Programme Associate (Construction), GS-6, Dhaka, Bangladesh #528361 (only for Bangladeshi nationals)

Based on the programmatic activities implemented by UNICEF in Bangladesh, the construction activities increased during the last 3 years: $ 0.5 million in 2017 - $ 5 million in 2018 – $ 8.4 million in 2019 - $ 5.5 million estimated in 2020. In this context the construction unit is managing all activities relative to construction project implementation from the initial step (preliminary design & survey) to the final completion, including defect liability period. The assistant will provide support to the technical team for all administrative tasks.

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.

For every child, resilience.

Based on the programmatic activities implemented by UNICEF in Bangladesh, the construction activities increased during the last 3 years: $ 0.5 million in 2017 - $ 5 million in 2018 – $ 8.4 million in 2019 - $ 5.5 million estimated in 2020. In this context the construction unit is managing all activities relative to construction project implementation from the initial step (preliminary design & survey) to the final completion, including defect liability period. The assistant will provide support to the technical team for all administrative tasks.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

The objective of hiring Programme Associate, Construction is to supports the Construction unit of Supply and Procurement section through providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring their country program, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

The purpose of the position is to provide support in the areas of program and administrative services including bid evaluation and all construction related pre-bidding and meeting arrangement and meeting note taken of UNICEF-BCO. The proposed Programme Associate, post will be engaged as and when needed basis, particularly focusing the administrative activities related to construction contracting and all related to construction contract preparedness and CRC, vendor registration, and preparation of LPA supporting documents. Under the close supervision and guidance of the supervisor (Construction Engineer), the Programme Associate, supports the respective section through providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring section’s country program, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations. 

The Programme Associate will provide specific support in the area of construction, planning and execution; monitoring and reporting of execution result; resource mobilization and knowledge management and capacity building. These works are beyond the scope of the regular work of the existing staff member.

The below tasks are expected:

• Assist in reviewing draft requisitions for clarity, adequacy of specifications and completeness
• Assist in drafting manual solicitation documents (ITBs/ RFQs/RFPs) and construction contracts as per standard formats for review as per the procurement guidelines and procedures followed by UNICEF;
• Assist in checking the financial quotations/proposals vis-à-vis construction estimates, compiling results of the technical proposal review (in case of RFP), tabulate the financial offers of ITBs/RFQs and technically compliant bidders of RFP,
• Assist to arrange pre-bid briefing meetings, technical proposal evaluations, meetings with suppliers for technical presentations or for negotiation of financial offers.
• Interact and follow up with the programme and operations sections, contractors/suppliers on issues related to construction and contractual management, timely delivery of services, closing of contracts
• Verify all relevant documents prior to submission for approval and processing the payments in vision.
• Follow up bank guarantee submission by the vendors, seeking confirmation from bank and bank guarantee restitution to the vendors according the contracts modalities;
• Compile section wide construction procurement plan for the office and updating.
• Monitor the UNGM registration and SEU Evaluation of new vendor in collaboration with SD.
• Provide administrative support services to the Sections. Arrange appointments, meetings, some involving high-ranking officials, and record minutes, prepare notes.
• Support for fixing appointments, meeting with current and potential vendors and prepare minutes for record and dissemination.
• Responsible for filing of project documents.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs) and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants and programme-related items for his/her section including but not limited to registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.
• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
• Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.

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

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required. Prior experience in construction or administrative support functions will be an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Fluency in Bangla and English is required.
• In-depth knowledge of the administration which underpins UNICEF country office programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong office management skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage the section’s material resources and monitor its budget.
• Good analytical skills.

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...

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing (II)
• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Planning and organizing (II)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (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.