Lead Civil Engineer

Organizational Context

UNOPS operates across 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on delivering high-impact solutions for sustainable development. The Southern Cone Multi-Country Office (SCMCO), based in Brazil, oversees operations in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, supporting national priorities through infrastructure projects, public procurement, and institutional strengthening. UNOPS promotes transparent, efficient, and results-driven management, aligning with national needs and advancing Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Purpose

The Lead Civil Engineer (Road Engineering Specialist) will coordinate the review of design and construction activities, ensuring projects meet the highest quality standards. This role involves integrating best practices in technical design and construction management throughout the project lifecycle, with strict adherence to Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) standards and Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) requirements. The position demands strong technical expertise, proactive resource management, and the ability to ensure integrity, transparency, and effective stakeholder coordination in all civil engineering endeavors.

Responsibilities

The Lead Civil Engineer is responsible for planning and implementing projects, including supervising and coordinating the development and review of road engineering designs and works. This includes analyzing projects, suggesting necessary adjustments, and ensuring compliance with national standards, contractual requirements, and quality expectations. The role involves coordinating the review of road engineering project budgets and change requests, and validating engineering components of cost estimates. Additionally, the engineer will oversee and monitor infrastructure construction, focusing on road engineering, and guarantee the quality of executed works. This includes proposing construction solutions, ensuring adherence to regulations (including safety, environmental, and quality plans), and verifying the deliverables of consultants and contractors. The position also requires monitoring project progress against milestones, contributing to progress reports, preparing documentation, identifying and recommending corrective actions for design and construction risks, and coordinating with stakeholders by providing technical advice and participating in project meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience in civil engineering projects, with a focus on Road Engineering or related areas, is required. Experience working in multicultural environments, with UN system organizations in developing countries, or in development/humanitarian contexts is desirable.

Skills

Civil Engineering, Project Engineering, Project Implementation, Road Engineering, Project Team Management, Technical Design, Construction Management, HSSE Compliance, PSEAH Compliance, Stakeholder Coordination.

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