Contracts Specialist, P3, FT, #63030, in the Contracting Centre, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Contracting Centre, manages the Construction Unit and is responsible for the planning and development of UNICEF’s implementation strategies including for contract management project cooperation modalities, establishes the organizational norms and policies in construction, captures the corporate increasing construction value, volume and complexity of construction portfolio and advices on effective management. Guides and reviews countries in their specific construction projects, including through LPA reviews. Designs and conducts training on construction projects and contracts.

Contracts Specialist, P3, FT, #63030, in the Contracting Centre, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark

Purpose for the job

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Contracting Centre, manages the Construction Unit and is responsible for the planning and development of UNICEF’s implementation strategies including for contract management project cooperation modalities, establishes the organizational norms and policies in construction, captures the corporate increasing construction value, volume and complexity of construction portfolio and advices on effective management. Guides and reviews countries in their specific construction projects, including through LPA reviews. Designs and conducts training on construction projects and contracts.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Establishes work plans and priorities for the unit.
2. Lead the Construction Unit in developing global guidelines and tools on project formulation, procurement, implementation and monitoring to streamline and improve construction related processes.
3. Contribute to the development of UNICEF policy on construction and dialogue with other divisions where construction is relevant. Review overall legal, financial, administrative and technical aspects, provide guidance on contractual and project management issues, liaise with other divisions to ensure compliance with policies and legal aspects.
4. Support or participate in the negotiation of agreements with implementing partners, ensuring compliance with division procedures and policy. Support CO/RO in dispute resolution cases. 
5. Process construction project LPA’s with focus on risk identification, appropriate implementation strategies, adequate in-house and external resources and identifies areas requiring greater support and propose alternatives. In collaboration with UNICEF Country Offices, capture best practices and develop packages and monitoring tools to improve performance.
6. Monitoring of the UNICEF construction and rehabilitation activities in all regions where CO’s are supporting the Government on achieving their goals.
7. Performs regular field support missions, to advise CO/RO on sensitive issues at high level with integrity and tact.
8. Develop and maintain curriculum, materials, courses, as well delivery of annual regional construction trainings. Participates in and conduct procurement workshops and business seminars organized by UNICEF and/or external partners, including presentation of data and representation of SD.
9. Research construction/rehabilitation practices best by exploring private sector practices, examples from other organizations or through surveys in selected areas.
10. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication
• Drive for results
• Working with people

Functional Competencies

• Knowledge of contract management in the area of Construction & rehabilitation activities.
• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure.
• Good analytical skill and negotiating skills.
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment.
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form, to plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources.
• Ability to establish harmonious work-relationships with colleagues in an international and multicultural environment.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff.
• Able to work independently and problem solving oriented.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Ability to present and to create a conducive training environment.

Education:

• Advanced University degree (Masters) in relevant area required, including at least a Bachelor’s degree level in in engineering or architecture. 7 years of relevant experience that may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Strong project management background with technical knowledge and procurement expertise of related commodities and supplies.

Experience:

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience including at least three at the international level.
• Experience in implementing construction projects in developing and industrialized countries in both public and private sector. 
• Experience with worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration, combined with broader technical knowledge.
• Experience development of construction related policy, guidelines, tools and training, as well as experience from an advisory role is considered an advantage. 

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

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 organization.

Please be informed that all application to UNICEF are handled via UNICEF's online recruiting system. You can apply to the above position by creating your profile and application at our website: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php  

Requisition no:  510878