General Information

Position Title

Quantity Surveyor Engineer – Retainer

Job Category

Engineering Technician

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 09

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 9

Posting Start Date

08-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

23-Dec-2025

Duration

12 months

Job Highlight

The Quantity Surveyor (retainer) shall be called on on an ad-hoc basis to support various projects in assessments by providing a mix of costing, market intelligence and production of bills of quantity.

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 Nairobi, UNOPS East and Southern Africa supports sustainable development across 14 countries, including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. Since 1995, UNOPS has expanded its footprint in Kenya, delivering services in project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial management. Across the region, the office implements diverse, partner-funded initiatives that respond to national priorities. In Mozambique, this includes delivering specialized equipment (EU), supporting health services (UNICEF), promoting agro-processing (KOICA), and advancing peacebuilding efforts through a Multi-Donor Fund. UNOPS also supports agricultural input distribution and the Northern Crisis Recovery Project, both funded by the World Bank. In Malawi, efforts include developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in partnership with the EU and the British Council. These initiatives reflect UNOPS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities, enhancing service delivery, and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.

About the Project Office

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) engages in multidisciplinary design, assessments and advisory work, and manages relationships with other technical stakeholders such as specialist design firms for high-risk structures.

The Technical Services Unit office is based in Nairobi, and personnel may be required to travel extensively to other UNOPS locations.

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) currently provides design services for infrastructure works to Project Managers. Recently, the team has expanded its offering to include consulting services such as assessments, feasibility studies and advisory services on a wide range of infrastructure types.

The TSU currently has 19 permanent and 80+ retainer personnel, including architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, GIS and specialist infrastructure advisors (for dams, ICT, safeguards, biomedical work, inter alia) and CAD technicians, as well as support personnel. Current projects are underway / imminent in Kenya, Somalia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and Nigeria. In addition, the unit supports a range of projects outside Africa, for example, in Haiti, Ukraine, and Papua New Guinea.

The TSU is a business unit of the Multi-Country Office and operates under the direction of the Director for the East and Southern Africa Office (ESAMCO). TSU has recently been tasked with securing personnel to support the important work of the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, a project of UNOPS.

About the Group

The Quantity Surveyor (retainer) shall be called on on an ad-hoc basis to support various projects in assessments by providing a mix of costing, market intelligence and production of bills of quantity.

Job Specific Context

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) engages in multidisciplinary design, assessments and advisory work, and manages relationships with other technical stakeholders such as specialist design firms for high-risk structures.

The Technical Services Unit office is based in Nairobi, and personnel may be required to travel extensively to other UNOPS locations.

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) currently provides design services for infrastructure works to Project Managers. Recently, the team has expanded its offering to include consulting services such as assessments, feasibility studies and advisory services on a wide range of infrastructure types.

The TSU currently has 19 permanent and 80+ retainer personnel, including architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, GIS and specialist infrastructure advisors (for dams, ICT, safeguards, biomedical work, inter alia) and CAD technicians, as well as support personnel. Current projects are underway / imminent in Kenya, Somalia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and Nigeria. In addition, the unit supports a range of projects outside Africa, for example, in Haiti, Ukraine, and Papua New Guinea.

The TSU is a business unit of the Multi-Country Office and operates under the direction of the Director for the East and Southern Africa Office (ESAMCO). TSU has recently been tasked with securing personnel to support the important work of the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, a project of UNOPS.

Role Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the TSU Quantity Surveyor, the Quantity Surveyor will give his/her technical expertise as required to provide input to bills of quantities, estimates, local insights and evaluations for infrastructure works, conduct assessments and or monitor site works, evaluate variations and provide high-quality related documentation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following substantive tasks. The tasks would involve the following, but not limited to:

• Work closely with Architects, Engineers, Draftsmen and other professionals in the Planning of projects, scheduling of tasks and developing integrated design documentation.

• Responsible for the timely preparation and review of the BoQs, specifications and related documents and ensuring they meet the quality standard requirements.

• Responsible for the preparation of preliminary cost estimates for project proposals

• Responsible for the preparation of the engineer’s estimates and will be responsible for withholding this from contractors to avoid collusion.

• Providing advice during the post-tender and construction stage when requested by the Client.

• Carrying out site inspections and assessments as needed and preparing subsequent reports.

• Carrying out valuations of works and preparing subsequent reports.

• Carrying out any relevant administrative and operational efforts of the project as requested by the Unit Manager.

• Responsible for carrying out financial evaluations of tenders.

• Responsible for developing the unit rate systems for the project area. He/she shall maintain a register of unit rates of materials and labour for the preparation of cost estimates.

• Actively engage in knowledge sharing and improving professional skills.

An agreed task order including the scope, deliverables and the maximum time duration will be agreed upon by the Technical Services Unit and the Quantity Surveyor prior to commencement of each and every assignment. He/she is responsible for ensuring timeous delivery of services as defined in the task order.

Skills

Bill Of Quantities, Construction Estimating, Sanitation, Site Supervision, Tender Management

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

• A bachelor”s degree in Quantity Surveying / Building Economics from an accredited university with related fields, with 4 years of relevant experience or other related field, is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience is required.

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in QS Software, as well as (Google Workspace or MS Office), is required

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

• Previous experience in sanitation and hygiene projects will be an added advantage.

• Previous experience in developing countries and knowledge in the East African context an asset

• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• Experience in project documentation, report writing and technical communication is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchBasicDesirable

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.