Construction Specialist, P-3, Lilongwe, Malawi

The Construction Specialist would be responsible for the overall oversight of construction with the Malawi Country Office for all sections, providing not only technical expertise on specific projects but assisting the sections through the process of contract development, bidding and contract management.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

1)  Organizational Context

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 favouritism. 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 fulfil 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.

However, despite decades of strong work in these sectoral areas, inequity remains.  While progress is being made, something different is required to accelerate progress towards not just long term and sustainable development improvements, but significant impacts for the most vulnerable and excluded children who may still be left behind with traditional development interventions. 

2)  Job Organizational Context

Under the direct supervision of the P4 Supply and Procurement Manager, the Construction Specialist would be responsible for the overall oversight and management of construction activities with the Malawi Country Office for all sections, providing not only technical expertise on specific projects but also providing technical advice to the sections through the process of contract development, bidding and contract management.

3)  Purpose of the position

• The Construction Specialist has the main responsibility for all management of construction projects and contracts.
• He/she guarantees that approved and agreed construction projects are realized according to approved construction size and standard, that construction works are implemented in time and within available budget and that construction guidelines, procedures and quality standards and local construction laws are adhered to.
• He/she ensures the construction project information flow among all stakeholders.
• He/she works together with country/regional programme planning responsible colleagues to ensure that construction parts are in accordance with construction regulations and standards in place.

4)  Key Expected Results

• Makes decisions relating to construction policy application execution and quality assurance at the country level.
• Makes decisions on issues relating to construction specifications, timing and budgeting.
• Makes construction and purchasing decisions within delegated authority.

5)  Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks  

• Timely sectoral analyses and inputs into the Situation Analysis prepared and periodic updates made for effective programme planning, development and management of construction activities.
• Planning and implementing a sound and sustainable procurement process, including sourcing strategy, supplier selection quality management and performance measurement.
• Draft and finalize construction documents including contract terms and conditions and reports and provide technical leadership and operational guidance to UNICEF Office.
• Develop and implement systems for internal control that would ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions, in collaboration with the operations and programme teams. Responsible to ensure effective quality control systems are in place and contractor and engineering consultancy companies work in compliance with technical specifications and UNICEF quality standards.
• Responsible for the identification, appraisal and selection of technical partners, supplies and equipment. Provide technical advice to programme sections and Supply & Procurement in the development of tendering documents and inputs for Request for Proposal (RFP)/Invitation to Bid (ITB) document for construction activities and evaluation and reviews through technical advice on procurement processes of construction and consultancy services.
• Develop appropriate contract management tools, guidelines and manuals for standardization and knowledge sharing purposes.
• Responsible to ensure that effective implementation, monitoring and supervision tools are developed and implemented.
• Prepare Statement of Works, Terms of Reference, bills of quantities, solicitation documents, Contracts, and other documents required for project implementation in cooperation with UNICEF Construction Unit, Contracting Centre in Copenhagen. Ensure all technical inputs and cost estimates related to the construction components are accurate, timely provided and included in the project proposals and budgets.
• Under direction of approved recommendations of Contract Review Committee, negotiate, within the terms and conditions of the contract, solutions to conflicts/problems arising in case of poor performance or non-compliance with contractual obligations.
• Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building approaches to achieve construction programme goals. Attend technical cooperation meetings and undertakes follow-up action and coordination related to rehabilitation implementation and monitoring.
• Conduct construction evaluation activities in support of the entire UNICEF programme.
• Undertake visits to UNICEF supported construction and rehabilitation project sites; assess local conditions and resources, and monitor UNICEF inputs. Communicate with local counterpart authorities on project feasibility and effectiveness including monitoring the flow of supply and non-supply assistance.
• Monitor and analyse contract performance against agreed benchmarks and through agreed reporting mechanism.
• Provide technical advice to programme team in assessment of certification of completion of construction activities before settlement of payments.
• Manage activities for market surveys for potential contract services providers from commercial sectors and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), assessment of capacities and build up data base; and maintain strong relationships with all relevant service providers to enable UNICEF to maximize value of delivered services and facilities.

6)  Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education: 

Advanced university degree in Civil Engineering, Building Construction or a related field. 

Experience: 

• Five years of experience in building construction with a focus on capacity building, design, cost, supervision, training/mentoring, programme monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance.
• Experience in the development and management of construction contracts.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of construction management processes, means and methods.
• Expert knowledge of building products, construction details and relevant rules, regulations and quality standards.
• Background in Emergency programme an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and another UN language are required.

7)  Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

 Core competencies

• Communication  [ II ]
• Drive for Result   [ II ]
• Working with People   [ II ]

Functional Competencies:

• Managing, Leading and Supervising – level 2
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]
• Analyzing   [ III] 
• Deciding and Initiating action – level 2
• Applying Technical  Expertise – level 2
• Planning and Organising – level 2
• Relating and Networking [ II ]
• Following Instructions and Procedures – level 2
• Persuading and Influencing [II]
• Creating and Innovation [II]

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.