Temporary Appointment: Construction Specialist, (P-3), Tashkent, Uzbekistan #112155 (364 days)

The Specialist shall take on the overall responsibility for UNICEF Country Office (CO) to manage and coordinate construction activities undertaken by the office. The Specialist shall collaborate closely with colleagues from programmes defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and ensure all aspects of projects are efficiently and cost effectively planned and implemented in line with relevant UNICEF/local government guidelines and policies. The Specialist shall provide high quality technical guidance on appropriate building technologies (especially in countries prone to natural disasters, good business practices and ensure projects meet, the best interest of the local communities.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

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.

Located in the UNICEF Tashkent Country Office and with frequent field travel, this position will report to Chief of Child Health and Wellbeing, P4, whilst working collaboratively with GAVI project team, the supply and operation section as well as other programmes in UNICEF in support of the Child Health and Wellbeing Country Program Component.

The Specialist shall take on the overall responsibility for UNICEF Country Office (CO) to manage and coordinate construction activities undertaken by the office. The Specialist shall collaborate closely with colleagues from programmes defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and ensure all aspects of projects are efficiently and cost effectively planned and implemented in line with relevant UNICEF/local government guidelines and policies.

The Specialist shall provide high quality technical guidance on appropriate building technologies (especially in countries prone to natural disasters, good business practices and ensure projects meet, the best interest of the local communities.

The Specialist will interact with stakeholders (Government) as well as with engineering consultant companies and contractors and oversee the complete scope of work to be carried out with quality and timeliness, in line with UNICEF standards and procedures. The Specialist shall not only provide technical expertise on specific projects but assist in the section through the process of contract development, bidding and contract management. The specialist will manage the local construction experts.

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

The key responsibilities are indicative and may change subject to project needs. The main responsibilities of the Specialist will include but not limited to the following: 

1. Pre-construction and Procurement Phase:

• Drafting TORs and preparation of specifications for the new construction projects, installation of firefighting system and Security Surveillance (CCTV) system and purchase of equipment such as generators, auto switches for the completed facilities
• Providing support to supply section in engaging the services of individual specialist and specialised services providing companies for firefighting, security system installation and other necessary services required for the proper functioning of the completed cold chain stores
• Participate in Technical Evaluation of proposals/bids as expert member
• Review of financial proposals of potential partners for accuracy and items price analysis with support from national colleagues.
• Review of POs to ensure that the schedule of activities and payments are realistic and terms and conditions consistent with TORs
• Participating in CRC meeting concerning the construction and equipment purchase if requested as technical expert
• Ensure all technical inputs and cost estimates related to the construction components are accurate, timely provided and included in the project proposals and budgets.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Coordinate with Operations and programmes required activities ensuring proper and timely actions from both, UNICEF's and Government's side.  

2. Completion of under construction projects as per design and specifications;

The main responsibilities of the Specialist will include but not limited to the following: 

• Provide overall technical assistance to UNICEF construction projects, from their planning to their implementation and monitoring.
• Responsible to ensure that effective implementation, monitoring and supervision tools are developed and implemented.
• 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.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers.
• Periodic site visits to the construction site to monitor progress against agreed program
• Coordination with MOH, selected Architectural Supervision companies and contractors at head office and project site level
• Quality assurance at all construction sites as per local regulations and international best practices
• Resolution of issues related to design changes and scope of works as per actual site conditions
• Taking measurements at site, reviewing approval of each stage of construction by relevant authorities for each under construction site to verify quality and quantity of works executed at construction sites
• Review of invoices certified by national construction engineers and performed necessary corrections if needed before submitting to authorizing officer for approval
• Inspection of completed facilities at substantial and final completion stage to list defects and ensure timely rectifications of all identified/listed defects as per contractual obligations.
• Coordinate with MOH at central and local level with support from national engineers to resolve issues hindering progress and to make arrangements for the handing over of completed facilities to the end users.
• Manage project budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time.
• Coordinate with Operations and programmes required activities ensuring proper and timely actions from both, UNICEF's and Government's side. 
• Attending Health section meetings and updating Health and Immunization section team about the progress at construction sites.
• Close coordination with Operations to seek guidance and clarity concerning contract administration.
• Providing guidance and hands on job training to national construction engineers to optimize productivity and efficient utilization of limited resources
• Ensure completion of construction projects within agreed budget and dead line
• Discussing and resolving contractual issues if any with services providers
• Establish a sound internal monitoring system and close coordination with Program and operations to ensure UNICEF procedures upheld and program goals and objective achieved in a collaborative manner.
• Prepare interim - final project and handover reports and maintain the relevant project records.

3. Post Construction and Liability Period:

• Periodic visit to completed facilities during the defects liability period to monitor the functioning of facilities and report on any defect appear during liability period.
• Coordinating with respective contractors for the rectification of defects during the liability period.
• Final inspection of completed facilities at the end of defect liability period to verify the rectification of defects to the satisfaction of UNICEF and issuance of final completion certificate.
• Certification of invoices for the release of retention money at the end of the liability period and informing finance for the financial closure of the contracts

4. Support to the Chief of Heath in management of local engineering staff and consultant

• Advise the Chef of Health on annual work planning, setting priorities/targets and establishing performance measurements.
• Monitor implementation and progress of work plans; collaborate with colleagues to assist, advise and guide the Chief of Health to ensure achievement of results according to targets and performance standards.
• Take timely decisions to achieve results and/or alert the Chief of Health for timely action.
• Establish clear performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to his/her team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently.
• Monitor critical issues to resolve problems and/or recommend to the Chief of Heath appropriate action to ensure appropriate and optimum use of resources.

Impact of Results

The effective implementation of the Gavi construction project will support National Immunization Programme in creating adequate storage space at National and Sub-National level. The ability of the Construction Engineer to successfully plan, manage and oversee the construction works for UNICEF programmes and the Government, directly impact on program goals and results for children. This in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and responsible manager of funds entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEF image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable program results for children.

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

• Advanced university degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, Architecture or other relevant technical area.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience at national and international levels in the relevant field of civil engineering, especially in preparation of construction technical documentation;
• Experience in working in complex environments and large infrastructure and/or civil works, particularly in the field of steel frame structure construction technical project documentation development as well as construction supervision;
• Experience in coordination and working with ministries, local authorities, consultancy firms, contractors and sub-contractors.
• Experience in capacity building of counterpart in latest construction technologies. Experience in managing and supervising medium to large-scale construction works in the with UN/International organization and public sector;
• Knowledge of UN procurement, tendering and contracting processes and requirements;
• Excellent and proven experience in dealing with contractors and local partners;
• Working experience within the area of preparation, implementation and monitoring of technical/(re)construction projects; methodological and calculation skills;
• Experience in technical design/construction of steel frame structure of medium height is an added advantage;
• Knowledge of the UN rules, procedures and regulations would be an asset.
• Working experience in UN or other international development organization is an asset.
• Experience in management of diverse teams.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are...

Core Values  

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies 

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (II)
• Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Leading and supervising (II)
• Formulating strategies and concepts (II)
• Analyzing (II)
• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Planning and Organizing (II)
• Relating and networking (II)
• Coping with set-back and pressure (II)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.