Construction Officer at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

JOB TITLE: Construction Officer

JOB LOCATION: Kaduna

JOB DETAILS:

• Under the direct supervision and guidance of the P3, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring all construction activities in the Country Office (School infrastructures, Health Center, etc.) and providing technical support on managing construction and rehabilitation activities. 

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Support the preparation of the annual construction workplan.
• Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts
• Preparation of design and technical documents
• Support to procurement process.
• Monitoring of construction projects
• Support the inspection of the facilities.
• Support the preparation of construction annual workplan: Support the prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts:

• Provide technical support in matter of construction project management to Programme/Operations sections; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference.
• Attend technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects’ progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects’ progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles prepare reports on projects’ progress.

Preparation of design and technical documents:

• Draft the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

Support to procurement process:

• Assist Supply section in preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Updated on regular basis the shortlist of potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market.
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders’ conference and present the technical components of the tender; draft answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders’ conference and site visits; participate in the evaluation of technical proposals received and draft technical recommendation; if needed, provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

Monitoring of construction projects:

• Participate in the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. compile and archive project documents, minutes, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Participate in the partial, substantial, and final inspection of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Participate in the partial, substantial, and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide assistance to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; draft the final completion report with the lessons learned.

Minimum requirements
Education:

• A University Degree is required in in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Architecture or other relevant area.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project monitoring, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Emergency experience an advantage.

Language Requirements:

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

Skills:

• Good analytical skill and negotiating skills.
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Fast learner, adapts and responds to change, tolerates ambiguity.
• Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies.
• Good knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry.
• Good understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
• Good knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction project.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
•  Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the ongoing United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) job, visit the APPLICATION PORTAL to submit you application!