Chief of Section, Engineering

Organizational Context

The Chief of Section, Engineering, based in Port-au-Prince, is part of the UN Support Office in Haiti. This role reports to the Chief of Service Delivery Management and provides expert technical advice on engineering activities, policies, and procedures. The position is situated within the Office of Chief Engineering and Facilities Management, contributing to the mission's operational support.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Section, Engineering is responsible for providing expert technical advice and leadership in all engineering activities for the mission. This includes developing and implementing short and long-range plans for the design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure. The role ensures adherence to quality, project, and risk management best practices. Key functions involve establishing work requirements and priorities based on mission status and mandate, developing annual engineering budgets and work schedules, and managing engineering staff. The purpose is to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of engineering support services critical to the mission's operations, particularly in challenging environments with limited infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Administer engineering support by collaborating with senior management on guidance and procedures, preparing communication plans for engineering information, liaising with national and international officials, and responding to audit observations. Plan and implement complex construction projects, develop short and long-range plans for facilities and infrastructure lifecycle management, considering high-risk environments and limited resources. Prepare annual engineering budgets and work schedules, manage engineering resources, and monitor performance against plans. Develop and manage the mission’s engineering staffing plan. Implement engineering activities by providing expert technical advice, monitoring project progress, reporting on construction and maintenance activities, and supporting mission start-up and liquidation phases, including site selection and asset disposal.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in facilities and infrastructure, including planning, designing, and supervising engineering construction projects and managing maintenance. Seven years of international supervisory experience in project and contract management for large design/construction and maintenance programs is required. Experience in designing physical security upgrades and developing capital master plans in high-threat field missions is also required. Experience managing outsourced engineering contractors is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, Leadership, Project Management, Contract Management, Facilities and Infrastructure Management, Budgeting, Staff Management, Risk Management, Quality Management, Physical Security Design (including blast and ballistic protection), Construction Management, Engineering Principles (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil).

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