Project Information
Following the political events in Afghanistan in August 2021, the subsequent economic collapse has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis putting over 24 million people in immediate need of aid. To provide immediate short-term livelihood opportunities and deliver urgent essential services in rural and urban areas, UNOPS is working with funders to implement a large-scale community resilience program. The initiative aims to reach an estimated 1.1 million households, or 7.5 million Afghans,with livelihoods and income support. In addition, 9 million Afghans in some 6,200 rural communities and 8 cities will benefit from improved access to essential social services through strengthening the capacity of community institutions in inclusive service delivery.
Job-Specific Information
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Team Lead - Rural Component, the Civil Engineer (Rural Road Infrastructure) is responsible for supporting the effective and successful field-level implementation of road and road structures sub-projects under the community resilience and livelihoods program in rural areas. This includes providing technical support to Implementing Partners (IPs) field based engineers and Cash for Work (CfW) engineers, reviewing proposals, enriching technical manuals, and ensuring the quality and sustainability of rural road infrastructure.
2. Summary of Key Functions
● Provide expert technical guidance and support to IPs field based engineers and Cash for Work (CfW) engineers on the planning, design, and implementation of sustainable rural road and its structure solutions.
● Review the Facilitating Partners (FPs) subproject proposals based on UNOPS three categories - Group 1 (Exempt Activities), Group 2 (Model Designs), Group 3 (Standard Design Review process with HQ).
● Review sub-project classifications in the MIS and ensure they are correctly assigned to the appropriate category—Group 1 (Exempt Activities), Group 2 (Model Designs), or Group 3 (Standard Design Review Process with HQ).
● Support the project team to maintain the IPMG Jira ticket/depository interface, where required by the approach.
● Conduct thorough reviews of technical proposals for rural road infrastructure sub-projects, ensuring adherence to technical standards, feasibility, and alignment with project objectives, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
● Confirm required approvals are in place before works commence (recorded in MIS/checklist) and escalate gaps
● Conduct site visits to monitor the quality of construction and rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, identifying potential issues, and recommending corrective actions to maintain high standards.
● Contribute to the development and enrichment of CRLP/Rural Component Technical Manuals, guidelines, and best practices for rural road infrastructure sub-projects, incorporating innovative approaches and lessons learned to enhance project effectiveness.
● Ensure that all rural road infrastructure sub-projects are implemented in compliance with UNOPS' environmental and social safeguards policies, promoting sustainable and responsible development practices.
● Conduct site assessments to evaluate existing rural road infrastructure, identify rehabilitation needs, and provide recommendations for improvement, ensuring efficient and safe transport infrastructure.
● Support the development of capacity-building initiatives for local engineers and communities, promoting knowledge transfer and ensuring the long-term sustainability of road and structures systems.
● Prepare comprehensive technical reports, progress updates, and documentation related to rural road infrastructure sub-projects, contributing to effective project monitoring and evaluation.
● Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and partner organizations, to ensure effective coordination and collaboration in the implementation of rural road infrastructure sub-projects.
● Verify that E&S/HSSE requirements are integrated into subproject implementation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE/first aid, safe work practices, incident reporting where applicable).
● Record non-compliance and follow-up actions.
● Escalate repeated/non-resolved issues to the supervisor/HSSE/E&S focal points.
● Practical completion verification/functionality and safety checks (as applicable);
● Handover documentation (as-builts where applicable, completion certificates, beneficiary sign-off, O&M/maintenance notes where relevant);
● Defects follow-up tracking during the applicable Defects Notification Period (DNP) /post-completion
period and closure evidence; escalation of unresolved items.
● Any other tasks and responsibilities which are assigned by related supervisor/managers 3. Impact of Results The effective performance of the Civil Engineer (Rural Road Infrastructure) - directly contributes to the successful implementation of sustainable rural road infrastructure sub-projects within the CRLP's rural component. By providing expert technical guidance, ensuring quality construction, and building local capacity, this role enhances the connectivity, accessibility, and livelihoods of rural communities, supports UNOPS' commitment to sustainable development, and strengthens UNOPS' reputation as a reliable partner in Afghanistan's recovery.
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
● A university degree (minimum Bachelor) in Civil Engineering or structural engineering or a related field is required.
● Specific training in rural road infrastructure design, construction, or related technical areas from a recognized institution is an asset.
● Training in environmental safeguards and sustainable development practices is an asset.
b. Work Experience
● A minimum of two years of relevant experience in civil engineering and structural engineering is required, with a demonstrated focus on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of rural road infrastructure.
● Experience working on Cash for Work projects or community-driven development (CDD) projects, including engagement with Community Development Councils (CDCs), Community Representative Groups (CRGs), or similar community structures, would be an asset.
● Experience in providing technical support and training to engineers and technicians is an asset.
● Experience in developing and implementing quality control procedures for rural road infrastructure projects is an asset.
● Proficiency in using engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or specialized road design software) is required. c. Language Requirements:
● Excellent knowledge of both written and oral English is required.
● Fluency in Pashto and / or Dari is required. d.
Reporting and Site Visit:
● Experience in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports detailing the status of irrigation sub-projects, key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
● Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field/project sites.
