Geotechnical Engineer

Organizational Context

UNOPS operates across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on delivering high-impact infrastructure and public health solutions to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive growth. The Southern Cone Multi-Country Office, based in Brazil, supports national priorities in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This role supports the National Fund for Education Development (FNDE) in Brazil, an agency executing Ministry of Education policies, specifically focusing on improving public basic education and infrastructure.

Job Purpose

This role is to identify and hire a Structural Engineer specializing in Geotechnics and Foundations to support the UNOPS Technical Cooperation Project "Strengthening the management of education infrastructure for traditional peoples in Brazil." The engineer will assist the National Works Specialist and Coordinating Engineer in achieving Result 2.1, which involves the analysis and evaluation of the physical infrastructure of schools. The primary focus is on assessing the current state of educational facilities that are slated for completion by UNOPS, ensuring that the necessary technical evaluations and project adjustments are made to facilitate the successful finalization of these critical infrastructure projects for indigenous and quilombola communities.

Responsibilities

The Structural Engineer - Geotechnics and Foundations will report to the National Works Management Specialist. Key responsibilities include participating in technical and management meetings, supporting the development of Terms of Reference for diagnostic and project review contracts, and compiling proposals for diagnostic items and technical guidelines. The role involves analyzing and reviewing geotechnical engineering projects, including soil investigation, foundation systems, and containment structures, and preparing technical reports and opinions. The engineer will also review budget spreadsheets, work schedules, and physical-financial charts, and formulate guidelines for soil investigation projects, geotechnical engineering, and construction quality control. Additionally, the position requires applying advanced engineering techniques to solve geotechnical problems, providing technical guidance, and preparing progress reports. Collaboration with other specialists and the operational team is essential, as is supporting contract management and presenting technical findings.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in infrastructure and geotechnical engineering projects is required. This experience should ideally include earthmoving, geotechnical characterization, shallow and deep foundation structures, slope containment structures, and geotechnical design. Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Google Workspace is necessary, along with advanced knowledge of engineering software such as Autocad, TQS, FEM, Settle3D, Slide, APile, or MathCAD. Experience in public sector projects and with UN system or other international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Foundation Design, Soil Investigation, Project Management, Technical Analysis, Report Writing, Budgeting, Scheduling, Quality Control, AutoCAD, MS Office Suite, Google Workspace.

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