Engineer/project Manager

Project Manager/Civil Engineer

WFP Ethiopia is looking for a Project Manager/Civil Engineer to manage construction works around the country. The position is located in WFP Ethiopia based in Addis Ababa Country Office.

WFP assists over 86 million people in more than 80 countries each year, providing food in emergencies and supporting communities to improve nutrition and resilience. Despite global commitments to end hunger by 2030, millions still lack sufficient food. WFP's large-scale logistics—thousands of trucks, ships and aircraft—enable rapid response in challenging environments. Its work spans emergency aid, recovery, development and special operations, with two-thirds of activities in conflict-affected countries.

Ethiopia has made development progress, yet food insecurity and under-nutrition remain widespread, affecting over 10 million people. The country hosts more than 1.1 million refugees and faces recurring internal displacement due to unrest. The Somali Region is particularly affected by drought and floods, leaving over 2 million people in need of life-saving assistance. Despite economic growth, Ethiopia's goal of becoming a regional prosperity model faces obstacles from conflict, climate shocks and rising poverty. Over half of the population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity. WFP supports national priorities through life-saving relief, resilience programmes and systems-strengthening, aligned with government strategies on social protection, food systems and disaster risk management. Interventions include food and cash transfers, nutrition support, anticipatory action and capacity development. Under the 2026–2030 CSP, WFP aims to reach 8.7 million people, prioritizing refugees, IDPs, smallholder farmers and shock-affected communities.

The Project Manager duties shall include but not limited to the following:

• Lead the preparation of conceptual, preliminary and detailed engineering designs for WFP construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with WFP engineering standards, national/international codes and international best practices.
• Develop, review and validate architectural, structural, civil, electrical and mechanical drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical schedules and supporting documentation.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies to inform design requirements, including geotechnical, environmental, hydrological or climatic considerations.
• Integrate safety-by-design, sustainability, regenerative-resilience and cost-efficiency principles into all engineering designs.
• Review and approve design submissions from consultants, ensuring technical accuracy, adequacy, buildability and compliance with project objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on engineering design modifications required due to unforeseen site conditions, value engineering opportunities, programme limitations or operational needs.
• Lead or support the development of standard design templates, typical details, and engineering guidance materials for the country office.
• Ensure coordination between design disciplines (architecture, civil works, electrical, mechanical) and resolve design clashes or inconsistencies before issuing construction documents.
• Evaluate innovative technologies, construction methods and materials suitable for emergency, low-resource or remote environments.
• Ensure all issued-for-construction drawings and specifications are complete, coordinated and approved prior to construction start.
• Provide full engineering and project management services throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain the project programme, budget, cash flow, and associated control mechanisms.
• Lead coordination with internal WFP units (Admin, ICT, Security, Supply Chain, Programme, etc.) and ensure all requirements are incorporated into engineering deliverables.
• Liaise with government authorities and external stakeholders to secure permits, ensure compliance, and maintain alignment throughout project execution.
• Provide strategic advice to the Head of Engineering on project risks, access issues, sequencing, handover planning, and mitigation measures.
• Documenting lessons learned and contributing to guidance, SOPs or best practices.
• Prepare complete tender documentation for construction and refurbishment works.
• Support procurement processes, ensuring technical compliance during evaluation and award stages.
• Administer contract provisions, including performance management, claims, interpretation of contract terms, and audit follow-up.
• Prepare and review variation orders, technical justifications, revised drawings, and implementation schedules.
• Manage contractor bonds, warranties, guarantees and maintain permanent contractual records.
• Process interim and final payments, certify quantities, and prepare final accounts.
• Systematic review of cost-effectiveness, optimizations, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide direct supervision of contractors and consultants, ensuring delivery within the approved programme, budget, quality, and safety standards.
• Compliance with WFP engineering standards, policies, and donor requirements.
• Review and approve construction methodologies, site supervision teams, subcontractors, equipment, and material sources.
• Conduct regular inspections of works, facilities, equipment, and laboratories to ensure compliance with specifications and contract requirements.
• Monitor progress against the workplan and intervene proactively in cases of slippage, risks or deviations.
• Ensure full compliance with national laws, including labour standards and prohibition of child labour.
• Review, validate and approve "as-built" documentation and support formal handover and takeover processes.
• Establish and implement project quality assurance systems aligned with WFP standards.
• Oversee all testing, verification, measurements and certification of works and materials.
• Maintain accurate, permanent quality records, including laboratory results, inspection findings and corrective actions.
• Identify defects, issue corrective instructions and ensure full rectification in accordance with the contract.
• Ensure contractors apply internationally recognized health and safety standards for personnel, works and adjacent properties.
• Review and approve contractor security provisions in coordination with the WFP Security Unit.
• Report safety incidents and non-compliance to the Head of Engineering and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive system for site documentation, including correspondence, surveys, inspection records, diaries, financial data, and progress reports.
• Prepare inception, monthly, quarterly and completion reports in line with WFP requirements.
• Produce technical appraisals, contract documentation, and additional reports as requested by the Head of Engineering or management.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Head of Engineering, DCD or CD as required for successful delivery of engineering activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: Advanced university degree in Civil Engineering from recognized University or First University degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training/courses/qualifications.

Experience: At least three (3) years of professional work experience in civil engineering focusing on construction supervision, contract administration and project management. Working experience with UN or similar international organizations is desirable.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience in Health & Safety.

• Experience of working in difficult security environments.

• Experience of working in project risk management.

• Knowledge of UN Procurement procedures.

• Familiarity with FIDIC international contract formats.

• Experience of working in the Humanitarian context.

Desirable Software Skills:

• Computer Literate.

• Microsoft Project.

• Microsoft Application Software (Outlook express, PowerPoint, Word and Excel).

• ETABS, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD

Language: Fluency (level C) in English and the local language