engineering assistant

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Engineering Unit under the Service Delivery Section of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC).

The Engineering Assistant will be under the supervision of the Chief of Unit, Engineering.

Responsibilities

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Engineering Assistant will support the Chief of Unit, Engineering by applying professional engineering knowledge and expertise in the performance of the following duties and responsibilities:

TECHNICAL:

• Supervise the work of contractors and junior staff members performed in one or more of the following trades and crafts areas: carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operator, mechanics, plumbing and/or welding.
• Install, commission and operate/maintain systems in the specific trade area in compliance with recognized standards and regulations pertaining to installation and safety codes. Determine priority of work.
• Prepare/review the technical relevant reports in the specific trade area and other assessments to determine work requirement, including carrying out technical assessments of the installation, and maintenance of engineering systems

PROCEDURAL:

• Develop, read, interpret and close-out technical work orders in conjunction with associated technical specification.
• Prepare Bill of Quantity
• Maintain records relating to inventories and work orders.
• Assess and report to the supervisor on unusual occurrences and/or damage that have taken place or are likely to occur.
• Inspect quality of work and performance, Diagnose and Resolve problems. Ensure all stages are completed satisfactorily.
• Verify and certify invoices received by contractors against work orders

OPERATIONAL:

• Advance planning and organizing for most effective execution of work.
• Prepare cost estimates in the specific trade area.
• Coordinate work as necessary with engineering counterparts.
• Provide instructions to junior assistants on proper operation. Train users on equipment installed.
• Recommend lists of materials and equipment needed for completing the work, and ensure availability for work orders scheduled, and write a work order after completion of the work.
• Develop periodic acquisition plans for engineering materials/equipment in the specific trade area.
• Monitor quality levels for the supply and scheduled routine maintenance of materials and equipment.
• Ensure that daily activities comply with the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) and the Department of Operational Support (DOS) on environmental and Waste Management policies and directives.
• Ensure that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief of Unit, Engineering.

Competencies

Professionalism:
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.

Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Planning and organizing:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Certification in AutoCAD software is desirable. Certification in Construction Management is desirable. Certification in Data Analysis is desirable.

Trade and Craft Certification (or specific equipment certification) in carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, plumbing, welding or related trade is required.

This requirement is not applicable to candidates who possess a first-level university degree in these fields or relevant, or higher.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in construction/commissioning and operations/maintenance of facilities and infrastructure within the specific field and craft area of carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, plumbing, welding and/or related field is required.

The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.

Experience in project planning, execution, and evaluation of engineering projects, ensuring compliance with Colombian construction standards and regulations is desirable.

Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) - or similar international organization or non-governmental organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

NOTE:

Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules.

Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located.

Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.

Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.

The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Candidates interested in working for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia:

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).

Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.

This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening.

No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted.

Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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