Lead Structural Engineer
Job Description
Lead Structural Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Posting Start Date: 26 August 2026
Posting End Date: 8 September 2026
Contract Duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds
Role Purpose
The Lead Structural Engineer provides authoritative technical leadership on structural design projects across the Horn of Africa. The role involves adapting established policies and methodologies to meet evolving client and project needs, independently performing structural analysis, developing safe and efficient design solutions, ensuring compliance with international standards, and supervising technical aspects of project delivery. Through this work, the incumbent directly contributes to the successful implementation of UNOPS’ infrastructure mandate.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- 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 environmental data to inform design decisions.
- Assess site‑specific risks such as settlement, slope instability, and groundwater conditions.
- Evaluate soil properties and bearing capacity to support foundation design.
- Contribute to feasibility assessments and selection of appropriate structural systems.
- Structural Design
- Perform structural system selection, design, and analysis for buildings and civil works, including superstructure and foundation systems under relevant load combinations.
- Develop structural solutions that are safe, durable, efficient, and constructible.
- Ensure proper consideration of load paths, stability, serviceability, and material performance.
- Apply relevant international and national design standards and codes.
- Design Deliverables
- Prepare structural drawings, design calculations, design reports, presentations, design briefs, 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, traceable documentation of all design work.
- Procurement Support
- Provide technical input to tender documents, including specifications and BoQs.
- Support clarification of technical queries during bidding.
- Assist in technical evaluation of proposals when required.
- Construction Support and Quality Assurance
- Respond to design clarification requests, revise designs, and provide additional details as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge Management
- Maintain organized 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:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
- A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields, combined with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
Experience Requirements
Required:
- Professional experience in structural design of buildings and civil works, including:
- Design and analysis of reinforced concrete and/or steel structures.
- Preparation of structural drawings, design reports, and BoQs.
- Use of structural design software such as ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, Robot, or equivalent.
- Interpretation of topographic surveys and geotechnical investigation reports.
- A valid practicing professional Structural Engineering licence (must be attached to application).
Desired:
- Experience in infrastructure or public facility projects, international design standards, and/or work with the United Nations.
Language Requirements
- English: Fluent
- Amharic: Fluent
Offer
This role provides an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned Structural Engineer to lead the design and technical oversight of impactful infrastructure projects across the Horn of Africa. You will apply advanced engineering expertise to complex challenges, contribute to regional development, and collaborate with diverse teams within a leading international organization fostering professional growth while making a tangible difference in communities.
