Mechanical Engineer, Home based, Remote

General Information

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Category: Engineer

Duty Station(s): Home based

Seniority Level: Mid Level

ICS Level: ICS 09

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer

Contract Level: LICA 9

Posting Start Date: 15-Jul-2026

Posting End Date: 30-Jul-2026

Duration: One (1) year, with the possibility of extensionsubject to performance and availability of funds.

Job Highlight

Under the overall supervision of the Peer review stream lead inNairobi, Kenya the Mechanical Engineer will give his/her technicalexpertise as required to deliver any analysis and or designsassigned, cost estimates for mechanical works, conduct assessmentsand or monitor site works, undertake commissioning and provide highquality related documentation. He or she will be responsible forensuring high quality and on time delivery. The projects may be ininternational locations.

About the Region

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. Supportedby more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-countryoffices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and SouthernAfrica, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances nationalpriorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health,Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support,and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Officeprovides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversightin key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management andOversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health andSafety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery,fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement,the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparentresource management, and a better quality of life for communitiesacross the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supportssustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya,Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, andZimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya,delivering services in project management, infrastructure,procurement, and financial management. Across the region, theoffice implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respondto national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes deliveringspecialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF),promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuildingefforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supportsagricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis RecoveryProject, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts includedeveloping Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. Theseinitiatives reflect UNOPS' commitment to strengthening nationalcapacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progresstoward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

Job Specific Context

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) engages in multidisciplinarydesign, peer review, assessments and advisory work, and managesrelationships with other technical stakeholders.

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The Unit is based in Nairobi, but services projects across theglobe. Retainer personnel are home based. The Technical ServicesUnit (TSU) currently provides design services for infrastructureworks to Project Managers in addition to consulting services suchas assessments, feasibility studies and advisory services on a widerange of infrastructure types. The team also offersmultidisciplinary design review services for projects designedelsewhere. The unit offers these multidisciplinary services inEnglish and French.

The TSU currently has 17 permanent and 90+ retainer personnelincluding architects, civil engineers, structural engineers,mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, GISand specialist infrastructure advisors (for dams, ICT, safeguards,biomedical works inter alia) and CAD technicians as well as supportpersonnel. Current projects are underway / imminent in Niger,Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, CAR, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia,Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambiaand Mozambique. In addition, the unit supports a range of projectsoutside Africa, for example in Haiti, Ukraine, Afghanistan andPapua New Guinea.

Role Purpose

The TSU is a business unit for the Multi-Country office andcomes under the direction of the Director for East and SouthernAfrica Multi Country Office (ESAMCO).

The team is looking to expand its pool of Mechanical EngineeringRetainers, and the Mechanical Engineer (retainer) shall be calledon on an ad-hoc basis to support various projects in desktop andsite assessments, technical design development and or review oftechnical documentation for proposed installations, procurementsupport and design support on a range of projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The incumbent will be responsible for the following substantivetasks. The tasks would include the following but not limitedto:

• Conduct site assessments of mechanical components of works
• Recommend sustainable and cost effective solutions
• Carry out analysis using own software and report onresults
• Collaborate with other disciplines and provide comprehensivedesign, drawing, specification and bills of quantity information toUNOPS standards to be included in contract documentation
• Provide technical support in tender evaluations of mechanicalworks
• Site visits to monitor of installation of the mechanicalservices on projects
• Review the design of mechanical services of projects;
• The consultant will work from home, providing all engineeringsoftware and hardware required and be prepared to travel to anysite in or around the countries as required and as UNDSSpermits.

An agreed task order including the scope, deliverables and themaximum time duration will be agreed upon by the Technical ServicesUnit and the Mechanical Engineer prior to commencement of each andevery assignment. He/she is responsible for ensuring timeousdelivery of mechanical services as defined in the task order

2. Monitoring and Progress Controls

Technical tasks:

• Conduct comprehensive site assessments and desk reviews andcollate data into high quality reports with associated recommendedactions and budgets
• Conduct mechanical systems analysis using own software toclearly inform or support design solutions where required
• Prepare accurate and energy and water efficient designs thatare practically implementable.
• Provide technical input to procurement specifications andanalysis of tender returns to support the procurement team
• Produce comprehensive and accurate mechanical bills ofquantity, maintaining up to date rates for estimating purposes
• Verify technical specifications of mechanical products,apparatus, services and associated quality material
• Liaise with contractors regarding testing of installedmechanical equipment in order to verify their quality as being anintegral part of both design and manufacture.
• Check and approve material and equipment incorporated in theworks.
• Measure, check, and record the executed works against paymentrequests submitted contractors and review measurement sheets forthe periodic payment of the work.
• Liaise with the UNOPS Electrical Engineer on electricalengineering consultants commissioned to support designs works forconstruction.
• Produce high quality and accurate Mechanical Engineering designreports, drawings, specifications, bills of quantity
• Prepare estimates and prices for new project developmentworks.
• Prepare Snag List for final project checking, prior tohandover.
• Manage and supervise final commissioning and handover documentsto clients.
• Ensure as-built drawings and maintenance manuals for thefinished materials used in the works.

3. Administrative and knowledge sharing

• Keep files and records of the design process and decisionsmade.
• Using the UNOPS TSU online folder structure and chosen platform(google suite), deliver and file all documents
• Participate in knowledge sharing activities to capture bestpractice and lessons learned.

An agreed task order including the scope, deliverables and themaximum time duration will be agreed upon by the Technical ServicesUnit and the Biomedical Engineer prior to commencement of each andevery assignment. He/she is responsible for ensuring timeousdelivery of services as defined in the task order

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively todifferences and encourages others to do the same. Upholdsorganisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards oftrustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.Collaborates and supports the development of others. For peoplemanagers only: Acts as positive leadership role model,motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizingappropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on allpartners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds andmaintains strong external relationships and is a competent partnerfor others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for selfand/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total taskaccomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Seesopportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understandsthat responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on ourbeneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances orrequirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursuescontinuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmaticdecisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculatedrisks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needsof others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinionand finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering orrelated fields with 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering orrelated fields with 2 years of relevant experience is required
• Full member status registration with a recognized professionalengineering body is required

Experience Requirements

Required

• Required minimum 4 years' experience in analysis, preparingdesigns, specifications, BOQs, site monitoring and coordination ofmechanical engineering installation works, such as:
  • Air conditioning and ventilation systems;
  • Water supply and drainage systems;
  • Firefighting systems;
  • Lift installations;
  • Gas distribution systems;
• Ability to work to meet tight schedules in a busy environmentand varied cultural context.
• Good team player attitude.
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity andcommitment to project demands.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent written and spoken English and French.

Desired

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

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: French

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process requestcandidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnightCopenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.Applications received after the closing date will not beconsidered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited toproceed to the next stage of the selection process, which mayinclude various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employmentopportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range ofnationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities,sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain andstrengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive workingenvironment where all personnel are treated with respect and haveequal 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 andwelcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenousand racialized communities, individuals of diverse genderidentities and sexual orientations, and persons withdisabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at theirbest during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted andrequire support or reasonable accommodation to complete anyassessment, please inform our human resources team upon receivingyour 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. Touphold these standards, background checks are conducted for allfinal candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history ofsuch conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS,candidates acknowledge and consent to these verificationprocesses.

Terms and Conditions

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