The United Nations’ Engineering Support Section (ESS), within the Office of Supply Chain Management, provides innovative, mission‑ready infrastructure and engineering solutions that strengthen the effectiveness, safety, and sustainability of UN field operations. ESS delivers end‑to‑end sourcing solutions that span renewable energy systems, pre‑engineered modular facilities, water and wastewater treatment technologies, and solid waste management systems. By integrating modern engineering standards with operational practicality, ESS ensures that peacekeeping and special political missions can operate efficiently even in the most challenging environments.
ESS also champions forward‑looking, inclusive design, embedding gender‑responsive recommendations, accessibility standards, and long‑term durability into every solution. This approach not only enhances the experience and well‑being of mission personnel but also supports positive legacy outcomes for host communities. Through strong technical expertise, global supplier engagement, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, ESS advances the UN’s broader vision for resilient, sustainable, and future‑ready field infrastructure.
Some ESS Initiatives
Click to expand the sections below for more information on each one.
We’re advancing sustainable, resilient power generation in field environments through our turnkey renewable energy contract. Designed to deliver complete, end-to-end energy solutions, this contract moves beyond the traditional procurement of individual components and instead enables the sourcing of fully integrated renewable energy systems. By adopting a solutions-oriented approach, we help field missions overcome persistent technical and operational challenges associated with power generation, particularly in remote or high-demand locations.
The turnkey renewable energy contract directly supports broader UN sustainability objectives, including reduced fuel reliance, lower operational emissions, and improved energy resilience across peacekeeping and special political missions. Its flexible structure also creates pathways for expansion beyond traditional missions, offering other UN field entities access to modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible power systems.
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OSCM enables field missions to operate safely and efficiently through the provision of mission ready, pre-engineered modular structures, such as accommodation, ablutions, offices and canteens. These facilities are engineered to meet applicable codes while supporting the operational demands of peacekeeping and special political missions across diverse and often remote environments. We ensure each structure aligns with its intended use, integrating thoughtful interior layouts, utility configurations, and functional design features that enhance usability and comfort for mission personnel.
In line with the UN’s broader commitment to inclusive and responsible operations, these modular structures incorporate gender-responsive design recommendations inspired by the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions. This approach results in safer, more accessible and more equitable spaces that better serve all users, strengthening mission readiness and overall wellbeing.
Looking ahead, we’re advancing the next generation of rapid deployment infrastructure. By developing building materials and designs that balance rapid deployment with long-term durability, OSCM is positioning field operations to meet immediate infrastructural needs while contributing positively to host communities over the life of the facility. This future-centric approach enhances the sustainability of sourcing solutions by ensuring structures are designed for mission requirements, with an intentional inclusion of future end-users. Through close collaboration with host nations and other stakeholders, OSCM supports infrastructure that remains functional, cohesive, and beneficial well beyond mission drawdown or closure, mainstreaming positive legacy in both design and operations.
OSCM delivers reliable, mission-ready wastewater and water treatment solutions that help peacekeeping and special political missions operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with international environmental standards. Through strategic sourcing, global vendor engagement, and robust technical evaluation, we ensure field operations have access to modern, efficient systems for water purification, wastewater treatment, and environmental risk mitigation.
Our sourcing approach prioritizes lifecycle value, performance, and environmental stewardship. Whether procuring modular treatment plants, mobile purification units, or full-scale wastewater management systems, we partner with industry leaders to deliver solutions that protect personnel, preserve local ecosystems, and enhance operational resilience. By leveraging innovative technologies and collaborative supplier relationships, we support the UN’s broader commitment to responsible resource management and sustainable field operations.
OSCM is advancing a major modernization effort to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electrical power generation in peacekeeping environments. This initiative introduces generator synchronization as a core practice, enabling missions to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent while lowering emissions and operational costs. By shifting toward centralized, load‑responsive power systems, the project supports greater energy reliability, minimizes waste, and creates a foundation for integrating renewable energy sources in the future.
Developed through a structured field research process, the guidance ensures that power solutions reflect the environmental, technical, and operational realities of each mission. Pilot deployments will establish a scalable model for wider adoption across UN peace operations.
Through standardized technical guidance, strategic sourcing, and coordinated engineering support, OSCM helps missions deploy interoperable and mission‑ready generator systems. This work underscores the UN’s commitment to responsible energy management, long‑term sustainability, and environmental stewardship in the world’s most challenging settings. The initiative is funded by Germany and will soon be implemented across missions.