Mechanical Engineer

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Duration

One (1) year, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funds.

Posting End Date

30-Jul-2026

Role Purpose

The TSU is a business unit for the Multi-Country office and comes under the direction of the Director for East and Southern Africa Multi Country Office (ESAMCO).

The team is looking to expand its pool of Mechanical Engineering Retainers, and the Mechanical Engineer (retainer) shall be called on on an ad-hoc basis to support various projects in desktop and site assessments, technical design development and or review of technical documentation for proposed installations, procurement support and design support on a range of projects.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

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

• Conduct site assessments of mechanical components of works
• Recommend sustainable and cost effective solutions
• Carry out analysis using own software and report on results
• Collaborate with other disciplines and provide comprehensive design, drawing, specification and bills of quantity information to UNOPS standards to be included in contract documentation
• Provide technical support in tender evaluations of mechanical works
• Site visits to monitor of installation of the mechanical services on projects
• Review the design of mechanical services of projects;
• The consultant will work from home, providing all engineering software and hardware required and be prepared to travel to any site in or around the countries as required and as UNDSS permits.

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

2. Monitoring and Progress Controls

Technical tasks:

• Conduct comprehensive site assessments and desk reviews and collate data into high quality reports with associated recommended actions and budgets
• Conduct mechanical systems analysis using own software to clearly inform or support design solutions where required
• Prepare accurate and energy and water efficient designs that are practically implementable.
• Provide technical input to procurement specifications and analysis of tender returns to support the procurement team
• Produce comprehensive and accurate mechanical bills of quantity, maintaining up to date rates for estimating purposes
• Verify technical specifications of mechanical products, apparatus, services and associated quality material
• Liaise with contractors regarding testing of installed mechanical equipment in order to verify their quality as being an integral part of both design and manufacture.
• Check and approve material and equipment incorporated in the works.
• Measure, check, and record the executed works against payment requests submitted contractors and review measurement sheets for the periodic payment of the work

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related fields with 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience is required
• Full member status registration with a recognized professional engineering body is required

Experience Requirements

Required

• Required minimum 4 years’ experience in analysis, preparing designs, specifications, BOQs, site monitoring and coordination of mechanical engineering installation works, such as:
  • Air conditioning and ventilation systems;
  • Water supply and drainage systems;
  • Firefighting systems;
  • Lift installations;
  • Gas distribution systems;
• Ability to work to meet tight schedules in a busy environment and varied cultural context.
• Good team player attitude.
• Ability to perform with professionalism, integrity and commitment to project demands.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent written and spoken English and French.

Desired

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

Language Requirements

English, Fluent.

French, Fluent

Opportunities for learning and growth

• Commitment to Excellence: Our support extends to all personnel at every level of the organization.
• Ongoing Development: We provide ongoing opportunities to help our people learn, develop, and excel at their jobs.
• State-of-the-Art Learning: Access a wide range of learning through our blended learning programmes, covering Leadership development and Personal and professional development.
• Key Credentials: Opportunities to benefit from Internationally recognized technical certifications and Membership to professional associations in various areas.
• Internal Culture: We foster an environment that encourages and supports knowledge sharing and collaboration