Lead Geotechnical Engineer – Multiple positions
Job Description
UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for the position of Lead Geotechnical Engineer-Retainer, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Lead Geotechnical Engineer (Retainer) will provide technical expertise and support in the planning, execution, and supervision of geotechnical investigations and engineering services for HAMCO and its related infrastructure projects. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and reliability of subsurface data, and for delivering sound geotechnical design recommendations to inform the planning, design, and construction of civil and structural works.
UNOPS-HAMCO undertakes a number of infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti. The purpose of this role would be to provide advice where these projects require specialist geotechnical input.
The Lead Geotechnical Engineer- Retainer will be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries under HAMCO as required and as UNDSS permits. The incumbent shall be responsible for accuracy, interpretation, analysis of all data received and for reporting on conclusions and recommendations reached. The scope of work to be carried by the incumbent shall broadly include but not limited to the functions detailed below:
Technical tasks:
(a) Desk Study
- Analyse data from site investigations (boreholes, test pits, lab results).
- Design soil protection systems, temporary and permanent shoring, retaining walls, and ground improvement methods.
- Prepare and review geotechnical reports (factual and interpretive).
- Perform geotechnical modelling and calculations using specialized software (e.g., Plaxis, GeoStudio, SAFE).
(b) Field Study
- Plan and execute geotechnical investigations to assess the suitability of materials and subsurface conditions for various civil and structural projects.
- Guide geotechnical investigation contractors both on site and in laboratory settings to ensure proper methodologies and adherence to quality standards.
Impact of Results
- Optimized geotechnical engineering of civil and structural works.
- High quality reporting.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar discipline, is required
- University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) in any of the above disciplines with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of the educational requirement outlined above.
- Practicing professional geotechnical engineer license (PPGE) is required
Certification:
- Strong computer skills and advanced working knowledge of google forms are considered an asset.
- Proficiency in specialized geotechnical software’s such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, and SAFE is highly desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 (five) years of experience in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnics, Soil Mechanics, Engineering Geology or similar technical disciplines is required.
- At least 3 (three) years of specific experience in Geotechnical engineering, or Materials Science or Materials Engineering field is required
- Experience of working in UN is an asset.
Language:
- Fluency in oral, reading and written English is required.
- Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered an asset.
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
Contract level: LICA/ICS 10
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **
Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office. Read more about the ICA retainer modality here.
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
Contract level: LICA/ICS -9
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
