Lead Quantity Surveyor
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office oversees over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile settings. The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) in Addis Ababa delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. HAMCO's work supports national priorities through initiatives in health, agriculture, and economic development, contributing to sustainable development and SDG achievement.
Job Purpose
The Lead Quantity Surveyor is responsible for managing comprehensive quantity surveying and cost management for civil engineering projects. This role provides authoritative advice and adapts methodologies to ensure accurate cost estimation, effective procurement support, and robust financial control. The position is critical for the successful, efficient, timely, and cost-effective delivery of infrastructure initiatives within the region. The Lead Quantity Surveyor will play a key role in ensuring the integrity and financial viability of projects, contributing directly to UNOPS' mission of delivering impactful results.
Responsibilities
The Lead Quantity Surveyor will conduct complex site assessments and establish appropriate methodologies for quantity surveying and cost estimation. They will provide senior technical advice on project data interpretation, identify and mitigate cost risks, and participate in multidisciplinary coordination. Responsibilities include leading and validating high-value estimates, developing cost breakdowns, and reviewing consultant estimates. The role involves preparing standardized Bills of Quantities (BoQs), ensuring consistency between design documents and cost estimates, and resolving discrepancies. Additionally, the Lead Quantity Surveyor will provide technical advice for procurement, review tender documents, and advise on bidder queries. They will also advise on cost variation analysis, contractor claims, and new rate reviews, validate proposed adjustments, and lead as-built quantity assessments. Finally, the role includes establishing quality control mechanisms, developing technical standards, maintaining cost databases, preparing management reports, and mentoring junior staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience is required in civil engineering, quantity surveying, cost estimation, and construction project support. This includes experience in preparing engineering cost estimates, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), quantity take-offs, cost analyses, and site measurement/as-built quantity assessment. A valid practicing professional Construction Management license is mandatory. Experience with construction projects, materials, methods, and local market pricing is desirable.
Skills
AutoCAD, Bill Of Quantities, Cost Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Report Writing