Construction Specialist, (P4), Abuja, Nigeria, #130128 – Temporary Appointment (364 days)

UNICEF Nigeria country office invites applications from highly motivated and committed persons to support the NCO as a Construction Specialist (P4). If you are that person, we encourage you to apply and become part of a highly motivated and committed team.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Commitment!

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does – in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life – in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens – addressing inequity – not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. 

How can you make a difference? 

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Supply and Logistics, and direct supervision of the Construction Manager, the incumbent will be supporting the management and coordination of the Construction Unit and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Centers, etc.) and providing technical guidance to UNICEF Programmes/Operations on construction and rehabilitation activities. 

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:   TOR P4 Construction Specialist_P4.docx

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASK:

1- Support the Preparation of Construction Annual Workplan

In consultation with the Chief, Supply and Logistics Section and the Construction Manager:

• Develop the annual work plan for the Construction unit; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Construction human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
• Assist with the supervision and coaching of Construction staff. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized in order to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2- Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and Coordination with Government Counterparts

• Coordinate provision of technical backstopping and support to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts in matter of construction project management; provide solutions to relevant issues; provide guidance to Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; ensure construction activities are incorporated in relevant Programme AWP.
• Coordinate with Programme/Operations sections through involvement of Construction Unit in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• In collaboration with the Government counterparts, lead the process to develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials, based on best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering meetings and lead technical cooperation meetings; review PPT presentations on projects’ progress; coordinate follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Ensure Programme/Operations sections are informed of projects’ progress; suggest appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; review relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.

3- Preparation of Design and Technical Documents

• Ensure scope of construction works are clearly envisaged to the requirements of Programme/ Operations, budget and site limitations.
• Advocate and ensure the application of UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; ensure compliance with green building standards, if required, in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Ensure technical documents related to construction (design, drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities) are clear and adherence to UN/UNICEF and national standards, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; ensure endorsement of these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Ensure all permits required for construction activities are obtained prior initiating works.

4- Support to Procurement Process

• Ensure LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities are complete and clear for reviewing.
• Set strategy to explore the local market and the availability of potential construction companies and engineering firms; advocate for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision) and review relevant terms of reference.
• Ensure tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services are complete and coherent; ensure clarity of technical information prepared for the bidders’ conference; validate answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Provide guidance to Supply section on organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; organize and lead the evaluation of technical proposals received and review the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5- Monitoring of Construction Projects

• Organize the kick-off meeting of construction works in coordination with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Ensure overall follow-up to construction activities by coordinating regular site visits and regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; review monitoring and site supervision reports, minutes of technical meetings to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline, provide solutions on obstacles related to technical matters/project management; ensure minimum quality and precautions on health and safety standards are met on construction site.
• Ensure availability of effective monitoring and supervision tools, to enable the in-house engineers and engineering firms to easily assess the quality of works, progress, and performance of construction companies during the entire duration of the project; ensure multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance is applied; ensure documented hold and inspection points are used where applicable, and take lead to release hold points.
• Coordinate certification of payments/ variations after verification; monitor overall construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and submit financial status reports on construction activities.
• Coordinate contract management for construction activities with Supply section in relation to amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/ information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Organize and coordinate substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; ensure reception of works is certified through the issuance of relevant certificates.
• Ensure contract close-out in VISION along with completed Contract Performance Evaluation; review the final completion report with the lessons learned and submit to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree is required in in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience an advantage.

Languages:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.