Background Information – Job-specific

 

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Established in 2009, UNOPS Ethiopia Office has been providing services to various partners, including the government of Ethiopia, UN agencies including but not limited to WHO, UNHCR,UNECA,UNOCHA,UNIDO and WFP, and other international organizations such as but not limited to EU, KOICA, EOJ, IRC and Italian Government. In 2014, the UNOPS Executive Director decided to establish the UNOPS Ethiopia Operational Hub (ETMCO), which manages and coordinates the UNOPS activities in Ethiopia, as well as Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti.

UNOPS ETMCO activities range from tailor-made administration, operations, human resources and logistics support for implementation of development and humanitarian projects, infrastructure and procurement management services; and advisory services on effective procurement, supply and financial management as well as project and program management.

From 2016, ETMCO launched a strategy to position itself as the preferred partner of choice for development projects, increase visibility, balanced and growth, organizational development and increase operational excellence. As a part of this, ETMCO is embarking upon various infrastructure management projects across Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti with a variety of donors and partners. These projects range from provision of advisory and transactional services to facilitate construction of various structures, from roads to hospitals, and from power plants to industrial zones. All of these projects and their sub-projects will be implemented in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti, as well as other international and non-governmental organizations in the counties.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

1. Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this Internship program is to provide opportunities for young graduates and Engineering students to acquire knowledge and experience, and pave the way for their professional growth and career development. The interns will support the AICS funded project entitled ‘’Multisectorial intervention aimed at improving health conditions in the woredas of Chifra and Hamer in the Afar and South Ethiopia Regions’’. Specifically, the engineering interns will be based at the construction sites and support Deputy Project Managers (DPM) and will be responsible for the following tasks under the close supervision and guidance of the Deputy Project Manager.

● Follow-up adherence towards HSSE requirements
● Assist in supervising the works on-site on a daily basis.
● Assist the DPM in facilitation of monthly meetings; collect feedback; and prepare reports.
● Support the DPM on site visit arrangements and engagement of stakeholders.

Technical tasks:

● Assist DPM in the planning of projects and scheduling of tasks.

● Assist in ensuring the documents are prepared to meet the quality standard requirements.

● Assist in timely delivery of the expected outputs.

● Provide assistance to the DPM during measurements of the executed works and preparation of take-off sheets

● Assist in the supervision of construction works on a daily basis

● Assist in preparing daily site logs and health & safety logs.

● Assist in carrying out an inspection of works and recording such inspection at specific milestones during the life of the construction in line with the projects’ specifications.

● Assist in witnessing and recording quality control checks (such as concrete slump test, sampling of cubes, crushing of cubes, spacing/number/size and cover of reinforcement, etc., vibrating of concrete, etc.).

● Assist in the preparation of site progress reports including images and videos as required.

● Assist in following up on project progress versus planned schedule and raise any deviation with supervisors.

● Assist in coordinating the team effort to complete any task as would be required and appropriate if assigned.

2. Training components and learning elements

• The intern will be exposed to practical learning on the site with the supervision of a senior person on site. Moreover, the intern will have access to UNOPS’ training opportunities and learning platform.

3. Participation in missions or training courses

• The intern will take online courses available on the intranet and attend workshops related to the infrastructure field.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

Education

• Currently enrolled in a University Degree preferably in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Water Engineering, Construction Management or any other related fields.

• OR, have graduated from a University degree within three years from the date of the application.

Work Experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience.

Skills

• Knowledge in Architecture and Engineering design software such as AutoCAD is an added advantage.

Language

• Fluency in spoken, reading and written English is required.
• Knowledge of the local language (Amharic) is required

 

Competencies

 

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.