Civil Engineer

JOB VACANCY: CIVIL ENGINEER

Project: Construction of a Six-Storey Administration Office at Mzuzu Technical College

Project Location: Mzuzu, Malawi

Project Duration: 2 Years

Funding Agency: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract

1. Position Overview

We are seeking a suitably qualified, experienced, and results-oriented Civil Engineer to join our project team for the construction of a six-storey administration office at Mzuzu Technical College. The successful candidate will be based in Mzuzu for the duration of the two-year contract and will be responsible for overseeing construction activities, ensuring compliance with approved drawings and specifications, managing site operations, and supporting effective contract and materials management.

The ideal candidate must have strong technical knowledge, practical site experience, and the ability to coordinate construction activities while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, cost control, and programme delivery.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Technical and Construction Management

Interpret and review structural, architectural, and other construction drawings to ensure accurate implementation on site.

Prepare, review, and verify reinforcement bar bending schedules (BBS), including reinforcement quantities, shapes, dimensions, and cutting lengths.

Supervise construction activities to ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, method statements, and applicable engineering standards.

Coordinate structural works, including reinforced concrete, formwork, reinforcement fixing, and other building construction activities.

Identify technical challenges on site and propose practical solutions in consultation with the relevant project personnel.

Monitor workmanship and ensure that construction activities meet the required quality standards.

B. Contract Management and Administration

Assist in the administration and implementation of the construction contract in accordance with its terms and conditions.

Monitor work progress against the approved construction programme and report delays, risks, and potential variations.

Maintain accurate site records, including daily site reports, progress reports, instructions, and records of construction activities.

Assist in the preparation and assessment of interim payment applications, variations, claims, and other contract-related documentation.

Coordinate with consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders to resolve technical and contractual issues.

Ensure that project documentation is properly maintained and that contractual obligations are followed.

C. Site Administration and Supervision

Organise and coordinate daily site activities to ensure efficient execution of the works.

Monitor labour, plant, equipment, and subcontractor performance to support productivity and timely completion.

Prepare regular progress reports and communicate site challenges, achievements, and planned activities to project management.

Coordinate site meetings and follow up on agreed actions.

Ensure compliance with site safety requirements, environmental measures, and established quality control procedures.

Maintain proper site documentation and ensure that construction activities are adequately recorded.

D. Materials Procurement and Management

Prepare material schedules and identify material requirements in line with the construction programme.

Coordinate the procurement of construction materials, ensuring that specifications, quantities, and delivery schedules meet project requirements.

Review material requests against approved drawings, construction requirements, and available project resources.

Monitor material deliveries, storage, usage, and wastage to minimise losses and control construction costs.

Liaise with suppliers and the procurement team to ensure timely availability of materials.

Maintain accurate material records and assist in reconciling materials delivered, issued, and consumed on site.

E. Quality, Cost, and Programme Control

Monitor construction progress and support the implementation of the approved work programme.

Assist in controlling construction costs through effective resource planning and materials management.

Conduct regular inspections and coordinate the resolution of quality issues and non-conformances.

Ensure that completed works are properly inspected, documented, and ready for the relevant approvals.

Identify potential construction risks and recommend corrective actions to minimise delays, rework, and unnecessary expenditure.

3. Qualifications and Experience Essential requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from a recognised institution.

A minimum of 7–10 years of relevant post-graduation experience in civil engineering and building construction projects.

Demonstrable experience in the construction and supervision of multi-storey buildings, preferably reinforced-concrete structures.

Proven competence in preparing and checking reinforcement bar bending schedules.

Strong ability to read, interpret, and work from structural, architectural, and other construction drawings.

Practical experience in contract administration, site supervision, and construction documentation.

Experience in construction materials planning, procurement coordination, and materials control.

Good understanding of construction quality assurance, health and safety, and programme management.

Strong written and verbal communication, reporting, problem-solving, and organisational skills.

4. Additional Advantages

The following will be considered an advantage:

Experience working on projects funded by international development organisations, including UNOPS, or other donor-funded projects.

Experience with six-storey or higher buildings and complex reinforced-concrete structures.

Familiarity with construction standards, technical specifications, and quality assurance procedures used in institutional or public infrastructure projects.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction planning or project management software.

Membership or registration with a recognised engineering professional body, where applicable.

5. Key Competencies

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

Strong technical and analytical skills.

Practical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Excellent site coordination and administrative skills.

High standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Ability to work independently and deliver results within agreed timelines.

Effective communication and teamwork.

Strong attention to detail in drawings, reinforcement schedules, contract documents, and material quantities.

6. Duty Station and Contract Duration

The successful candidate will be based in Mzuzu, Malawi, and will be assigned to the construction project at Mzuzu Technical College.

The position will be offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, subject to the terms and conditions of employment.

7. Application Procedure

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

An updated curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Copies of academic and professional qualifications.

Contact details for at least two professional referees.

A cover letter demonstrating suitability for the position, particularly in multi-storey building construction, reinforcement detailing, contract management, and site administration