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Organizational setting:

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. The UN-Habitat Afghanistan country office is part of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP). The position is located in Kabul provinces, Afghanistan.

Learning from the experience in the last 30 years and recognizing the realities of the current context in the country, UN-Habitat in Afghanistan designs and implements projects in settlements of all sizes, putting the needs of people first, targeting the most vulnerable and meeting local needs by focusing on area-based and community-driven outputs. The portfolio currently covers projects ranging from humanitarian responses to supporting recovery and meeting basic human needs. UN-Habitat collaborates closely with the UN country team as well as with technical and financial partners in Afghanistan, in alignment with the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plans (HRNP).

Afghanistan is experiencing a continuous humanitarian crisis, with over half a million people in the need of humanitarian assistance. Many people are displaced due to climate change, internal displacement or massive returns from neighbouring countries, and many have sought refuge in the relative safety of cities, which are growing rapidly. The number of people living in unplanned, underserviced and informal settlements, including in risk prone areas, is increasing and living conditions as well as access to services is inadequate. The unfolding crisis in Afghan cities, which is accelerated by climate change impacts and natural disasters, is occurring in a context of underlying vulnerabilities, including infrastructure deficits, insecure livelihoods and pervasive tenure insecurity. Most at risk are displaced people in informal settlements, with women, disabled and ethnic minorities being particularly vulnerable.

UN-Habitat applies a participatory and community-driven approach, using participatory spatial planning and action planning processes to enable communities to identify and implement priority service and infrastructure investments to support their socioeconomic recovery processes and creating an enabling environment for durable solutions. UN-Habitat's community-cantered “People's Process” is a proven and effective approach to reduce vulnerability at scale in the Afghan context. UN-Habitat builds upon its long tradition of partnering with with communities in informal settlements to create sustainable and safe settlements, improve living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to those most in need.

About the Project

The takeover of government in Afghanistan by the DFA in August 2021 triggered a dire humanitarian crisis in the country, leading to serious violations of human rights, poor governance, and a sharp decline in socioeconomic development. With an estimated 23.7 million people, more than half of Afghanistan’s population, in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024 and over 90% living in poverty, international aid has reached vulnerable populations across the country considering life-saving services, but poor residents in urban areas have been often left behind, resulting in increased urban vulnerability.

Decision-makers frequently assume that poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion are features of rural areas, not cities. This is, however, not the case. Urban populations are facing more financial barriers than people in rural areas, spending more income on meeting their needs, contributing to increasing urban poverty. In addition, rapid migration into urban areas has also been remarkable; Some macro-level analysis indicates that in 1950, only 1 out of every 20 Afghans lived in cities, but in 2022, 1 out of every 4 lived in cities, and by 2060, it is estimated that 1 out of every 2 – 50% of the total population – will live in cities (UN DESA, UN-Habitat, World Bank). While many Afghans are fleeing from frequent natural disasters, seeking better employment opportunities, and living environment, Afghanistan has been experiencing a massive increase in the arrival of Afghan returnees from Pakistan following a government decree in September 2023. In Kabul and Herat, the two most populous provinces in Afghanistan, rapid urbanization and a changing climate increases the urban poor’s vulnerability to hazards.

A critical but often overlooked factor impacting urban life is the poor state of the country’s key infrastructure related to the provision of essential services. In Kabul and Herat, the essential infrastructure for ensuring basic living environment to protect human rights of vulnerable populations is insufficient, even quantitatively and qualitatively. The protracted humanitarian crisis has strained the public health system, with most facilities having poor infrastructure and limited capacity to provide healthcare services. Deteriorating buildings, outdated equipment, and power issues hinder operations for basic services.

The inadequate hygiene and sanitation facilities including clean water sources and waste disposal systems not only hampers healthcare access but also plays a critical role in the spread of diseases. Infectious diseases are the consequence and catalyst of poor humanitarian conditions, including poor sanitation, water quality and quantity, malnutrition, reduced school attendance, poor health, and reduced income. Infrastructure for socially vulnerable populations, particularly women, is not well developed.

Against this backdrop, the project aims to improve the living environment of the urban poor through rehabilitating essential community infrastructure in Kabul and Herat Provinces in a sustained and disaster-resilient manner. The target locations will be 20 GA in the 10 most vulnerable Police Districts (PDs) of Kabul and earthquake-affected villages of Zindajan District in Herat.

Reporting Relationships

The project engineer will assist and provincial team leaders in implementation of technical part of project components in Herat provinces development of the technical work plan, project technical document implementation, coordination with project team and reporting on a day-to-day basis to the provincial team leaders and will manage construction and field activities related to ongoing projects. The engineer will collaborate closely with other technical staff including senior engineers, field technicians, and consultants. The engineer will support regular progress updates to the project management team and participate in coordination meetings with stakeholders and partner agencies as needed.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this position is to manage and support all technical engineering aspects related to on-site construction, ensuring compliance with project specifications and quality standards. Key responsibilities include:

1. Engineering support:

1. Conduct technical assessments and feasibility studies for site conditions, existing infrastructure, and community requirements. Conduct sites any surveys and feasibility studies for health facilities and road construction projects

2.  Support or develop technical design documents including drawings, BoQs, and detailed engineering plans for infrastructure components such as roads, water supply systems, and public amenities.

2.  Construction Oversight:

1. Supervise the implementation of construction works ensuring adherence to approved designs, safety standards, and quality benchmarks such as AASHTO, ASTM, ACI or local codes. Conduct regular on-site inspections to address technical issues promptly.

2.  Monitor progress as per workplan on infrastructure construction activities and support in preparation of sub project workplans.

3.  Conduct regular field surveys and assessments; map information and ensure proper documentation.

4.  Assist in laying out road alignments, WASH and health facilities and other related components and coordinate with the contractors to discuss and resolve field-level challenges.

3. Technical Coordination:

1. Collaborate with design teams to provide input on constructability and cost-effective methods on all infrastructure activities

2. Liaise with contractors and sub-contractors to ensure timely procurement, compliance with technical specifications, and efficient execution of field activities.

3. Oversee technical surveys, risk assessments, and compliance checks throughout the project cycle.

4.  Discuss project activities regularly with local communities and beneficiaries and receive their feedback on the activities and ensure they are brought to the attention of team leader.

4.   Quality and Safety Compliance:

1.   Ensure all engineering activities follow national and international standards.

2.  Verify that materials used meet the required standards and specifications as per AASHTO, ASTM, ACI or local codes.

3.  Identify and mitigate risks related to construction activities and enforce safety protocols on-site, ensuring workers and community safety.

5.  Reporting and Documentation:

1.  Identify, recommend and document lessons learned and ensured updated as-built drawings and maintenance manuals are produced at project completion.

2. Maintain accurate daily work logs, site inspection records, and prepare weekly and monthly progress reports detailing milestones, issues, and resolutions.

6.  Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Work alongside local communities and local authorities to ensure project specifications meet local needs.

2. Support capacity building and training sessions related to project implementation methodologies.

3.  Conduct any other task/s, assigned by the provincial team leader.

7. Compliance and Safety:

•   Ensure that all construction activities adhere to project safety standards and UN-Habitat’s guidelines for construction and technical management, including environmental and safety protocols.

• Support corrective actions promptly to address any deviations from the pre-approved plans.

Results expected.

1. Timely Delivery: Consistent achievement of project milestones such as road construction, water system rehabilitation, and infrastructure retrofitting. Final deliverables including comprehensive technical documentation, project reports, and successful handover to local stakeholders.

2.  Adherence to Quality Standards: High-quality construction that complies with design and safety standards as specified within the project documents.

3. Efficient Resource Management: Effective management of manpower, materials, and machinery to optimize costs and project timelines. Reduction of risk incidents during construction through proactive safety and quality assurance measures.

4.  Effective Communication: Clear, consistent, and documented reporting of technical issues, progress, and corrective measures to the Provincial manager.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Ability to identify and resolve budgetary problems and identify sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect their own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Qualifications

1. Education: A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from a reputable public university is required. Advanced certifications in construction or project management (PMP, PRINCE2 etc), quality control, or related technical fields will be viewed favorably.

2. Experience:

a.  A minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in construction and rehabilitation projects, infrastructure development, or construction project management with a strong technical focus.

b. Demonstrable experience in managing large scale infrastructure projects such as road construction WASH system or community amenities.

3.  Technical Competencies:

a.  In-depth knowledge of engineering and structural design principles, construction materials, and modern construction practices relevant to community infrastructure and amenities.

b. Proficiency in engineering design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D and project management tools. Expertise in the review and preparation of technical documentation such as detailed designs, scopes of work, and bills of quantities.

c.  Familiarity with risk management procedures and quality assurance protocols in construction projects.

d.  Knowledge of relevant local and international engineering standards and safety regulations.

e.   Strong IT skills including proficiency in standard industry software for drafting, project management, and reporting.

4.   Personal Skills:

a.  Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make swift technical decisions.

b.  Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with contractors, technical teams, and stakeholders.

c.  Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple technical tasks concurrently while maintaining clarity on role responsibilities.

d. Ability to work in challenging environments under tight deadlines.

e.  Flexibility to travel to project sites and work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team.

5.  Language:

a.  English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Local/National Language of the duty station is required.

6.  Other: 

a. Build support with national counterparts, during the project period; Ensure high-quality and timely achievement of relevant activties and targets;

• Interested Afghan National Candidates should submit the following required documents. 1. A cover letter that shows how your qualifications and experience meet the VA requirement. 2. P11 form for individual contractor (IC) that contains all your information.
• Click on the link below and then click on ‘Register and Apply’ if you are not already registered with CTG.
• Follow the steps to provide your details and register;
• Provide the information marked in red.
• Save your profile and upload copies of your qualification and P11 form.
• Once your profile is created and saved go to Vacancies tab on the right corner.
• Click on the vacancy that you want to apply for.
• Provide your current employment details, date that you are available from and salary expectations.
• Tick the boxes and click submit.
• You will see your application under the Application tab
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