Civil Engineer

The Civil Engineer manages and supervises infrastructure works carried out by implementing partners and contractors. Responsible for coordinating daily design, construction, and procurement activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high quality standards, while maintaining strict compliance with HSSE and PSEAH requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise and manage civil engineering project implementation from design to completion, ensuring alignment with project requirements, timelines and budgets.
• Support Project Manager and technical team in planning, scheduling and implementing rehabilitation, construction and infrastructure activities.
• Assist in preparation of project plans, schedules and progress reports, and support project closure activities.
• Serve as liaison with government authorities, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to obtain permits, ensure approvals and maintain strong working relationships.
• Participate in site meetings, procurement activities and evaluation committees as needed.
• Review and provide input to design reports, technical documentation, bills of quantities and cost estimates to ensure compliance with international standards, UNOPS guidelines and client requirements.
• Conduct technical site assessments and inspections to ensure construction work meets UNOPS quality standards and project specifications.
• Assist in reviewing technical proposals, progress reports and invoices from consultants and contractors, recommending payment releases.
• Monitor performance tracking systems and identify potential delays or cost overruns.
• Support valuation of construction works for payment estimates/certificates and claims evaluation.
• Supervise and monitor contractors and implementing partners to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
• Conduct site inspections, testing, quantity verification and review of technical proposals (workshop/architectural plans, materials and as-built drawings).
• Ensure full compliance with UNOPS HSSE policies, environmental safeguards and PSEAH standards.
• Identify, assess and mitigate HSSE and community engagement risks.
• Promote sustainability and green construction practices throughout project phases.
• Maintain accurate records of site activities, inspections, incidents and progress, ensuring timely reporting (weekly/monthly/quarterly).
• Support project closeout through commissioning, handover and archiving of construction documentation.
• Assist Project Manager in monitoring change controls, risk and issue logs, ensuring timely and accurate progress reporting.
• Support organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions related to civil engineering.
• Participate in knowledge exchange initiatives and Communities of Practice, contributing perspectives and lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Structural Engineering or related fields.
• Professional eligibility in Panama.
• Desirable: Master's degree in related disciplines or fields.
• Desirable: Recognized professional certification.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in civil engineering, structural works, construction technology, supervision and monitoring of construction, or related areas.
• Desirable: Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries.
• Desirable: Experience in development or humanitarian contexts.
• Required language proficiency: Native Spanish.
• Required language proficiency: Intermediate English.

Skills

• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Structural Engineering
• Construction Supervision
• Construction Monitoring
• Procurement Coordination
• Infrastructure Project Management
• HSSE Compliance
• PSEAH Compliance
• Contractor Management
• Design Coordination
• Project Budgeting
• Multicultural Environment Experience
• Development Context Experience
• Humanitarian Experience

Languages

Spanish, English