Electrical Power Systems/Generator Technician (G4) Full Time NEW

Education:

Secondary School Completion or TVET/Diploma Training in a relevant field (Check details) 

About the Organization

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a strategic regional pillar established to accelerate economic diversification and structural transformation across the African continent. As a vital arm of the United Nations, the ECA serves as a center of excellence for policy research, providing member states with the technical expertise and advocacy needed to achieve sustainable development. Our mission is centered on fostering regional integration and supporting the implementation of global development agendas, ensuring that Africa remains a resilient and competitive force in the international arena.

The ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa is a massive, high-tech compound that houses thousands of international staff and hosts global leaders for critical diplomatic summits. Maintaining the power integrity and operational efficiency of this infrastructure is a mission-critical objective. The Facilities Management Section (FMS) is the heartbeat of this effort, ensuring that every building is equipped with reliable backup power systems and electrical automation. To work within the ECA is to be part of an elite team of professionals dedicated to creating a safe and seamless environment for international cooperation.

Integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity are the core values that guide our work. We operate in a multicultural setting where collaboration and technical precision are paramount. Every technical staff member at the ECA plays a role in the broader UN mission, as the physical security and uninterrupted power supply of the compound directly enable the diplomatic and economic work of the commission. We offer a workspace that adheres to international safety standards and promotes a culture of continuous technical excellence.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for solving complex technical challenges. The United Nations is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees are empowered to reach their full potential. We provide a stable and supportive workplace that recognizes technical expertise and encourages the development of leadership skills within the engineering and electromechanical sectors.

In our commitment to achieving gender parity within technical and engineering fields, we strongly encourage women to apply for this Electrical Power Systems position. The United Nations actively seeks to break traditional gender roles in the power and generator maintenance sectors. We are dedicated to providing an environment where female technical experts can lead in the maintenance of critical energy infrastructure, ensuring that our safety and power automation systems benefit from the widest possible range of talent and perspectives.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The role of the Electrical Power Systems/Generator Technician (G4) is a specialized position that ensures the absolute continuity of the United Nations’ operations in Ethiopia. This role is strategically vital, as it governs the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) regarding power. By managing backup generators, UPS units, and electrical power systems at both the ECA headquarters and critical staff residences, you ensure that the mission of the UN never falters, regardless of local utility fluctuations.

The strategic impact of this role is most evident in its life-safety and operational functions. You are the technical guardian of the power grid, ensuring that backup generators are installed, maintained, and operational to international standards. In a setting that hosts high-level international conferences, your expertise in maintaining steady power and coordinating with utility authorities is critical for the success of global diplomacy. Your work directly prevents system failures that could disrupt international summits or jeopardize the safety of global delegates.

A day in the life of a Power Systems Technician at the ECA involves high-level technical monitoring and hands-on maintenance of sophisticated industrial generators and UPS units. You will be responsible for the planned preventive maintenance of electrical switchgear, battery charging units, and building automation systems. This role offers the unique opportunity to work with large-scale industrial equipment, providing a platform for professional growth in the field of mission-critical power management.

Furthermore, this position carries the responsibility of supervising electromechanical contractors and managing a specialized spare parts inventory using advanced UN systems like UMOJA. You will participate in major interventions involving electrical board installations and the preparation of technical specifications (BOQ). Your ability to maintain a steady relationship with utility power authorities and review electrical billing is a key component of the UN’s financial and operational sustainability goals.

The long-term impact of your work is the institutionalization of advanced maintenance protocols that extend the life of the ECA’s high-value power assets. By accurately maintaining maintenance manuals and equipment history cards, you create a legacy of technical transparency and reliability. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop into a specialist in electrical power systems within an international framework, contributing to the professional management of Africa’s most significant diplomatic site.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Electrical Power Systems/Generator Technician (G4)

Educational Qualification: High school completion is required. Specialized technical certifications or degrees in Electrical Engineering or Electromechanical technology are highly desirable.

Work Experience: Proven experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of industrial backup generators and electrical power systems is required. Experience in UPS maintenance, workshop management, and contractor supervision is essential.

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ECA Compound and staff residences)

Salary: Negotiable/Per UN Consultant Scale (CON)

No. Required: 1

Employment Type and Compensation

This position is offered as a consultancy contract with an expected duration of 9 months. It is an ideal opportunity for a technical professional looking to apply their electrical engineering skills in an international organization known for its rigorous standards and professional work culture.

The compensation for this role is competitive and aligned with the United Nations G4 level for individual contractors and consultants. The package reflects the technical complexity of the role and the high level of responsibility involved in managing critical power systems. Beyond financial rewards, the ECA offers a world-class engineering environment where you will work with professional diagnostic tools and international safety gears.

We provide a merit-based environment where technical initiative and safety consciousness are recognized. This contract provides a stable professional engagement for 9 months, offering significant prestige and an international reference that is highly valued in the global engineering and facility management market.

How to Apply

In line with our streamlined recruitment procedures, candidates are NOT required to provide scanned certificates or physical attachments during the initial application stage. We encourage you to focus on accurately detailing your technical experience with industrial generators, electrical power grids, and UMOJA/Excel systems within your application.

Verification of original academic documents and technical engineering certifications will only be requested for candidates who advance to the interview and technical assessment stage. This approach ensures a fair and efficient screening process based on the merits of the applicant’s professional and technical background.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. We are seeking a dedicated professional who can maintain our power systems to the highest standards of reliability and safety.

The selection process will likely include a technical interview and potentially a practical test related to generator maintenance and electrical fault identification. We aim to identify a reliable technician capable of working different shifts and emergency calls while following strict UN safety protocols.

Interested candidates must apply through the official UN recruitment portal (Inspira) using the Job Opening ID provided below.

Application Deadline

April 21, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

Apply link: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/275354?language=en