General Information

Position Title

ICT Associate – (HVAC/Fire/AV/CCTV)

Job Category

Information and Communications Technology

Duty Station(s)

Addis Ababa

Seniority Level

Associate

ICS Level

ICS 06

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Support – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 6

Posting Start Date

12-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

18-Dec-2025

Duration

One Year

Job Highlight

This is a unique opportunity to support a newly established flagship conference center designed to host international events. The role provides hands-on responsibility over modern mechanical, electrical, safety, and audiovisual-related facility systems.

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Role Purpose

The HVAC/Fire/AV/CCTV Associate ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the center’s critical systems, including climate control, fire detection/suppression, surveillance, access control, and AV infrastructure. The role also performs system checks, coordinates maintenance, troubleshoots faults, documents incidents, and ensures compliance with regulatory and manufacturer requirements.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. HVAC System Operation & Monitoring

• Operate, monitor, and maintain central HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance, including rooftop units, VRF systems, ventilation fans for various areas (including fresh air supply and exhaust), precision AC, and cold rooms.
• Monitor temperature, humidity, and airflow parameters across halls, breakout rooms, and back-of-house areas.
• Respond to HVAC alarms and irregularities, troubleshoot faults, and escalate issues to external service contractors when required.
• Support preventive maintenance routines and maintain logs of equipment performance.

2. Fire detection and safety systems

• Monitor fire detection and suppression systems, including smoke detectors, alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, gas suppression units, and emergency lighting.
• Conduct routine tests of fire panels, alarms, and emergency communication systems following safety protocols.
• Coordinate inspections and certifications with authorized fire safety vendors.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian fire codes and internal safety standards.
• Respond promptly to any fire alarm signals, ensuring that air flow is cut off by closing fire dampers and relevant breakers.
• Ensure the HVAC system is safely reset after a fire alarm and that all systems return to normal operation.

4. CCTV & Access Control Systems

• Operate and monitor CCTV surveillance systems, reviewing cameras and storage units to ensure all areas remain covered and recording.
• Troubleshoot basic faults with cameras, card readers, NVRs, and related hardware.
• Maintain incident logs and support security teams during investigations or emergencies.

5. AV Infrastructure Support

• Support AV infrastructure within mechanical rooms, control rooms, and AV rack spaces.
• Monitor cabling, patch panels, AV racks, power supplies, and cooling systems.
• Coordinate with the Audiovisual Technician for event-specific troubleshooting when issues relate to facility hardware.
• Assist in maintaining stable connectivity between AV infrastructure and facility systems.

6. Compliance, Safety, & Documentation

• Support safety audits, compliance inspections, and risk assessments related to mechanical and safety systems.
• Keep updated documentation of system configurations, wiring diagrams, mechanical schematics, panel layouts, and safety zoning.
• Ensure all operations follow manufacturer guidelines, building codes, and international best practices.
• Report all incidents, anomalies, and near misses promptly to the Facility Manager.

7. Events Support

• Provide technical support to the Events Team regarding system readiness for conferences (e.g., temperature control, safety compliance, access control setup).
• Respond promptly to operational requests during events, ensuring uninterrupted comfort and safety for delegates.

Skills

AV Systems, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls, Maintenance, Safety Management Systems

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

Required

• Completion of secondary education with 6 years of progressive technical experience in HVAC, fire safety systems, and CCTV.

Desired

• Diploma or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Systems, or related field.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 6 years or less depending on academic credentials with hands-on relevant experience in operating and maintaining HVAC, fire, or security systems in a large building, hotel, university, data center, or conference center.

• At least 2 years of experience troubleshooting mechanical/electrical systems.

Desired

• Experience working in a large, high-profile meetings, conference center, especially those hosting international conferences, is desirable.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredAmharicFluentRequired

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.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority 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.