Lead Road Design Engineer

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. 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.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

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.

Job Specific Context

This position operates within a dynamic project environment, leading the design of road and highway infrastructure for projects across the Horn of Africa. The role is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective road designs, with a strong focus on geometric design, accessibility, and integration with other infrastructure systems, contributing to the successful implementation of development initiative.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager – Infrastructure, the Lead Road/Highway Geometric Design Engineer will lead the design and coordination of road works, including geometric design, drawings, and documentation, in line with UNOPS guidelines, national road standards, and recognized international practices. The role ensures that all road designs are safe, functional, and compliant throughout the project lifecycle.

The contractor will be engaged on a retainer basis and will be required to provide services as and when needed.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Site Assessment

• Lead the assessment and review of site conditions, terrain, and existing road infrastructure to identify design requirements and constraints.

• Conduct site visits and surveys prior to design development.

• Review topographic data, soil conditions, and existing alignments to support design decisions.

• Participate in feasibility studies and contribute to route selection and optimization.

2. Design Works

• Lead the preparation of road geometric design, including horizontal and vertical alignment.

• Develop road profiles, cross-sections, and typical sections.

• Design intersections, junctions, and access roads for project sites.

• Prepare design drawings, reports, and calculations for road infrastructure.

• Develop technical specifications and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).

• Ensure compliance with:

  • National road design standards

  • UNOPS guidelines

  • International standards

• Coordinate conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design stages.

• Prepare complete design packages and respond to review comments.

• Support procurement processes, including:

  • Preparation of bidding documents

  • Participation in pre-bid meetings

  • Providing technical clarifications

  • Evaluation of proposals

3. Construction Support and Quality Assurance

• Review road construction drawings and provide technical input during implementation.

• Ensure compliance of works with approved designs and specifications.

• Provide technical advice on construction methodologies and material selection.

• Support resolution of technical issues during construction.

• Contribute to preparation and review of As-Built drawings.

• Prepare progress and technical reports in line with UNOPS procedures.

4. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams.

• Ensure integration of road design with overall project infrastructure.

• Facilitate compliance with regulatory and approval requirements.

5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Maintain proper documentation of design outputs, reports, and drawings.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support development of technical guidelines and lessons learned.

• Provide guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.

Skills

• AutoCAD, Report Writing.

Education Requirements

Required

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s) degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or related field OR,.

• A first University Degree (Bachelor’s) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or related field will be considered with additional 2 years of work experience.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience (or more depending on academic credentials) in road/highway design

• Practicing Professional Highway Engineer licence

• Proven experience in geometric design of roads

Desired

• Experience in similar infrastructure or access road projects

• Experience working with international standards

• Experience in construction supervision of road works

• Experience in preparation of:

  • Design drawings

  • Design reports

  • BoQs and specifications

Skills:

• Road/Highway Geometric Design

• AutoCAD / Civil 3D, MX Road, InfraWorks

• Road Design Software

• Technical Report Writing

• BoQ Preparation

• Stakeholder Coordination.

Language Requirements

Language	Proficiency Level	Requirement
English	Fluent	Required
Amharic	Fluent	Required