Mechanical Engineer, Damascus, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Category: Engineer

Duty Station(s): Damascus

Seniority Level: Associate

ICS Level: ICS 08

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer

Contract Level: LICA 8

Posting Start Date: 14-Sep-2026

Posting End Date: 28-Sep-2026

Duration: One year - 180 working days for the entire duration

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to critical infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in Syria, working within a UN framework. The role offers exposure to diverse engineering challenges, the chance to apply analytical skills, and contribute to impactful projects that improve essential services and strengthen national systems, while developing professional expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Established in 2004, the UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries. The MCO delivers solutions that address development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. Working in close collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and donors, the office supports efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations focused on improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

Job Specific Context

The Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) programme in Syria is funded by the European Union and managed by UNOPS. The programme aims to strengthen resilience and support sustainable and inclusive recovery through an integrated, conflict-sensitive and area-based approach. Its current focus locations include Haritan and Andan in Aleppo Governorate, Az-Zabadani in Rural Damascus, and Al-Qusayr in Homs Governorate.

Under its infrastructure component, the NRM supports the rehabilitation of potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure identified as critical for sustainable recovery, return and livelihood restoration. The incumbent will provide discipline-specific technical support to the assessment, design review, procurement and implementation of relevant NRM infrastructure interventions, including construction supervision, quality assurance, testing, commissioning and handover, as applicable

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Engineer applies fundamental concepts to gather and analyze data in support of specialists and managers, contributing to the design, review, and supervision of mechanical engineering aspects of projects. This role involves interpreting basic rules and procedures, making initial recommendations based on straightforward analysis, and preparing inputs for reports and other documents, thereby providing the first level of \"thought leadership\" in the mechanical engineering domain

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Mechanical and Plumbing Engineering Support

• Support the coordination and monitoring of the the installation of mechanical systems associated with potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, pumping equipment, pipework, valves and associated mechanical components.
• Provide technical inpunts to the project team and logistics division in the procurement of mechanical machinery and equipment.
• Prepare and contribute to the design and review of mechanical installations associated with potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure, including pumps and pumping systems, borehole mechanical equipment, pipework, valves, fittings and associated mechanical systems.
• Design and review mechanical installations and services in buildings, including Ventilations, fire fighting & safety, Air Conditioning, HVAC and ducting systems, Hot and Cold Water, sanitary drainage, medical gas, and waste management mechanical systems.
• Assist the contract division in preparing and evaluating tender documents for mechanical/plumbing engineering services (technical specifications, BOQs, equipment data sheets, rates, cost estimates, test requirements , etc.).
• Prepare mechanical and plumbing engineering calculations, support equipment selection, prepare drawings and contribute to the development of scopes of work. ks.
• Assist in reviewing pump sizing and selection, operating requirements and technical data to ensure compatibility with the relevant civil and electrical systems.
• Contribute to the review the design of mechanical and plumbing services of projects.
• Provide technical inputsto the review of contractors' technical material submittals and shop drawings for mechanical and plumbing services. Support testing, commissioning, training, performance verification, training and handover of mechanical and plumbing deliverables to clients/beneficiaries.

2. Project Assessment and Quality Assurance

• Support the project team in reviewing design briefs and design reports that address specific clients and stakeholder requirements and specifications as and when necessary.
• Contribute to the review of design documentation, including drawings, BOQs and specifications, to ensure alignment with established project requirements and quality standards.
• Work withproject team members during the planning phase, particularly in reviewing the assessment report and design brief summarizing the scope of work fulfilling the needs of the beneficiary, scheduling tasks, and developing an integrated designs.
• Suppot the review the design documents assuring that they meet the quality standard requirements.
• Deliver assigned technical outputs within agreed timelines and quality requirements. Contribute to the design review services meeting the Client's Design requirement and support the project team in QA/QC relevant activities to assure that the relevant sections in the design comply with international standards and codes of practices.
• Participate in site inspections and technical assessments as required and provide inputs to relevant assessment reports.

3. Software and Administrative Support

• Apply drafting and modelling software, including Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit, for the preparation and review of mechanical and plumbing engineering documentation.
• Use standard mechanical and plumbing engineering design software and tools relevant to assigned activities.
• Support the organization and archiving of mechanical and plumbing engineering documentation and technical materials.
• Support the scheduling and coordination of assigned mechanical and plumbing engineering activities.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the position, as required by the Infrastructure and Engineering Unit.

Skills

AutoCAD, Design, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Assurance, Revit

Competencies

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 in Mechanical Engineering with 2 years of relevant experience

Desired

• License/Board Certification in Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Required

• 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering design , supervision and/or construction for medium- to large scale infrastructure or construction projects is required.
• At least 2 years of working experience in project assessment, design and supervision experience in rehabilitation projects/ construction projects is required.
• Demonstrated experience using Autocad for the preparation and/or review of mechanical drawings is required.
• Experience using HAP or equivalent mechanical engineering design software is required.
• Experience using standard office applications and relevant mechanical engineering software/tools is required.

Desired

• Work Experience with an international Organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset.
• Good experience in working with the G-Suite platform including, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides is an asset.
• Experience with pumps, pumping stations, boreholes, potable water supply, irrigation systems or similar infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working within the Syrian context and targeted areas will be an added advantage.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Intermediate
• Requirement: Required

Language: Arabic

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• 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.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

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.