Engineering Assistant

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Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Engineering Unit under the Service Delivery Section of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The Engineering Assistant will be under the supervision of the Chief of Engineering Unit.ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties: Technical: •Install /commission and operate/maintain systems in the specific trade area in compliance with recognized standards and regulations pertaining to installation and safety codes. •Prepare technical reports in the specific trade area to determine work requirements including carrying out technical assessments of the installation and maintenance of engineering systems. •Prepare/design layout for smaller or less complex portions of buildings, facilities, and camps. •Complete architectural and engineering drawings using AutoCAD software. Where necessary, visit work sites for inspection of site conditions and/ or for taking of measurements. •Prepare cost estimates using the available data on production and unit prices. •Design minor structures in metal, concrete and wood applying international standards. •Has a basic knowledge of networks utilities (water, sanitation, and power) Procedural: •Generate appropriate work-orders and assign them to the specific trade and craft area. •Read, interpret, and close out technical work orders in conjunction with associated technical specification. •Maintain records relating to inventories and work orders. •Alert the supervisor of Unit/Section of unusual occurrence and/or damage that have taken place or are likely to occur. •Inspect quality of work and work performance and report to the supervisor on progress and any setbacks that may occur. Ensure all stages are completed satisfactorily. •Perform on-site inspections of ongoing projects and verifies the accuracy of the measurements and Bill of Quantities. Operational: •Basic planning and organizing for most effective execution of work. •Assist with the preparation of cost estimates in the specific trade area. •Coordinate work as necessary with engineering counterparts •Provide instructions to junior engineering assistants on proper operation •Prepare the list of materials and equipment needed for completing the work, and ensure availability for work orders scheduled, and write a work order after the completion of the work •Monitor the quality levels of the supply of materials and equipment for routine schedule maintenance •Provide inputs to periodic acquisition plans for engineering materials / equipment in the specific trade area •Ensure the daily activities are in compliance with the Headquarter Environmental and Waste Management policies and in line with HQ Environmental Strategy Objectives. •Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions. •Performs other duties as and when required, including emergency call-out and standby duties.CompetenciesProfessionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required.Job - Specific QualificationTrade and Craft Certification (or specific equipment certification) in carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, plumbing, welding or related trade is required. This requirement is not applicable to candidates who possess a first-level university degree in engineering or architectural fields. Certifications in AutoCAD software is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) of progressively responsible experience in construction/commissioning and operation/maintenance of facilities and infrastructure within the specific trade and craft area of carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operator, mechanic, plumbing, welding and /or related trade and craft is required. Drafting using Auto CAD or similar software is desirable. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Applications, MS Project is desirable.LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is required. NOTE: Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.Special NoticeAppointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates interested in working for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia.: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjg-e3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.