Lead Bridge Design Engineer

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office oversees over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), based in Addis Ababa, delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. This role is integral to HAMCO's infrastructure initiatives.

Job Purpose

The Lead Bridge/Structural Design Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and coordination of bridges, culverts, and cross-drainage structures. This role ensures compliance with UNOPS guidelines, national standards, and international best practices, guaranteeing that all structures are hydraulically sufficient, structurally sound, and constructible. The engineer will contribute to the development of safe, durable, and cost-effective infrastructure, integrated with road networks and aligned with critical environmental and geotechnical constraints, supporting sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.

Responsibilities

The Lead Bridge Design Engineer is responsible for site assessment, including reviewing topography, existing infrastructure, and interpreting survey, geotechnical, and hydrological data to identify design constraints and determine design discharge. The role involves leading the structural and hydraulic design of bridges and culverts, ensuring compliance with relevant load combinations and standards, and designing associated components like inlets and outlets. Key duties include preparing design deliverables such as drawings, calculations, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs). The engineer will also provide technical support for procurement, review shop drawings and method statements during construction, resolve site issues, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated infrastructure development.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in bridge and culvert design, including cross-drainage structures, is required, along with a practicing professional Bridge/Structural Engineer license. Desired experience includes road infrastructure projects, international design standards, construction supervision, and proficiency with design software.

Skills

AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Structural Analysis and Design, Hydrological Data Interpretation, Geotechnical Data Interpretation.

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