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.