Design Review Engineer - Hydraulic Works and Irrigation Structures

UNOPS; United States; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UNOPS is seeking a Design Review Engineer for Hydraulic Works and Irrigation Structures. This home-based, retainer contract role requires independent technical assurance of site-specific designs within IPMG guidelines, with travel to Afghanistan as needed.

You will review models, calculations, and drawings to ensure safety and practicality in challenging environments. The role emphasizes coordination across documents, adherence to codes and standards, and providing actionable recommendations for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the relevant engineering discipline with at least four years of relevant professional experience.
• Master's degree in the relevant engineering discipline with at least two years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional registration or recognised professional membership is desirable where an appropriate system exists.

Responsibilities

• Review design drawings, technical specifications, and BOQs for accuracy and compliance with minimum codes and standards.
• Check completeness and reliability of site information (topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, hydraulic, etc.).
• Ensure the approved model design is applicable and adaptations stay within approved limits.
• Review calculations, load cases, material parameters, and ensure safe, functional designs suitable for Afghan operating context.

Skills

Document Review

Engineering Design

HEC-HMS

Hydraulic Systems

Seismic Design

Stress Analysis

Structural Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Design Review Engineer - Hydraulic Works and Irrigation Structures

Job Category

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Seniority Level

ICS 09

Contract Type

ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer

LICA 9

Posting Start Date

11-Oct-2026

Posting End Date

24-Oct-2026

Duration

12 months

Job Highlight

Provide independent technical review and assurance of CRLP Group 2B site-specific infrastructure designs, ensuring compliance with approved model designs, relevant codes, standards and IPMG requirements.Review engineering calculations, drawings, specifications and BOQs, identify safety and compliance issues, and provide clear recommendations to support safe, practical and context-appropriate infrastructure delivery.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Job Specific Context

Scope of review

The reviewer will only accept assignments within the technical category and any limits recorded in the approved reviewer roster. Each assignment will be issued in writing and identify the design, project, scope, deliverables, review timeframe and reporting arrangements.

Assignments may include:

site-specific applications of IPMG-approved model designs under CRLP Group 2B;

staged review of the site-specific adaptation where required;

review of design revisions or variations within the approved assignment; and

site verification where desk review cannot confirm critical assumptions.

Calls/meetings with IPMG and (where necessary) with the project teams.

The reviewer must be willing and able to travel within Afghanistan where required, subject to UN security arrangements and medical fitness requirements.

Role Purpose

The purpose of the assignment is to provide competent, independent and timely technical assurance that assigned Group 2B site-specific designs:

comply with the approved model-design parameters, applicability guidance and relevant codes and standards;

are supported by sufficient site-specific information and calculations;

are coordinated across drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities and supporting reports;

are safe, functional, practical to construct and suitable for the Afghan operating context; and

result in a recommendation to accept, return for correction or elevate where the design falls outside the reviewer's authority or approved model envelope.

The reviewer provides independent assurance and does not assume the designer's responsibility.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Independence and assignment acceptance

Review the task assignment and confirm availability, competence and independence before starting work.

Commit to the timeline for the review defined and agreed with IPMG focal point.

Complete the assignment‑specific conflict‑of‑interest declaration.

Decline the assignment where the reviewer prepared, materially supported, supervised or directed the design, or where another actual or perceived conflict exists.

Identify immediately where the design is outside the reviewer's technical category, authority limits or available time.

Technical review

Review design drawings, technical specifications, and BOQs in terms of accuracy and suitability to overall design requirements, identifying aspects where designs do not comply with minimum codes and standards and IPMG policies, and providing practical guidance for design improvement.

Review the design brief, basis of design and applicable codes and standards.

Check the completeness and reliability of site information, including topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, hydraulic, traffic, seismic and environmental inputs as relevant.

Confirm that the approved model design is applicable to the site and that all adaptations remain within the approved limits.

Review calculations, assumptions, load cases, dimensions and material parameters. To ensure the safety, functionality and fitness of infrastructure while recognizing the circumstances and constraints of the UNOPS operational context, the Retainer will be required to apply professional judgment in the application of relevant codes, standards, and IPMG policies.

Check consistency between calculations, drawings, specifications, Bill of Quantities and supporting reports.

Review constructability, maintenance implications and suitability for local materials, skills and operating conditions.

Identify safety‑critical omissions, inappropriate assumptions, unresolved interfaces and departures from the approved model design.

Where necessary, recommend additional site investigations, specialist input or escalation to the normal IPMG review route.

Share the review comments with the designated IPMG focal point through official email communication. The IPMG focal point will be responsible for reviewing the comments, discussing them with the retainer where necessary, and subsequently sharing them with the project team.

Review comments and closure

Record clear, specific and actionable review comments using the approved UNOPS format.

Distinguish between safety‑critical, compliance, coordination and advisory comments.

Review the designer's responses and revised documents until comments are satisfactorily closed or escalated.

Complete and sign the applicable model‑design checklist and the review report. Sign the project review Sign‑off certificate provided by IPMG.

Recommend one of the following outcomes: accepted; revise and resubmit; or outside the approved route and to be escalated.

Coordination and site verification

Coordinate with IPMG focal point that will organize any necessary engagement with the project teams.

Attend technical meetings where necessary to explain comments and resolve questions.

Undertake site visits where critical assumptions cannot be confirmed from submitted documents, subject to security and travel approval.

Prepare a concise site‑verification note where a visit is undertaken. The note shall be shared with the designated IPMG focal point, who will subsequently share it with the project office.

Provide limited technical guidance to help the designer understand review comments, without taking over design development.

Records and confidentiality

Maintain complete, orderly and traceable review records.

Use the official project and IPMG systems and templates specified for the assignment.

Protect confidential project, partner and design information.

Return all required records and confirm assignment completion before payment approval.

Hydraulic Works and Irrigation Structures

Relevant experience should include several of the following:

design or independent review of check dams, small weirs, irrigation intakes, canals, aqueducts or similar hydraulic structures;

hydrology, flood flows, catchment characteristics, hydraulic capacity, sediment, scour and erosion assessment;

stability assessment of small hydraulic structures, including sliding, overturning, bearing and foundation conditions;

river or irrigation protection works, including gabion, masonry or concrete structures; and

practical experience with irrigation and water‑management infrastructure in mountainous, arid or semi‑arid environments.

Skills

Document Review, Engineering Design, Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System, Hydraulic Systems, Seismic Design, Stress Analysis, Structural Engineering

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

A bachelor's degree in the relevant engineering discipline with at least four years of relevant professional experience or

A master's degree in the relevant engineering discipline with at least two years of relevant professional experience

Professional registration or recognised professional membership is desirable where an appropriate system exists.

Experience Requirements

Required

At least three years of direct design experience relevant to the technical category. Independent design‑review experience may count towards overall relevant professional experience but does not replace this direct‑design requirement.

Demonstrated responsibility for engineering calculations, design decisions or independent technical reviews.

Evidence of at least three comparable assignments (design or design review), including one within the last three years.

Experience in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries with similar geographic, geological, seismic, climatic, environmental and construction‑industry conditions.

Experience with UNOPS, another United Nations entity, an international NGO or an international development programme is desirable.

Language Requirements

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 racialised 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.
  

• 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 racialised 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.