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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
