Civil Engineer (Design)
Perform engineering duties related to project design, supervision, and management.
Overview
Perform engineering duties related to project design, supervision, and management.
You have:
- 3 years experience in design, Autocad and construction supervision is required.
- Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team environment.
- Computer literacy in common office software, with excellent knowledge in AutoCad.
- Knowledge of software applications specific to design and architecture is a plus.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is mandated by Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022) which was extended under UN Security Council Resolution 2818 (2026).
UNAMA’s original mandate, laid out in UN Security Council Resolution 1401 (March 2002) was to support the implementation of Bonn Agreement (December 2001). This mandate has changed over time to reflect the needs of the country and was last extended on 16 March 2026, by UN Security Council Resolution 2818 (2026). In view of requests from some Member States to review UNAMA’s mandate, the Council opted for a short three‑month extension to allow sufficient time for further discussions ahead of a decision by 17 June.
Under the overall guidance of the Chief Engineering Section, the Civil Engineer (Design) will perform the following duties:
• Apply complex principles, practices and precedents for initiating and completing project design, drawings and specifications related to new construction or repair of buildings, prefabricated structures, other infrastructure, including production of Bill of Quantities in the UNAMA mission area; • Produce concept design, structural design calculations and structural details, final design report, drawings and estimates, the candidate must be proficient on Autocad and STAAD.Pro or equivalent structural design software; • Implement the project, including updating maps and plans; • Execute detailed engineering activities for the construction and renovation of the existing structure/facilities including preparation of design drawings, sections and technical details, integrating environmental initiatives and modern technologies with economic and functional value; • Prepare detailed scopes of work of agreed technical options, technical specifications, Bill of Quantities, cost estimates, and bid documents; • Furnish the detailed construction drawings as necessary during continuance of the contract; • Supervise and monitor construction work for achieving the expected outputs of the project; • Record the work measurement and certify the contractor’s interim and final bill of payment; • Assist for resolution of all contractual issues, including examining the contractor’s claims for variations/ extensions, additional compensations, etc., and prepare recommendations for approval by the Client • Assist to prepare technical evaluation of the projects;
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
Minimum of 3 years of experience in structural design and structural detailing for concrete, structural steel and mixed-construction structures, Autocad and construction supervision is required. Having knowledge of and experience in structural design against blast load and accidental explosion is preferred. Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team environment Computer literacy in common office software, with excellent knowledge, experience and proficiency in the use of AutoCad, Computer-aided engineering design programs, STAAD.Pro or equivalent structural design software, Microsoft Office Packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and other Office equipment. Knowledge of other software applications specific to design and architecture is a plus.
Afghanistan is a hardship duty station. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The single unit accommodation in UNOCA and other field locations are fully furnished; this includes, furniture, washing machine dryer, hot plate, iron and iron stand, microwave, plates, cups, spoons, cooking utensils, electric kettle. Bedsheets and pillow covers are also provided.
Inside the UNOCA compound are four cafeterias, a restaurant, a Supermarket and 3 small shops which provide a variety of groceries, fresh vegetables, imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is also a social centre and a gym within the same compound. The Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own towel and other personal accessories including toiletries and medicines which they may not find easily within the supermarkets inside the UNOCA Compound.
Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex, and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics (when and if needed).
Potential interview questions
| Describe a project where you had to implement complex design specifications. | This question assesses your experience with detailed design implementation. | Discuss a specific project, highlighting the complexity and your role. |
| How do you ensure effective communication in a team environment during construction projects? | Effective teamwork is critical in engineering projects. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you incorporated environmental considerations in a design project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain a situation where you had to resolve a contractual issue with a contractor. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for effective project management and supervision? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with AutoCad and other design software. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on new engineering practices and technologies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What measures do you take to ensure the accuracy of your construction drawings? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |