World Food Programme
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ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
WHY JOIN WFP?
- WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
- WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
- A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
- We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
JOB TITLE: Engineer/Project Manager
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract- Level 9
UNIT/DIVISION: Engineering
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
DURATION: 12 Months
REPORTING LINE: Head of Engineering Unit
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
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.
WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME IN ETHIOPIA
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.
JOB PURPOSE
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general supervision of the Head of Engineering or designated Senior Engineer. The Project Manager duties shall include but not limited to the following:
Design & Technical Development
• 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.
Project Management and Supervision
• 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.
Procurement and Contract Administration
• 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.
Construction Supervision & Technical Assurance
• 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.
• Monitor performance during the defects notification period and advise on retention release or required remedial actions.
Quality Management
• 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.
Health, Safety & Security
• 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.
Reporting & Documentation
• 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.
Other Duties
• 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
How To Apply
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org