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General Information

Position Title
Civil Engineer
Job Category
Engineer
Duty Station(s)
Port Moresby
Seniority Level
Mid Level
ICS Level
ICS 09
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular
Contract Level
LICA 9
Posting Start Date
09-Feb-2026
Posting End Date
22-Feb-2026
Duration
28 months

Job Highlight

Drive high-quality infrastructure delivery by providing technical expertise, supervising work, and ensuring compliance with design and safety standards.

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE), provides vital civil engineering technical expertise to the project. The incumbent will lead on contract management of multiple contractors (up to 7) undertaking infrastructure audits and infrastructure upgrades to health facilities in four provinces in PNG.

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) will also be responsible for ensuring health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance across the project.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), headquartered in Bangkok, supports UNOPS operations across 24 countries in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Pacific. Established in January 2023, EAPMCO provides strategic direction, operational support, and quality assurance to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of projects across its portfolio. EAPMCO implements initiatives in priority areas such as energy transition, climate change, and sustainable development, drawing on UNOPS' core expertise in human resources, procurement, infrastructure, fund management, and programme management.

About the Project Office

UNOPS has supported Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2016, initially partnering with the Global Fund to strengthen public health services. In 2020, a dedicated country office was established to manage UNOPS’ growing portfolio, which spans infrastructure, procurement, and project management. UNOPS currently works with the Government of PNG, the World Bank, the European Union, and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand on initiatives in health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and sustainable energy, supporting the country’s development priorities through tailored, results-driven solutions.

Job Specific Context

The “Improving Access to and Value from Health Services in PNG: Financing the Frontlines Project” (IMPACT Health Project) aims to address critical challenges in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including the lack of key infrastructure, medical instruments, and supplies necessary for effective health service delivery.

The objective of the IMPACT Health Project is to increase the utilization of quality essential health services in the supported provinces: East New Britain, East Sepik, Central, and Chimbu. The government, through this initiative, plans to upgrade primary health care facilities by conducting comprehensive needs assessments and setting priorities for rehabilitation and equipment upgrades. Additionally, the IMPACT Health Project will strengthen the assessment and supervision of health facilities by implementing an integrated facility supportive supervision checklist.

This engagement contributes to Component 1 - Increase service delivery readiness and community-based service delivery, and Component 2 - Improve frontline service delivery performance of the IMPACT Health Project. The components of the scope of work of the engagement includes but not limited to:  

A. Facility Audit: Conduct a Health Facility Audit (HFA) using pre-approved audit tools from the Facilities Service Branch for Level 2 to Level 4 facilities in three (03) provinces: Central, Chimbu and East Sepik.

B. Costed and Prioritized Investment Plan: Identify essential equipment (both medical and non-medical) that can be provided to all facilities, including those owned by the government and non-government entities, to enhance service delivery. The second priority is to identify infrastructure improvements, particularly the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, in the three provinces of Central, Chimbu and East Sepik. The list of priority interventions will be defined in alignment with the available budgetary envelope for this component. 

C. Rehabilitation: Carry out rehabilitation efforts in up to four (04) priority facilities per province for the four provinces.

Role Purpose

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) is responsible for the planning, assessment, implementation, and supervision of rehabilitation works under the IMPACT Health Project. The role ensures that all engineering assessments and construction activities comply with the technical specifications outlined in the contract and meet relevant national building and safety regulations

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) also ensures that both the facility audit process and rehabilitation works are carried out in line with UNOPS HSSE standards and World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard requirements.

 

Under the direct supervision of  the Deputy Project Manager and in close collaboration with the project teams, the Civil Engineer performs a broad range of tasks, including assisting in project assessments, preparing bills of quantity (BoQS) and bid documents, supervising works on-site, and conducting technical evaluations to ensure compliance with design standards, quality assurance, occupational health and safety, and environmental management requirements. 

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) is required to work closely with the facility audit team, Contractor, procurement specialists, and the Provincial Health Authorities under the direct supervision of the Project Manager(s) and overall guidance of the Head of Programme, providing cross-functional support to ensure timely, compliant and high-quality project implementation.

 

The incumbent provides technical expertise, promoting best practices in construction management and ensuring high standards of consistency and quality in project outputs. Through these responsibilities, the Civil Engineer contributes to the achievement of organizational performance goals and overall project success.

 

The Civil Engineer (Construction Supervision and HSSE) plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and successful delivery of infrastructure projects within defined time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefit parameters.

Functions / Key Results Expected

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

  1. Project Planning and Implementation

  • Support the preparation of project implementation plans, BoQs, cost estimates and schedules.

  • Provide technical input during feasibility studies, needs assessments, and design development.

  • Assist in the preparation of tender documents, bid evaluations, and contract award documentation.

  • Ensure compliance with technical specifications, contractual provisions, and organizational standards throughout project execution.

  • Oversee the technical delivery of the health facility audit to ensure that contractors follow the audit tool requirements and capture all necessary data;

  • Validate the completeness and accuracy of audit information and confirm that data is uploaded correctly into the digital audit tool;

  • Review audit reports submitted by the contractor to ensure they meet UNOPS reporting standards and provide timely feedback for corrections or improvements;

  • Lead site-level supervision for rehabilitation works, including verifying construction progress against approved designs, specifications, and schedules;

  • Review the Contractor’s progress inline with the agreed work program and flag any slippage or risks to the Project Manager;

  • Conduct routine monitoring using standardized checklists, document observations, and escalate issues that may affect quality, safety, or timelines;

  • Provide weekly technical updates to the Project Manager, summarizing progress, risks, HSSE compliance, and any emerging constraints;


  1. Contract Management and Quality Assurance 

  • Coordinate daily and weekly activities with contractors, Provincial Health Authorities, and facility personnel to ensure smooth implementation of audits and rehabilitation works;

  • Review contractor workplans, method statements, HSSE plans, and schedules, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements;

  • Verify completed works and support the preparation of progress certificates and handover documentation;

  • Track contractor performance, identify non-compliance, and support the Project Manager in enforcing contractual obligations;

  • Monitor contract implementation, supplier performance and ensure timely payments;

  • Maintain operational records and ensure compliance with UNOPS administrative procedures;

  • Undertake Supervisory check to ensure timely, cost-effective and high-quality delivery of construction activities.

  • Oversee contractor performance, including site safety, environmental standards, and quality control. 

  • Liaise with contractors, consultants and engineering teams to resolve technical issues and support effective construction management.

Financial Inputs  

  • Provide engineering inputs for cost estimates, variation requests, and verification of quantities for payment processing;

  • Review the Contractor’s payment request inline with the actual progress;

  • Support the Project Manager on verifying claimed works align with verified progress on site before financial approval is recommended.

  • Highlight cost risks related to delays, rework, or scope gaps that may affect the project budget.



  1. Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) 

  • Lead on health, safety, social and environmental (HSSE) compliance and activities for the project. 

  • Monitor contractors compliance to UNOPS HSSE requirements. 

  • Maintain and update the HSSE plan/s. 

  • Verify material quantities, monitor site activities, and ensure HSSE compliance on all work sites.

  • Provide routine HSSE reports and updates. 



  1. Monitoring, Reporting and Compliance 


  • Monitor progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and project success criteria. Contribute data and analysis for reporting.

  • Prepare and submit progress reports, site monitoring documentation, and handover/close-out reports.

  • Ensure compliance with organizational systems, reporting requirements, and accountability standards.

  • Identify risks and issues, recommend corrective actions, and track remedial measures to maintain delivery within scope, budget and schedule.


  1. Stakeholder Coordination


  • Contribute to effective communication and coordination among internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Coordinate with Provincial Health Authorities, District Health Officers, and facility staff to plan audit schedules and rehabilitation activities. Facilitating clear communication between the contractor and health authorities to minimize disruptions to essential services during construction.

  • Represent UNOPS in stakeholder briefings, technical discussions, and site visits to help align expectations and ensure transparency in implementation. 

  • Draft correspondence, minutes and briefing materials as required.

  • Support visibility and communication activities consistent with UNOPS branding and guidelines

  • Collaborate with procurement teams, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth project implementation.

  • Support engagement with local authorities, and beneficiaries to strengthen coordination and project ownership.


  1. Knowledge Building and Sharing


  • Maintain organized records of audit findings, supervision logs, site photos, designs, and technical reviews to support institutional learning.

  • Identify practical improvements to audit processes, rehabilitation methods, or HSSE practices based on field experience.

  • Contribute to lessons learned, case studies, and technical briefs that strengthen future phases of the IMPACT Health Project and support national capacity development.

  • Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions as appropriate. 

  • Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned. 

 

Skills

Civil Engineering, Communication, Health & Safety, Occupational Health, Project Engineering, Project Implementation
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering or related fields with 4 years of relevant experience OR

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience is required.


Desired

  • A recognized professional certification or membership in a civil engineering association, at the national or international level, is desirable.

Experience Requirements

Required

  • Relevant experience is work in civil engineering, structural works, construction technology, construction supervision and contractor management, monitoring, or related areas.


Desired

  • Experience in field assessments, supervision of construction works, or rehabilitation of infrastructure is preferable. 


  • Experience working with HSSE standards, site safety protocols, and environmental safeguards is strongly preferred. In place of experience must be a strong willingness to learn. 

  • Experience coordinating with government stakeholders, contractors, and community representatives is an advantage. 

  • Familiarity with digital audit tools, data collection systems, or engineering reporting platforms is desirable.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.