Engineer Intern

Job Highlight

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or student to gain hands-on experience in quantity surveying and cost estimation within international development projects. The position offers exposure to real-world engineering challenges, cross-cultural collaboration, and professional development opportunities in project management and cost control within the UN system.

About the Region

The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR), based in Geneva, is responsible for the effective management, coordination and oversight of UNOPS operations across the region. The ECR region spans the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Türkiye, where UNOPS works with partners to achieve sustainable impact in health, education, environmental management, housing, rule of law, good governance, economic development, and social inclusion. With a wealth of experience in procurement, infrastructure, project and grant management, UNOPS in the region directly implements projects, provides technical advisory services and capacity building to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in support of national governments.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Since opening in 2019, the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) in Vienna has served as a hub for operations across 12 countries in South-East Europe, Türkiye, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. AUMCO delivers technical expertise, operational support, and sustainable infrastructure solutions for governments, donors, and international financial institutions. Flagship initiatives include Blueing the Black Sea—a GEF and World Bank partnership to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development—and Türkiye’s post-earthquake recovery programme, enhancing protective services for women and children. In Albania, projects revitalise cultural heritage and advance digital justice, while in Kosovo, new university infrastructure supports higher education. In Georgia, AUMCO facilitates the Eastern Partnership European School and strengthens rule of law and digital health access. Across Central Asia, activities range from health system strengthening in Uzbekistan to hazardous waste management in Tajikistan. AUMCO also supports UNOPS’ global Water, Environment, and Climate portfolio, reinforcing its role as a regional and thematic centre of excellence.

About the Project Office

Since establishing its presence in Tashkent in 2023, UNOPS has been supporting healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across Uzbekistan. Key initiatives include: - COVID-19 Emergency Response – Strengthening resilience to pandemics by upgrading over 150 Sanitary-Epidemiological Committee facilities. The project delivers infrastructure improvements, diagnostic equipment, an ICT-based national epidemiological surveillance system, and expanded patient treatment capacity. - Oncology Services Development – Enhancing access to quality cancer care by equipping 14 regional hospitals with advanced medical, diagnostic, radiological, and ICT tools, establishing a national cancer registry, and providing capacity building for medical staff. - Hospital Infrastructure Design in Kashkadarya – Supporting healthcare reform through feasibility studies, site investigations, and technical designs for new hospitals in Karshi and Beshkent, aligned with national and international standards. Through these efforts, UNOPS is helping Uzbekistan strengthen its health systems and improve the quality of care for its citizens.

Job Specific Context

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management (full service, back on track), HR and Transactional Services, Grants Management and Technical and Advisory Services.

Uzbekistan Office

Under the purview of AUMCO, the UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, established in Tashkent in October 2022 supports the Government of Uzbekistan’s development efforts in the country, through the provision of effective project management, infrastructure and procurement services. At present, the office has signed and has been implementing three engagements contributing to SGD3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), while actively working with the Government of Uzbekistan and development partners in diversifying its portfolio in line with the country’s development priorities including education.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is required.
• Fluency in all three languages (English, Russian and Uzbek) is a strong asset.

***Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position***

***Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply***

Role Purpose

The Engineer Intern will assist the engineering team in performing quantity surveying and cost estimation tasks, ensuring accurate and timely financial management of healthcare infrastructure projects. The intern will support the team in monitoring project costs, preparing cost reports, and assisting with contract administration, contributing to the efficient and effective delivery of project objectives.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The functional responsibilities include:

1. Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimation

• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates for various project phases, including initial budgets, detailed cost breakdowns, and variations.
• Conduct quantity take-offs from engineering drawings and specifications to accurately measure and quantify project materials and labor requirements.
• Support the development and maintenance of cost databases and pricing schedules for construction materials, equipment, and labor.
• Assist in the analysis of contractor bids and proposals, ensuring compliance with project requirements and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare cost reports and financial summaries, highlighting variances and potential cost overruns.

2. Contract Administration and Financial Control

• Assist in the review and processing of contractor invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Support the monitoring of project expenditures against approved budgets, identifying and reporting any discrepancies or potential issues.
• Assist in the preparation of payment certificates and other financial documentation related to project contracts.
• Support the administration of contract variations and change orders, ensuring proper documentation and cost control.

3. Project Support and Documentation

• Assist in the preparation of project documentation, including cost reports, financial summaries, and progress updates.
• Support the engineering team in maintaining accurate and organized project records, including drawings, specifications, and cost data.
• Assist in the coordination of project activities, including site visits, meetings, and stakeholder consultations.
• Provide administrative support to the engineering team as needed, including data entry, filing, and document management.

Terms and Conditions

UNOPS Uzbekistan will provide the Interns with the following:

• Workspace in a shared office including computer, stationery, and landline telephone
• Use of common office facilities, as for all UNOPS personnel
• A monthly stipend from UNOPS in the amount of USD680, if they do not receive funds from other institutions. However, Interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, and insurance coverage.

The internship comes with no expectations of future employment with UNOPS as a direct result of the internship. The internship is offered for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension up to 1 year.

Skills

Contract Management, Financial Analysis, Quantity Surveying, Report Writing

Competencies

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

• Enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field. Applicants who have graduated from such studies within the past three years will also be considered eligible for the position.

Experience Requirements

• No professional experience is required.
• Experience with cost estimation software or tools will be advantageous.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredRussianFluentDesirableUzbekFluentDesirable

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that 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.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

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.