Engineering Assistant, GS-5

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) provides critical Supply Chain, Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies services and Training to all peacekeeping and special political missions around the world as well as to other UN Offices, Agencies Funds and Programs This position is located in the Innovation and Infrastructure Support (IIS) of the Supply Chain Service at the United Nations Global Service Centre in Brindisi, Italy. The Engineering Assistant is under the general supervision of the Chief Innovation and Infrastructure Support (IIS).

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Unit Head within the Innovation and Infrastructure Support and in line with the established United Nations Rules and Procedures, the incumbent is responsible for assisting in applying the standard engineering practices in the design, construction, maintenance, repair and liquidation of structures, facilities and systems required for peacekeeping and other United Nations Field Missions. Within delegated authority, the Engineering Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Planning and design of minor projects: • Assist in basic application of commonly used engineering calculations, practices and precedents for minor projects, such as design, construction, or repair or buildings, roads, bridges, airfields, helipads, railways, docks, waste disposal systems, flood control systems, water treatment facilities, electrical power generation and distribution systems, environmental control systems, field defenses, mine detection and clearance and other related structures and activities in the field. • Assist in analyzing basic project proposals to ensure technical feasibility and to ensure that project objectives are attainable within prescribed resources and preparation of technical specification for bidding exercise. • Assist in planning and design of electrical and mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, building automation etc.) for UN buildings and premises. • Assist in planning and design of energy infrastructure for UN premises, with special regards to power generation by diesel generators and renewable energy for UN facilities and camps. Project management and site supervision for low value projects: • Assist in drawing plans, schedules and supervision for construction, repair, and installation of conventional buildings, temporary buildings, infrastructure and sites and premises including grounds in the mission area. • Assists in drawing plans, schedules, supervision and coordination for installations of systems and equipment throughout the building. • Assist in Project management and coordinate with contractors performing construction and alteration work to ensure that quality of services performed by the contractors is in accordance with set terms and conditions, codes and standards, health and safety regulations and objectives. Assist in final inspection, supervision and commissioning of the work, claim operation manuals and shop drawings for files, and inform supervisor of completion of work. Data collection and cost analysis of low value projects and works: • Assist in carrying out technical assessments of existing buildings and infrastructure, with particular focus on electrical and mechanical system. • Assist the supervisor in preparing draft proposals for construction and alterations work including preparation of construction drawings, technical specifications, bills of quantity and cost estimates. • Participate in technical review of offers submitted and study drawings and sketches for review and discussion to determine extent of work required; present alternatives as solutions of problems. Accompany all contractors to job locations, clarify drawings and specifications after contract has been awarded to successful contractor. Process and standardization: • Maintain and update plans and drawings used as reference information by the unit. • Assist in drafts tender documents, reviews and evaluates offers and coordinates with procurement unit for minor projects. • Ensure that projects meet safety and security standards by reviewing them with designated Safety and Security officials. • Suggest ways to institute control and methods to improve service and reduce cost for the United Nations. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to electro-mechanical installations, construction, building management and industry codes and standards. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; the ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making; Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. .

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Work Experience

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year with possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds. Recruitment for this position is done on local basis. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.