Construction Engineer, (P-3) , N'Djamena, Chad #81861

As a Construction Manager, you will be responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of schools’ construction component supported by a team of engineers within the Education section. Additional, you will contribute to the achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework

 UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world. 

For every child, a fair Chance

To contribute to the realization of child rights in Chad, UNICEF is one of the key partners of the Government of Chad, working with other UN agencies, local and international NGOs to deliver lifesaving programs for children.

How can you make a difference?

As a Construction Manager, you will be responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of schools’ construction component supported by a team of engineers within the Education section. Additional, you will contribute to the achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.

The key functions involve the following:

Support the construction unit development and planning

• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Construction unit human and financial resources;
• Ensure the elaboration, monitoring and implementation of the yearly Construction cronogramme; the adherence to budget and deadlines and timely reporting to donors;
• Ensure recruitment, training and supervision of staff according to project’s needs, resource mobilization strategy and resources management;
• Keep the Education section chief informed of work progress and obstacles, reporting irregularities in procedures, contracts, execution and others, in all the coordination office fora’s Contract Review Committee , Programme Cooperation and Local Procurement Group  (CRC, PCA, LPA, etc);
• Ensure support to the Education section chief for the Local Education Group , Local Donor Group (LEG, LDG,)  and partners meetings about construction projects.

Program management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Prepare tenders for construction companies and quality control supervising entities (BET)
• Conduct the technical evaluation of tendering process with technicians from Ministry of Education ( MoE )and supporting Supply section for the financial evaluation according to of tendering process.
• Liaise and coordinate with Supply to ensure accurate monitoring of tendering process and submission of construction related files to CRC and LPA request to   Copenhagen ( CPH) .
• Prepare and monitor contract formalities and payment calendar of the fees of construction companies, quality assurance supervision entities, NGOs and communities.
• Ensures follow up of the construction activities, undertaking regular visits to project sites and monitor progress made and assess local conditions and resources, including community inputs;
• Assure the recruitment of external quality assurance supervision entities for technical control of constructed classrooms.
• Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to the Chief of Education, the Deputy Representative and/or the Representative if required.
• Monitor and verify the optimum/appropriate use of construction resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity and ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular/mandated program/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of program progress.

Technical and operational support to program implementation

• Develops the annual work plan of the construction unit and monitoring programme, developing/improving a Supervision school construction Guide in order to ensure quality assurance;
• Contribute to the development in coordination with the Operations/Supply & Procurement section of an integrated procurement and contract award guide on UNICEF procedures for construction in order to share it with partners.
• Continue advocating, supporting and monitoring the implementation of norms and standards for school construction in Chad including plans of classroom, latrines and school benches prototypes adapted to the local environment and materials in order to be adopted as a standard national model.
• Conduct specifically technical workshops and training, in order to improve technical capacity of partners in bidding process documents, construction methods and quality standards.
• Participates in intersectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues, contributes to teamwork and prepares relevant training materials for the purpose of capacity building, programme ownership and sustainability, as well as promotion and advocacy for School construction maintenance.
• Provide technical guidance and support materials to construction companies, quality assurance supervision entities, government counterparts, NGO partners and communities, on interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices on school construction.

Networking and partnership building

• Guides the dialogue about the definition of school construction models using the proposed approaches; Prepares the construction implementation plan according to the PDDEA (Plan Décennal de Développement de l’Education et de l’Alphabétisation) strategic goals and financial simulation model;
• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national construction companies, NGO’s, quality assurance supervision entities  and global partners/allies/donors/academia through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation to achieve a more eco-friendly and sustainable approach for school construction in Chad.
• Prepares and submits progress and/or status reports required for construction programme cost analysis and assessment; mid and annual reviews and information materials for CO program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for education programs.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Apply/introduce innovative approaches and good practice in construction to build the capacity of government counterparts, national construction companies, NGO’s, quality assurance supervision entities and global partners/allies/donors/academia to improve the quality of the construction implementation programme.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark and implement best practices in education in emergency construction best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Technical Guides and Manuals to ensure optimum maintenance of the constructed school infrastructure.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

• Advanced degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area. Graduate qualification in management would be highly regarded  or * A first level university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree*

• At least 5 years’ professional work experience in building construction project management, especially in large scale building programs and with both consultants and contacting practices.
• Experience in school construction in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Knowledge of UNICEF procedures and systems, particularly project design and monitoring. Strong links in the humanitarian community, with experience working in less developed countries.
• Experience in working with communities in development programme. Knowledge of materials, construction methods, and the appropriate tools for environmentally friendly appropriate construction approach.
• Computer skills, including specific software on architecture and construction.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset. Experience in national level development
• Fluency in French and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of the local working conditions and languages of the duty station is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Functional Competencies:  Leading and supervising (I); Formulating strategies and concepts (II); Analyzing   [III]; Relating and Networking [II]; Deciding and Initiating Action [II]; Applying Technical Expertise [III];

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Please note that is a non-family duty station.

Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service