Lead Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Engineer
Organizational Context
The Asia Pacific Regional Office oversees UNOPS operations across 17 countries, focusing on high performance and operational excellence. The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), established in 2023, supports 24 countries, implementing initiatives in energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development. The Pacific Operations Cluster, established in 2018, delivers infrastructure and project management services to 12 Pacific Small Island Developing States.
Job Purpose
This role provides independent specialist Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering support to the Project Manager and Site Engineer for the Tuvalu Health System Strengthening Project. The primary focus is ensuring MEP works comply with contracts, approved designs, and quality standards through remote technical review, online coordination, and virtual meetings. While the role is primarily remote, periodic site missions will be undertaken during critical construction stages for inspection, testing, and commissioning. The MEP Engineer will offer technical advice and recommendations, but will not have direct contractual authority over the contractor, variations, or payments, unless specifically delegated.
Responsibilities
The Lead MEP Engineer reports to the Project Manager and is responsible for providing technical and construction support, including reviewing shop drawings, material submissions, RFIs, method statements, and O&M manuals. They will offer prompt advice on technical issues, variations, and material substitutions, assessing their suitability for the Tuvalu operating environment. The role involves participating in online technical meetings and maintaining a register of reviews. Site missions will be conducted to inspect installation quality, witness testing and commissioning, and support completion inspections for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ELV, fire protection, solar PV, generator, medical gas, and lift systems. Quality assurance includes verifying compliance with drawings and specifications, reviewing contractor QA/QC documentation, and identifying non-conformities.
Work Experience
Required experience includes design review, construction supervision, installation, testing, or commissioning of health facility MEP systems, particularly in challenging environments like Pacific SIDS. Demonstrated experience with at least two complex institutional facilities, construction-stage submittal review, site quality assurance, and multidisciplinary coordination is essential. Experience reviewing contractor proposals and providing clear technical advice is also necessary. Experience with medical gas systems, renewable energy integration, FIDIC contracts, and World Bank/UNOPS projects is desirable.
Skills
Advanced Product Quality Planning, Building Codes, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing, Technical Support