Structural Engineer, Damascus, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Structural 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 period

Job Highlight

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply fundamental structural engineering concepts in a humanitarian and development context, contributing to critical infrastructure projects in Syria. You will be instrumental in gathering and analyzing data, supporting project specialists, and ensuring high-quality construction standards, directly impacting resilience and sustainable recovery efforts

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 and handover, as applicable.

Role Purpose

The structural engineer (ICS08) applies fundamental structural engineering concepts to gather and analyze data, interpret applicable standards and requirements, and support project specialists and managers in the assessment, design, review and implementation of construction projects. The incumbent contributes to ensuring high-quality standards, monitors progress, and prepares inputs for reports and technical documentation,supporting the Nexus Response Mechanism's objectives in Syria.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Structural Design and Analysis Support

• Contribute to the design of structural components and services of projects, including systemic drawings, calculations, reports, and scope of works.
• Provide structural assessment, design review and technical support for structures associated with potable water supply and irrigation infrastructure, including pumping station buildings, water storage facilities, foundations, reinforced concrete and steel structures, as applicable to the approved project scope.
• Prepare/Review design briefs and design reports that address specific client and stakeholder requirements and specifications.
• Prepare/Review the design documentation, calculations, specifications, bar bending schedules, and other project documents to meet required quality and detailing.
• Review the design of structural components and services of projects according to client requirements and applicable international standards and codes of practices.
• Contribute to producing and reviewing structural bills of quantities.
• Carry out research and identify appropriate technologies/techniques/designs that can be incorporated into project designs.
• Perform rudimentary analysis of project parameters or data sets related to structural integrity and performance.

2. Project Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Contribute to the implementation phase by following up and monitoring relevant tasks, including testing, coding, and details of structural deliverables to clients.
• Carry out structural site inspections, assessments, and prepare reports as required.
• Assist in the development of specifications, procedures, and quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) protocols when required.
• Support the project team in monitoring the delivery of structural design documents and identify possible late delivery prior to the event.
• Coordinate the works and submissions with all other disciplines, including Architectural, Design Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors.
• Prepare inputs for reports, briefs, and other documents for review by a supervisor, ensuring high quality and adherence to UNOPS standards.

3. Technical Coordination and Administrative Support

• Work closely with Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, Draftspersons, and Quantity Surveyors in the planning of projects, scheduling of tasks, and developing an integrated design.
• Liaise with national and international clients and address requirements when required.
• Assist in managing structural design and engineering related material archiving.
• Assist in scheduling requested tasks related to structural works.
• Perform any other tasks relevant to the Infrastructure and Engineering Unit when required.

Final Product

• Deliver delegated tasks by the supervisor on time and as per the required cost and quality parameters.
• Ensure project design and construction quality is high, observing local and UN standards, and that applicable health and safety procedures are adhered to.

Skills

AutoCAD, Design, Problem Solving, Structural Analysis, Technical Writing

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

Bachelors degree or equivalent with 2 years of relevant experience in Civil/Structural Engineering is required.

Desired

• Project Management Certificates is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of 2 years of practical civil engineering and related experience is required

Desired

• Experience working with UN or other Humanitarian/Development agencies
• Experience using MS Office Suite and structural analysis and engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, MathCAD, PLS-CADD, StaadPro, ETABS, SAP2000, PROKON, etc.
• Experience in structural assessment, rehabilitation, design or supervision of structures associated with potable water supply, pumping stations, water storage facilities, irrigation infrastructure or similar public infrastructure is desirable.
• Membership in a recognized professional engineering association at the national or international level is 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.