on highest standards of archiving project Engineering products including all design documentation, memos and instructions in correct format and in line with approved archiving procedures.

Site Monitoring and implementation support missions:

• Advise on site monitoring methodologies and participate in site monitoring visits in order to check progress on approved plans and on adherence to Quality Management Plans and Health, Safety, Social and Environmental requirements.
• Advise on approaches for testing and commissioning prior to handover and acceptance of deliverable to Client.
• Advise on completeness of handover documentation, including as-built drawings
• Input into the Site Monitoring Methodology including checklists, questionnaire, reporting format, etc. and include in the PIM
• Input into a semi-annual / annual Site Monitoring missions Plan in consultation with the respective SPIUs, FPMU, and the EIB
• Conduct site monitoring as per the plan, prepare report with observations and suggestions and submit
• Follow-on on the effectiveness of the implemented suggestions, learn and improve accordingly.
• Identify the need for improving the methodology or plan, and adjust accordingly.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Provide training and knowledge transfer to the Engineering personnel as per needs assessment
• Continually identify the need for capacity strengthening (if any) during implementation and plan and agree accordingly with the Senior Project Manager and all stakeholders.

Reporting:

• Timely delivery of the expected output and identification of risk of delay and development of mitigation measures
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of implementation plan progress
• Advise on report, summarizing progress of task, risk, issues and any other pertinent facts as required
• Produce any appropriate documentation identified by the Senior Project Manager in a professional and accurate manner.

Knowledge sharing:

• Contribute to the project evaluation process; highlight challenges associated with the project and feedback into a continuous improvement cycle.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of good practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.

Impact of Results:

• The hub has consistent messaging across multiple platforms regarding our projects and operations.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree) in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field is required.
• A First-Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering or a related field in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree requirement.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years previous experience in Infrastructure development with focus on Geotechnical investigations, analysis and recommendations, soil erosion control and soil stabilization of similar projects (including the suitability of the site for safe and economical structures) is required
• The minimum required years of experience must include at least two (2) years past experience in Capacity strengthening.
• Past experience working with Government institutions and/or donor funded projects is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is an advantage.
• Experience in Design development and Management, Construction implementation, Construction Supervision, and Contract Administration is desirable.
• Experience in Quality Management, Health and Safety Management, and Environmental and Social Management is desirable.
• Multi-disciplinary planning experience is desirable.
• Work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is a great asset.

Certifications:

• Professional certification with a Recognized Engineering Professional Body with a valid license to practice is desirable.

Language requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Application Closing Date
15th August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.