Lead Structural Engineer

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Structural Engineer to lead the design and technical oversight of impactful infrastructure projects in the Horn of Africa. The role offers the chance to apply advanced engineering expertise to complex challenges, contribute to the region's development, and collaborate with diverse teams within a leading international organization, fostering professional growth and making a tangible difference in communities

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: UNOPS

Deadline: 08-Sep-2026

Job Description

General Information

Position Title: Lead Structural Engineer
Job Category: Engineer
Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa
Seniority Level: Mid Level
ICS Level: ICS 10
Contract Type: ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer
Contract Level: LICA 10
Duration: One year initially, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability

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 the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on critical infrastructure development across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The Lead Structural Engineer will play a pivotal role in designing safe, durable, and efficient structural solutions for a diverse portfolio of projects, including health, education, and public facilities, directly contributing to sustainable development and resilience in underserved and conflict-affected regions. The role demands a deep understanding of site-specific challenges, international design standards, and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure successful project outcomes.

Role Purpose

The Lead Structural Engineer manages and provides authoritative advice on structural design projects, adapting existing policies and approaches to meet emerging client and project needs within the Horn of Africa. The incumbent is responsible for independently performing structural analysis, developing design solutions, ensuring compliance with international standards, and supervising technical aspects of project delivery, thereby contributing to the successful implementation of UNOPS’ infrastructure mandate.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Site Assessment and Site Investigation Follow-up

Review site conditions including topography, terrain, and existing infrastructure to identify design constraints.
Interpret topographic surveys, geotechnical reports, and relevant environmental data to support design decisions.
Assess site-specific risks such as settlement, slope instability, and groundwater conditions.
Evaluate soil properties and bearing capacity to inform foundation design.
Support feasibility assessments and selection of appropriate structural systems.

2. Structural Design

Perform structural system selection, structural design and analysis of buildings and civil works, including superstructure and foundation systems under relevant load combinations.
Develop structural solutions that are safe, durable, efficient, and constructible.
Ensure appropriate consideration of load paths, stability, serviceability, and material performance.
Apply relevant international and national design standards and codes.

3. Design Deliverables

Prepare structural drawings, design calculations, design reports, presentations, design brief, technical specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).
Ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance of all design outputs.
Address design review comments and update deliverables accordingly.
Maintain organized and traceable documentation of all design work.

4. Procurement Support

Provide technical input to tender document preparation, including specifications and BoQs.
Support clarification of technical queries during the bidding process.
Assist in the technical evaluation of proposals where required.

5. Construction Support and Quality Assurance

Respond to design clarification requests; Revise designs; Provide details when requested by the Project Implementation team
Review shop drawings, method statements, and material submissions.
Support resolution of technical issues encountered on site.
Review as-built drawings and contribute to progress and quality reporting.
Provide technical support during construction to ensure compliance with design intent and specifications.

6. Coordination and Technical Interface

Work closely with multidisciplinary teams including architectural, geotechnical, and MEP disciplines.
Ensure proper integration of structural systems within the overall project design.
Participate in technical discussions and coordination meetings as required.

7. Knowledge Management

Maintain proper documentation of structural design outputs and reports.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the team.

Skills

AutoCAD, Bill Of Quantities, Foundation Design, Geotechnical Engineering, Revit, Structural Engineering.

Education Requirements

Required

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, is required.
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, combined with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience Requirements