General Information
• Position Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer
• Job Category: Engineer
• Duty Station: Addis Ababa
• Seniority Level: Mid Level
• ICS Level: ICS 10
• Contract Type: ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer
• Contract Level: LICA 10
• Posting Start Date: 05 December 2025
• Posting End Date: 18 December 2025
• Duration: One year, renewable based on performance and budget availability
Job Highlight
This role provides the opportunity to lead mechanical engineering deliverables across diverse infrastructure projects in the Horn of Africa. It offers hands-on impact supporting sustainable development, improving service delivery, and enhancing the quality of life for communities.
About the Region
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office in Nairobi oversees more than 250 projects across 40 countries, many in fragile and conflict-affected areas. With over 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices, the region drives initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and SIDS. The office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and expertise in partnerships, communications, safety, project management, and resource transparency to support sustainable infrastructure and improved quality of life across the continent.
About the Country/Multi-Country Office
The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), based in Addis Ababa, manages projects across Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and South Sudan. HAMCO specializes in procurement, project management, and infrastructure services, with a focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Since 2024, HAMCO has invested in expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, and supports the implementation of research capacity, resilient community systems, and SDG-aligned development outcomes.
Job Specific Context
The Lead Mechanical Engineer delivers high-quality mechanical engineering designs that comply with national and international standards. Responsibilities cover HVAC, plumbing, pumping systems, PV systems, water supply, sanitation, and fire-fighting systems. The role requires frequent travel to project sites across Ethiopia and other HAMCO countries, ensuring efficient, safe, and sustainable mechanical systems throughout project lifecycle stages.
Role Purpose
Under the Senior Project Manager, the Lead Mechanical Engineer independently manages mechanical engineering components of projects, provides expert policy and technical guidance, and adapts engineering approaches to meet evolving client needs. The role ensures quality design, compliance, and successful implementation.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Site Assessment
• Conduct assessments for mechanical systems including HVAC, medical gas systems, plumbing, fire-fighting, and integrated building services
• Review requests for new construction or rehabilitation works and evaluate feasibility
• Participate in feasibility studies and inspect existing systems to assess performance gaps
• Prepare detailed technical assessment reports with clear recommendations
2. Design Works
• Support mechanical design development to meet project objectives
• Prepare and review design drawings, BoQs, and technical specifications
• Identify design gaps and recommend improvements to ensure reliability and efficiency
• Define design requirements for procurement of design services at all stages
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards (ES/EN, ASHRAE, NFPA, ISO, UNOPS Guidelines, FIDIC)
• Provide technical input for tender preparation, evaluation, and compliance verification
3. Construction Supervision and Quality Control
• Supervise mechanical construction in accordance with contracts and design standards
• Monitor progress, report deviations, and ensure timely execution
• Coordinate integration of HVAC, sanitary, medical, and electrical systems
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety protocols on all sites
• Prepare supervision and quality control reports for project milestones
4. Leadership, Coordination, and Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated system functionality
• Engage with government authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance
• Provide technical leadership to contractors, consultants, and site teams
5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
• Develop and maintain technical manuals, guidelines, and standard documentation
• Document lessons learned and produce technical reference materials
• Train and mentor engineers, contractors, and local teams
• Support institutional capacity building in mechanical engineering best practices
Skills
AutoCAD, Construction Management, Knowledge Management, Quality Control, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Leadership
Competencies
[Insert standard UNOPS competencies if required]
Education Requirements
Required
• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 7 years of relevant experience
• Professional Mechanical Engineer Certification
Desired
• License or Board Certification in Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge of green technologies and sustainable mechanical engineering
Experience Requirements
Required
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible mechanical engineering experience
• Strong experience in HVAC design and installation
• 5 years experience with AutoCAD (2D/3D) for mechanical design
Desired
• Experience with sustainable and resilient mechanical engineering solutions
• Work experience in UN agencies or developing countries
• Experience with Revit/BIM and related software for sanitary engineering
• Background in infrastructure development projects
Language Requirements
• English: Fluent (Required)
• Amharic: Fluent (Required)
Additional Information
• UNOPS does not request any form of payment during recruitment
• Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time on the closing date
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• UNOPS values diversity and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups
• Reasonable accommodation is available for shortlisted candidates upon request
• Background checks are required for all selected candidates
Terms and Conditions
• UNOPS may appoint candidates at a lower level than advertised
• Retainer contract holders must complete mandatory training before starting services (unpaid)
• All personnel must adhere to UN Charter values, UNOPS policies, and relevant accountability frameworks
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background checks