Civil Engineer (Project Management and Construction Supervision), Kabul

General

Description of assignment title: Civil Engineer (Project Management and Construction Supervision)

Assignment country: Afghanistan

Duty stations: Kabul

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 01/01/2027

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being

Host entity: UNFPA Afghanistan

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Population Fund is the UN agency which leads global efforts to help ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

UNFPA’s programmes work to ensure that women, adolescents, young people and marginalized populations, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD), are empowered to make decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights and able to live free of discrimination and violence.

Context

Background

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Afghanistan Country Office started in 2026 the construction of its new office building in Kabul, two buildings with 15 accommodations in Kabul, the new office building and three accommodations in Herat. Construction projects in Kabul are undertaken within the UNOCA compound, while construction in Herat is undertaken at HMAC compound. A highly experienced International Civil Engineer is required to manage the technical oversight and implementation of these projects in coordination with recruited local Civil Engineers in Kabul and Herat. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with all relevant units (administration, finance, ICT), and other UN partners and will report directly to the International Operations Manager.

Objective:

To ensure proper planning, coordination, and technical supervision of the construction projects by a qualified Engineer who can provide expert feedback, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the organization’s goals and policies.

Task description

Under the direction of the UNFPA Afghanistan International Operations Manager, the Civil Engineer will manage, review, monitor, and supervise UNFPA construction projects in Afghanistan. Responsibilities include monitoring Accommodation Building No. 1 (6 Units), and overseeing design, technical reviews, monitoring, and supervision of Accommodation Building No. 2 (15 Units) and construction of the UNFPA Country Office in UNOCA. As needed, the Engineer will conduct site visits to ongoing construction projects in Herat to ensure compliance with approved designs and engineering standards. Duties include schedule management, procurement and tender support, solar power integration for each project, and formal documentation of construction variations. Working with the International Operations Manager, Administrative Associate, Local Engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, the International Civil Engineer will provide technical guidance, document site inspections, prepare progress updates, and recommend corrective actions to ensure quality, functionality, sustainability, timely completion, and operational readiness of assigned facilities.

1. Accommodation Building # 1 (6 Units)

Post-Construction Monitoring and Technical Supervision:

• During the 1-year warranty period until October 2027, conduct periodic site inspections as required to assess the completed building’s condition, functionality, and performance, including structural components, plumbing and water supply systems, electrical installations, equipment, and other building services.
• Identify, document, and report defects, deficiencies, malfunctions, or other technical issues, and recommend corrective, remedial, or maintenance measures to ensure the building remains safe, functional, and fit for its intended purpose.
• Assess the condition and performance of installed equipment and building systems, including the electrical infrastructure and its suitability for the intended solar power system, and recommend necessary repairs, replacements, or technical improvements.
• Recommend preventive maintenance and building upkeep measures to preserve the building’s structural integrity, safety, functionality, and long-term serviceability.
• Review proposed repair, maintenance, or remedial works, including technical scope, specifications, quantities, and estimated costs, when requested by the International Operations Manager or Administrative Associate.
• Ensure required remedial works, repairs, or modifications are documented and changes to approved designs, technical specifications, or Bills of Quantities (BOQs), where applicable, are reviewed and formally approved by the UNFPA International Operations Manager before implementation.
• Coordinate with the International Operations Manager, Administrative Associate, Local Engineers, maintenance personnel, and other stakeholders to address technical issues and facilitate necessary maintenance or remedial works.
• Prepare periodic inspection and monitoring reports on the building’s condition, defects, equipment and system performance, outstanding issues, recommended actions, and maintenance requirements for the International Operations Manager.
• Perform any other relevant duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor.

2. Accommodation Building # 2 (15 Units)

Construction Management:

• Coordinate with the contractor, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure construction follows the agreed timeline.
• Approve subcontractor selections, if any, only with prior approval from the UNFPA Afghanistan International Operations Manager.
• Supervise, monitor, and certify implementation to ensure required quality and standards.
• Verify construction materials, subject to prior approval from the International Operations Manager.
• Select finishing materials in coordination with the Local Engineer and Administrative Associate, subject to final approval by the UNFPA International Operations Manager.
• Ensure quality control and contractor compliance with technical drawings.
• Monitor the contractor’s presence on site and assess completed work against the scope of work, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and signed contract.
• Hold weekly contractor meetings to review progress and resolve issues. Document minutes in the relevant Google Drive folder.
• Review and approve contractor invoices and payment requests for accuracy and compliance with contract terms and BOQ.
• Identify and manage project cost risks, proposing mitigation measures as needed.
• Ensure the contractor submits all certification documents and as-built drawings.
• Fully document construction variations and ensure changes to approved designs, BOQs, technical specifications, or contractual requirements are justified, documented, reviewed, and formally approved by the UNFPA Afghanistan International Operations Manager before implementation.
• Provide daily and weekly construction updates to the International Operations Manager and Administrative Associate, as needed.
• Submit a monthly written progress report to the UNFPA Afghanistan International Operations Manager.
• Perform any other relevant duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all construction activities comply with UNFPA environmental and social safeguards, relevant local laws and regulations, and UNFPA construction procedures and guidelines.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits for health, safety, and environmental compliance.

3. COUNTRY OFFICE BUILDING:

Construction Procurement Process

• Support bidders’ meetings and site visits, present tender technical components, and respond to bidders’ technical questions.
• Produce, review, or revise technical drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities showing required work prepared by a design company or project civil engineer.
• Provide written certification confirming whether BOQs comply with the required service level.
• Support preparation and initiation of the tendering procedure.
• Address and clarify design-, construction-, and BOQ-related inquiries from potential bidders or contractors.
• Evaluate technical proposals and prepare the evaluation report; support analysis of financial proposals.

Construction Management:

• Coordinate with the contractor, site engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure construction proceeds according to the agreed timeline.
• Supervise, monitor, and certify implementation to ensure required quality and standards.
• Approve construction materials, subject to prior approval from the International Operations Manager.
• Approve concrete mix, subject to prior approval from the International Operations Manager.
• Select finishing materials in coordination with UNFPA.
• Ensure quality control and contractor compliance with technical drawings. Hold weekly contractor meetings to review progress and resolve issues. Document minutes in the relevant Google Drive folder. Monitor the contractor’s presence on site and assess completed work against the scope of work, BOQ, and signed contract.
• Approve subcontractor selections, if any, only with prior approval from the International Operations Manager of UNFPA Afghanistan.
• Evaluate contractor/subcontractor performance across work packages against architectural requirements.
• Review and approve contractor invoices and payment requests for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Identify and manage project cost risks, proposing mitigation measures as needed.
• Ensure the contractor submits all certification documents and as-built drawings.
• Ensure certification documents and as-built drawings are accurate. Fully document construction variations and ensure changes to approved designs, BOQs, technical specifications, or contractual requirements are justified, documented, reviewed, and formally approved by UNFPA before implementation.
• Provide daily and weekly construction progress updates to the International Operations Manager and Administrative Associate, as needed.
• Submit a monthly written progress report to the UNFPA Afghanistan International Operations Manager.
• Perform any other relevant duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all construction activities comply with UNFPA environmental and social safeguards, relevant local laws and regulations, and UNFPA construction procedures and guidelines.
• Conduct regular site inspections and audits for health, safety, and environmental compliance.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 3 years

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 5 years

Languages: English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level: Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent knowledge of Results Based Management
• Ability to successfully perform field/site supervision duties, desk reviews, analysis. and with strong report writing abilities.
• Excellent analytical skills and sectoral expertise relevant to architecture and construction issues.
• Experience working with projects in developing country context.

Core Competencies:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Skills and experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, including design and construction projects.
• Experience from similar assignments (as design engineer, supervising engineer, site engineer, construction projects Superintendent, construction engineering consultant, etc.
• Communication skills in a complex multi-stakeholder environment in construction projects.
• Some experience in the UN system organizations and knowledge of UNFPA procedures for tendering and managing Emergency experience will be an added advantage.
• Membership of a professional body will be an added advantage.

Area(s) of expertise: Engineering, construction, Facilities management, shelter, Climate change, environment

Driving license: -

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

Afghanistan is a unique country, and the UNFPA Afghanistan program is a unique humanitarian operation. It provides an enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, are essential.

The security situation in the country remains volatile, though the number of security incidents has reduced significantly since 2021. As the security level in the country remains high, it requires strict compliance with the relevant guidance. Kabul is a non-family duty station. It is classified "E", with "A" being the least and "E", the most difficult.

UN personnel are accommodated in the UN guesthouses within the UN compounds only. No commercial rent of accommodations or travel outside of the compound for recreational purposes is allowed. Guesthouse rooms are equipped with kitchen and basic appliances and utensils. There are 2 supermarkets in the compound with a wide variety of products. Gym, soccer field, basketball court are also available at the compound. The internet is stable at the office and the guesthouses.

The weather in Afghanistan can vary significantly from day to day and across different regions. It is advisable to bring some warm layers to accommodate these changes. During the winter season the weather can be very cold, up to -15 degrees and it is recommended to bring enough winter clothes.

Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and it is advised that personnel dress accordingly.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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