Lead Road Design Engineer

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the design of impactful road and access infrastructure, supporting connectivity and development across the Horn of Africa. The position offers exposure to multidisciplinary projects, practical engineering challenges, and professional growth within a leading UN organization.

This position operates within a dynamic project environment, leading the design of road and highway infrastructure for projects across the Horn of Africa. The role is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective road designs, with a strong focus on geometric design, accessibility, and integration with other infrastructure systems, contributing to the successful implementation of development initiative

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager - Infrastructure, the Lead Road/Highway Geometric Design Engineer will lead the design and coordination of road works, including geometric design, drawings, and documentation, in line with UNOPS guidelines, national road standards, and recognized international practices. The role ensures that all road designs are safe, functional, and compliant throughout the project lifecycle.

The contractor will be engaged on a retainer basis and will be required to provide services as and when needed.

1. Site Assessment

• Lead the assessment and review of site conditions, terrain, and existing road infrastructure to identify design requirements and constraints.

• Conduct site visits and surveys prior to design development.

• Review topographic data, soil conditions, and existing alignments to support design decisions.

• Participate in feasibility studies and contribute to route selection and optimization.

2. Design Works

• Lead the preparation of road geometric design, including horizontal and vertical alignment.

• Develop road profiles, cross-sections, and typical sections.

• Design intersections, junctions, and access roads for project sites.

• Prepare design drawings, reports, and calculations for road infrastructure.

• Develop technical specifications and Bills of Quantities (BoQs).

• Ensure compliance with:

  • National road design standards

  • UNOPS guidelines

  • International standards

• Coordinate conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design stages.

• Prepare complete design packages and respond to review comments.

• Support procurement processes, including:
  
  

  • Preparation of bidding documents

  • Participation in pre-bid meetings

  • Providing technical clarifications

  • Evaluation of proposals

3. Construction Support and Quality Assurance

• Review road construction drawings and provide technical input during implementation.

• Ensure compliance of works with approved designs and specifications.

• Provide technical advice on construction methodologies and material selection.

• Support resolution of technical issues during construction.

• Contribute to preparation and review of As-Built drawings.

• Prepare progress and technical reports in line with UNOPS procedures.

4. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary design teams.

• Ensure integration of road design with overall project infrastructure.

• Facilitate compliance with regulatory and approval requirements.

5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Maintain proper documentation of design outputs, reports, and drawings.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support development of technical guidelines and lessons learned.

• Provide guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.