Construction Management Engineer

Job Highlight

Lead infrastructure projects, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence while driving resilient, safe, and sustainable construction aligned with UNOPS standards.

About The Project Office Since 1999, UNOPS has been a committed partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), delivering fund management, technical support, capacity building, and project management services. In collaboration with the Government, UN agencies, and international partners, UNOPS advances sustainable development across key sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, governance, procurement, and environmental protection. A strong focus on local ownership ensures that projects are implemented in a way that builds national capacity and empowers communities. UNOPS supports peace and security through technical assistance to MONUSCO and contributes to environmental preservation by managing regional initiatives such as CAFI and FONAREDD, working closely with Indigenous communities. In the health sector, efforts include the construction of health centers in Kwango (KOICA) and national health system support through the RSS3 initiative (GAVI). UNOPS also leads agricultural infrastructure development and food security efforts through the PNDA project (World Bank) and supports governance and stabilization through the multi-donor Coherence Fund, alongside humanitarian HR services for UNHCR.

Role Purpose

The Construction Management Engineer provides technical expertise and oversight in the planning, implementation and supervision of infrastructure construction projects. The Engineer ensures that all works are executed to the required quality standards, within the defined budget, and on schedule. The role encompasses construction supervision, quality management, contract administration, health and safety enforcement, and capacity building, contributing to the delivery of resilient, safe and sustainable infrastructure aligned with UNOPS and donor/partner standards.

Functions / Key Results Expected Construction Management

• Oversee and manage day-to-day site construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, approved drawings, and contractual obligations.
• Monitor work progress and contractor performance to ensure timely, cost-effective and high-quality delivery of outputs.
• Identify and report potential delays, risks and cost overruns. Recommend and implement approved corrective actions.
• Supervise construction works as per contractual provisions, verifying consistency with Bills of Quantity (BoQs) and approved schedules.
• Review and assess contractors’ progress payment claims, variation orders, and extension requests for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain proper documentation of project activities, including progress reports, site records, and meeting minutes.
• Represent UNOPS (as delegated by supervisor) in site meetings, coordination fora, and stakeholder consultations.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with contractors, suppliers and project stakeholders to address technical and operational issues promptly.

Quality Management

• Enforce compliance with UNOPS quality standards and project-specific quality assurance plans.
• Conduct regular inspections and testing of materials, equipment and works to ensure conformity with design specifications and quality benchmarks.
• Review and verify contractor quality control procedures, inspection reports, and material certifications.
• Prepare and monitor quality control documentation, including inspection checklists, test logs, and non-conformance reports.
• Provide technical guidance to contractors and field personnel to ensure continuous improvement in construction quality and adherence to specifications

Health, Safety, Social and Environment (HSSE) Management

• Lead the implementation of UNOPS HSSE management systems at the project site, ensuring compliance with organizational and local regulations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Promote environmental sustainability and integrate ‘’green construction’’ practices across project activities.
• Ensure contractors’ personnel receive adequate training and supervision on occupational safety, environmental management, and emergency preparedness.
• Monitor and report on incidents, near misses and corrective actions, maintaining a culture of accountability and prevention

Monitoring, Reporting and Progress Control

• Track project progress against work plans, milestones and performance targets, providing accurate updates to stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed weekly and monthly reports covering progress, quality, health and safety, environmental, and financial aspects.
• Support the preparation of Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), contract close-out documentation, and project completion reports.
• Maintain comprehensive site records, including daily logs, inspection reports, correspondence and photographic evidence.
• Participate in project review meetings, ensuring timely follow-up on actions and decisions.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on project management and construction management.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned.
• Conduct research on infrastructure- and project management-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 0 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in Administration is desired.

Required Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience is work in building construction, site supervision or infrastructure project management or similar fields.
• Experience in quality control, monitoring and reporting within construction projects is required.
• Demonstrable proficiency in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems are required.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Experience in project documentation, report writing and technical communication is desired.