Civil Engineer

**Job Highlight**
Drive high-quality infrastructure delivery by providing technical expertise, supervising works, and ensuring compliance with design and safety standards.

**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 Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

**Job Specific Context**
Location and Current Situation

Gazanche Primary School is located in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Region, about 28 km south of Wolkite Town, serving three rural kebeles with an estimated population of around 10,000 people. Established in 2010 through community efforts, the school currently accommodates about 1,000 primary students (Grades 1–8) and 50 nursery children. However, the existing infrastructure is inadequate and below national standards, consisting mainly of traditional wooden-mud classroom blocks with only nine classrooms, resulting in severe overcrowding with up to 80 students per classroom. The school also lacks basic facilities such as an administration building, library, reliable sanitation, electricity, water supply, and secure fencing.

Existing latrines are temporary and structurally unsafe, while most buildings are deteriorated and unsuitable for a safe learning environment.

Planned Improvements

The project intends to establish a new primary school infrastructure that will provide a safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient learning environment. Planned works include the construction of new classrooms, administration and library buildings, gender-separated sanitation facilities, fencing, walkways, drainage systems, landscaping, and solar power installations. These interventions aim to reduce overcrowding, improve safety and sanitation, and expand access to quality education, particularly for girls, children with disabilities, and underserved rural communities, in line with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and Ethiopia’s Education Sector Development Programme VI.

Role of the Civil Engineer

The Civil Engineer will be based in Gazanche and serve as the site supervisor and technical focal point for the construction works. The role involves ensuring that all activities are implemented in accordance with approved designs, technical specifications, quality standards, and project schedules. Key responsibilities include monitoring construction progress, verifying completed works, maintaining site documentation, and supporting contractor payment certification. The engineer will also coordinate with local authorities, school leadership, contractors, and community stakeholders to facilitate smooth project implementation while ensuring compliance with UNOPS standards for quality, safety, and accountability.

**Role Purpose**
The Civil Engineer manages and supervises infrastructure works carried out by implementing partners and contractors. The role is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day design, construction and procurement activities