Construction Specialist, P3, Baidoa, Post # 126120, Temporary Appointment (TA), 364 Days (Open to None Somalia Nationals)

Baidoa

Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: Baidoa
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Engineering
- Architecture, Building and Property Management
- Infrastructure and Urban-Rural development
Closing Date: Closed

Under the supervision of the Central South Region (CSR) Operations Manager, the Construction Specialist will be responsible for the coordination of the construction activities of the country office. The management of construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent will collaborate closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children and provides technical and advisory support on construction project management.

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, a champion

How can you make a difference?

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 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. Hence, 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.

Purpose for the job:

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager, the Construction Specialist will be responsible for the coordination of the construction activities of the country office. The management of construction projects includes planning, support to procurement, as well as monitoring of construction works on site. The incumbent collaborates closely with UNICEF Programme/ Operations in defining construction interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children and provides technical and advisory support on construction project management.

KEY FUNCTION, ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RELATED DUTIES/TASKS

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Preparation of construction workplan
Collaboration with relevant partners and service providers
Preparation of design and technical documents
Support of procurement process
Monitoring of construction projects

1. Preparation of construction workplan

Contribute to the development of the annual work plan for the construction activities; determine priorities/targets and performance measurements and monitor work progress to ensure that results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects, and others in the pipeline.
Coordination of Construction unit human and financial resources; ensure appropriate staffing deployment and timely recruitment according to project’s needs.
Coach unit staff; conduct weekly unit meetings; ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. In collaboration with the Construction Unit in Supply Division and DFAM Field Support Unit, ensure knowledge sharing and learning is prioritized to continuously build capacity of individuals and the team.

2. Collaboration with relevant partners and service providers

Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections; provide information on construction related activities.
Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
Attend technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for management.

3. Preparation of design and technical documents

Prepare the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget, and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications, and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete, and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements.
Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

4. Support to procurement process

Provide technical support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

5. Monitoring of construction projects

Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant partners technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.
Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easy assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
Provide support to the CSR Operations Manager on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete, and properly archived.
Participate in the partial, substantial, and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to the CSR Operations Manager on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report and lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

IMPACT OF RESULTS

The ability of the Construction Specialist to provide support to the CSR Operations Manager, successfully plan, manage, and oversee the effective and efficient management of construction activities for UNICEF Programme/Operations, and directly impact on programmatic 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 programme results for children.

UNICEF values and competency Required (based on the updated Framework)

i) Core Values

Care
Respect
Integrity
Trust
Accountability
Sustainability

ii) Core Competencies

Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness
Works Collaboratively with others
Builds and Maintains Partnerships
Innovates and Embraces Change
Thinks and Acts Strategically
Drive to achieve impactful results
Manages ambiguity and complexity

Skills

Ability to resolve difficult, complex, and sensitive situations often under pressure.
Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment.
Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources.
Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects.
Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions.
Strong communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions, and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve them.
Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry.
Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes.
Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programme, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics, and risk management of construction projects.
Design skills typical engineering and architectural design software as ArchiCAD and AutoCAD.

VII. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

An advanced university degree is required in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture, architectural studies or other relevant area, or relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in conjunction with a valid relevant professional certification is required.

A first level university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
Emergency experience an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF.

UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF only considers Higher education qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net.

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

This vacancy is now closed.